


REPORT 



ON 



THE ISLAND OF PORTO RICO; 



ITS 



POPULATION, CIVIL GOVERNMENT, COMMERCE, 

INDUSTRIES, PRODUCTIONS, ROADS, 

TARIFF, AND CURRENCY, 



WITH RECOMMENDATIONS 



BY 



HEZNTtY K. CARROLL, 

Special CoxrLmissioner for the United. States to 3?orto Rico. 



RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED TO 

hon. William Mckinley, 

President of the United States. 
October 6, 1899. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1899. 



REPORT 



ON 



THE ISLAND OF PORTO RICO; 



ITS 



POPULATION, CIVIL GOVERNMENT, COMMERCE, 

INDUSTRIES, PRODUCTIONS, ROADS, 

TARIFF, AND CURRENCY, 



WITH RECOMMENDATIONS 



BY 



HENRY K. CAKROLL, 

Special Commissioner for' the "United. States to Porto Rico. 



RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED TO 

HON. WILLIAM: McKINLEY, 

President of the United States. 

October 6, 1899. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OT* 1 

1899. 



ICE, 







55807 

Treasury Department, 

Document No. 2118. 

Office of the Secretary. 

FlflW 

, U. 



\ 







co:nte.jts of eepoet. 



Page. 

Explanation of words and terms used in this report j 5 

Work of the commissioner 7 

Character of the island 8 

The climate . ... 9 

Prevalent diseases 9 

The population _ . 10 

History of the island , 11 

The civil government 15 

Government finances 16 

Municipal government. 17— 

System of taxation *... 20 

The codes and courts . _ _ 23 

The notarial and registration systems 26 

The church and church property ._ 27 

The cemeteries 31 

The public schools _■ 32 

Public charities and prisons ^ . . . 33 

Social conditions . _ 35- 

Character of the people.. 36 

Political parties 37^ 

Roads, railroads, and communication 38 

Commerce and industry 41 — 

Agriculture 44 

Condition of the laboring classes 48 

The tariff 52 . — 

The currency and banking . ... 52 

Changes under the military government 53- ~~l 

What Porto Rico expects from the United States •_ . . 55— J 

Capacity for self-government 56- 

As to change of language and customs 58 

Free commerce between Porto Rico and the United States 59 ■ — 

The right of suffrage 61 

Departments and salaries 62 

Recommendations 63 

3 



CONTENTS OF APPENDIX. 



Page. 

Agriculture— soils, crops, methods, resources 67 

Industries - -. 121 

Commerce, foreign and domestic 143 — 

Means of transportation _ , 156 -\ 

Census of the population 179 

Geographical . 200 

Climate. 202 

Public health and sanitation . ... 206 

Flora and fauna.. - _-'- 222 

Insular government — 231 

Insular revenues and expenditures _ . . 253 

Codes and courts 264 

Mortgage, notarial, and registration systems 319 

Civil divisions . . . ..-." .. -- 339 

Political parties 340 

Suffrage and the system of autonomy. 352 

System of taxation 366 

Porto Rican tariff _. 385 — 

Money question 449 

Banks and hanking . 498 

Postal, telegraph, and telephone service . . 509 

Public lands and mines 512 

Municipal government. 517 

Prisons and charities . ■„.. 588 

System of public schools .. 615 

Church and church property 651 

Law and customs of marriage.. 690 

Condition of the laboring classes 712 

Demand for free commerce with the United States 766 -~ 

Opinions of the people on various questions of reform .. 786 

4 



EXPLANATION OF WORDS AND TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT. 



Abogado. Counselor. 

Aguacate. Alligator pear. 

Alcaide. Warden of prison. 

Alcalde. Mayor. 

Alguacil. Constable. 

Area. 119.6 square yards. 

Audiencia Criminal. Criminal court. 

Audiencia Territorial. Supreme court. 

Ayuntamiento. Municipality. 

Barrio. Division of municipality, ward. 

Beneficencia. Charity. 

Blanco. White. 

Bocoy. Hogshead, holding 1 ,400 to 1 ,800 
pounds. 

Bagazo. Stalks of pressed cane. 

Boriquen. Carib name of the island. 

Cabotage. Coastwise trade. 

Cacao. Chocolate beans. 

Calle. Street. 

Camino vecinal. District road. 

Candelaria. Feast of Candlemas. 

Car eel. Prison, jail. 

Carretera. State road, cart road. 

Casa consistorial. City hall. 

Cedula .personal. Passport. 

Centarea. 1,550 square inches. 

Centavo. A copper coin; the hundredth 
part of a peso. 

Central. Sugar mill grinding for a dis- 
trict. 

China. A sweet orange. 

Ciudad. City. 

Coche. Coach. 

Comercio. Commerce. 

Comisario. Head of a barrio or ward. 

Comunica ciones. Comm unications, 
postal and telegraphic. 

Concejales. Aldermen or councilmen. 

Consumo. A special tax on articles of 
food, drink, and fuel. 

Contribuyentes. Taxpayers. 

Cuerda. .99 of an acre. 



Delito. Crime. 

Derechos reales. Royal dues. 

Diputacion provincial. Insular admin- 
istrative body. 

Doble peseta. Silver 40-centavo piece. 

El Componte. Name given persecution 
by G-uardia Civil. 

Escribano. Court clerk. 

Expediente. The documents of a case. 

Falta. Minor offense. 
. Ferrocarril. Railroad. 

Finca. Farm, estate. 

Fiscal. Prosecuting attorney. 

Fomento. Improvement; department 
of the interior. 

Fresa. A kind of strawberry. 

Frutos Menores. Small crops; bananas 
and vegetables. 

Gastos. Expenses. 

Gratificacion. Bonus in excess of sal- 
ary. 

Gremio. Trade union ; cl ass of taxpayers . 

Guardia Civil. A special police force. 

Guineo. A small banana. 

Gu'ira. A small gourd used as instru- 
ment of music. 

Hectdrea. 2.47 acres. 

Huesera. Receptacle for bones of dis- 
interred bodies. 

Ingresos. Income. 

Jamaica Tren. A primitive process of 
sugar making. 

Jibaro. A mountain peasant, or ignor- 
ant countryman. 

Juez del a Instancia e Instruccion. Dis- 
trict judge. 

Juez, municipal. Municipal judge. 

Junta. Board of council. 

Ley. Law. 

Morenos (brown). Blacks or negroes. 

Naranja. A bitter orange. 

Notario. Notary. 

5 



6 . 



Palillos. Instrument of tortnre in the 
form of pegs. 

Pardos (gray). Mulattoes. 

Patente. Tax on opening shops for busi- 
ness. 

Pecuaria. Pertaining to cattle. 

Peones. Peasants or field laborers. 

Peseta. Silver piece of 20 centavos. 

Peso. Unit of currency, one hundred 
centavos ; three-fifths of American dol- 
lar. 

Pie. One-third of a vara, or 10.945 
inches. 

Pldtano. Plantain. 

Plaza. Public square. 

Poblacibn de derecho. Legal popula- 
tion. 

Poblacion de hecho. Actual popula- 
tion. 



Presidio. Penitentiary. 

Presupuesto. Estimate: applied to bud- 
gets. 

Procurador. Attorney. 

Pueblo. Town, city. 

Quintal. One hundred weight. 

Real. A fictitious coin of 12-J centavos. 

Registrador. Registrar of property. 

Sindico. Counsel for municipalities 
and supervisor of accounts. 

Sueldo. Salary. 

Sumario. Summary, or court brief. 

Teniente alcalde. Vice-mayor. 

Transeuntes. Temporary residents. 

Vales. Tickets given laborers instead 
of money. 

Vara. Unit of cloth measure, 32.835 
inches. 

Vecino. Neighbor, citizen. 



REPORT ON PORTO RICO. 



Treasury Department, 
Office Special Commissioner for the 

United States to Porto Rico, 

October 6, 1899. 
To the President. 

Sir : Under appointment by you to investigate the civil, industrial, 
financial, and social conditions of Porto Rico and make report, with 
recommendations, I have twice visited the island, under instructions 
from the Treasury Department, to which I was assigned for immediate 
supervision. 

WORK OF THE COMMISSIONER. 



The commissioner sailed in the U. S. transport Manitoba October 
10, and landed at Ponce October 15. Two days later he crossed the 
island, by coach, over the famous military road to San Juan, the capi- 
tal, where several weeks were spent in an inquiry into the customs 
and currency questions and the system of civil government. Return- 
ing to the United States November 15, the commissioner made pre- 
liminary reports on these subjects, and sailed for Porto Rico a second 
time on the 31st of December. Meantime the offices of the commis- 
sion in San Juan were kept open, and much information, statistical, 
industrial, and social, was gathered by the secretary, Mr. Charles E. 
Buell, and the interpreter, Mr. Alfred Solomon. Early in January a 
tour of the municipal districts of the island was begun and the testi- 
mony of representatives of all classes of the population was taken. 
As the commissioner had been instructed to make his inquiry broad 
enough to embrace all subjects concerning the present condition and 
future welfare of the people, all interested persons were invited to 
attend the hearings, all who offered information were heard, and 
numerous statements of individuals and firms, in the nature of memo- 
rials, complaints, and recommendations, were received. The tour 
embraced the chief cities and districts of the island : Bayamon, Vega 
Baja, Arecibo, Camuy, Quebradillas, and Isabela, in the north; 
Aguadilla, Mayaguez, San German, and Cabo Rojo, in the west; 
Yauco, Ponce, Guayama, and Arroyo, in the south, and Maunabo, 
Yabucoa, Humacao, and Fajardo, in the east. The interior towns of 
Utuado, Coamo, Aibonito, Cayey, and Caguas, and Isabela II, on the 
island of Vieques, were visited, and representatives received from 
other places. 

The commissioner had a cordial welcome everywhere. Insular and 
municipal officials, judges, lawyers, doctors, bankers, merchants, 
planters, manufacturers, artisans, field laborers, inhabitants of the 



8 

poor quarters in cities — persons of all classes and colors, leaders of 
the political parties, natives, Spaniards, Germans, and other foreign 
residents — willingly gave testimony, or secured documents, or obtained 
information, often at no little pains, and endeavored by every means 
to make the investigation a successful one. Statements embodying 
needed facts, making suggestions, or asking immediate relief from 
oppressive conditions were prepared in various parts of the island 
and submitted to the commissioner by deputation or by mail. 

CHARACTER OF THE ISLAND. 

The United States is to be congratulated on the acquisition of 
Porto Rico. It is a beautiful island, well worthy the admiration of 
its new possessors, accustomed to the most varied and picturesque 
scenery in their own wide domain. All its shores are approachable, 
and whether seen from the Caribbean Sea, on the south, or from the 
Atlantic Ocean, on the east, west, and north, it presents an attractive 
appearance. Its mountains, which refuse to arrange themselves in 
natural chains or ranges, rise with charming irregularity, covering 
nearly the whole interior of the island, and are visible for long dis- 
tances at sea. Mount Yunque, in the northeast, is the highest peak, 
reaching a height, according to the General Official Guide of Porto 
Rico, of nearly 5,000 feet. The mountains are generally well covered 
with verdure, natural or cultivated; even the very peaks are gardens 
of the husbandmen, or beautiful wooded areas, or rich pasture lands. 
These mountains serve to condense into clouds the vapor which rises 
from the sea, and these give frequent and refreshing showers. Scores 
of rivers and hundreds of smaller streams carry the accumulations of 
these rains by winding ways through the valleys to the sea, furnish- 
ing abundance of clear, cool water for the various uses of mankind, 
including power for mills, dynamos, and other machinery. Along 
the shores, forming a belt of varying width around the island, are 
rich alluvial plains. The soil has not been exhausted by centuries of 
cultivation, and this luxuriant sea border is ornamented with cocoa 
and royal palms and other tropical vegetation. The countless valleys 
and extended slopes are also devoted to cane, .coffee, tobacco, and 
various other crops of vegetables and fruits. The cultivable area is 
large, including practically all the island except the arid sides of 
some of the mountains facing the southern coast. The portion under 
actual cultivation is but a small fraction of the whole. 

The superficial area of Porto Rico has not been scientifically ascer- 
tained. The estimates are various, ranging from 3,150 to 3,860 square 
miles, the last being the figures given by the Official Guide. These 
estimates include, of course, Vieques, Mona, and Culebra, and nearly 
a score of smaller islands, as well as Porto Rico itself. The greatest 
length of the island is about 115 miles; the greatest width, about 36, 
according to the best maps. There are no charts of the coast, the 
scientific survey begun some years ago, under Spanish auspices, never 
having been completed, or if completed the results were not made 
known. There are numerous roadsteads and harbors, the best har- 
bors being those of San Juan, Jobos, and Guanica, which are land- 
locked. The chief rivers are the Loiza, the Arecibo, the Plata, the 
Manati, and the Bayamon, emptying on the north, the Culebrinas, 
the Anasco, and the Guanajibo, emptying on the west coast. There 
are many other rivers and streams that reach the sea at short dis- 
tances apart around the entire island. 



THE CLIMATE. 

The climate is tropical, but not torrid. Though the heat is con- 
tinuous, it is not extreme. The thermometer rarely rises to 100°.' 
The highest monthly average on record in nine years in San Juan was 
86° (in June, 1878). The hottest day in that period gave a tempera- 
ture of 100.8°, but there was only one such day. The temperature is 
equable, and rises or falls through a very limited range. The highest 
point reached by the thermometer in San Juan in the period from 
November, 1898, to July, 1899, inclusive, was 91°, in the month of 
June. This was for one day onty, and on no other day of that month 
did the temperature exceed 86°. The lowest range in the same period 
was 66°. The winter season extends from October or November to 
March, inclusive. No really oppressive weather was seen in the capi- 
tal during those months in 1898-99. Showers came frequently, but 
were of short duration and were mostly at night. Every day the 
unfailing trade winds blow from the east or southeast, making the air 
delightfully fresh. The nights are cool and comfortable. The sum- 
mer season is marked by a slight increase in the average temperature, 
much more rain, and a great deal of humidity. The continuity of the 
heat and the unfavorable conditions for evaporation of perspiration 
make the climate somewhat enervating. San Juan has an elevation 
of only about 100 feet. In the mountains the higher elevations dimin- 
ish the amount of heat, and Aibonito, Cayey, and Utuado are con- 
sidered as remarkably cool cities. 

Occasionally the island is visited by a disastrous hurricane. The 
first record of one of these tropical terrors was in July, 1515. They 
come at irregular intervals and Avith varying degrees of force. The 
most violent storm the island ever knew, according to history, was in 
August, 1772, when houses were demolished, trees uprooted, planta- 
tions flooded, and many people killed. In September, 1806, there 
was another visitation of less destructiveness, and still another in 
September, 1819. The latter was followed by a famine. The hurri- 
cane of October, 1867, was very severe. In August, 1886, the south 
coast was ravaged and the coffee plantations in the southwest suffered 
severely. The last furious storm occurred August 8, 1899, and was 
terribly destructive, particularly on the eastern and southern coasts 
and in the interior. Humacao was well-nigh destroyed ; Yabucoa, in 
the beautiful valley of the same name south of Humacao, was a heap 
of ruins, and but little was left of the old town and port of Arroyo. 
The damages at Ponce and at the port of Ponce, on the south, were 
extremety heavy. The streets were swept by a flood and many nouses 
were torn from their foundations. The crops of coffee and cane were 
quite generally destroyed in the east, in the south, and in the interior, 
and orange and other fruit trees were uprooted or stripped by the vio- 
lence of the wind. Arecibo, on the north coast, directly across the island 
from Ponce, also suffered great injuries. Between 2,000 and 3,000 
persons lost their lives, and the destruction of live stock was very 
great. The fall of rain was enormous, amounting to 11.20 inches at 
Juana Diaz, north of Ponce, in twenty-four hours. 

PREVALENT DISEASES. 

Though enervating, the climate is salubrious. The death rate is 
moderate. Yellow fever is not indigenous. Smallpox becomes epi- 
demic sometimes, but under General Henry's administration an extra- 



10 

ordinary plan was conceived and executed for the vaccination of the 
entire population of the island with vaccine produced from native 
cattle. The prevailing diseases are consumption and malarial fevers. 
With improved sanitation in the cities, already begun under United 
States military auspices, the health bill of Porto Rico will compare 
favorably with that of countries in the temperate zone. The general 
disregard, hitherto, of the primary principles of sanitation makes it 
a matter of wonder that the scourges of Porto Rico have been so few. 
There was an outbreak of cholera in 1855, chiefly among the colored 
population, and it was estimated that 30,000 or more died of it. 

A reference to the table of the causes of death in San Juan in the 
year 1898 shows, that of 1,151 deaths, 143 were from some form of 
consumption, 25 from pneumonia, 44 from congestion of the lungs, 
and 49 from bronchitis — a total of 361, or about 31 per cent from 
these causes. Of 76 deaths from fever 28 were attributed to malarial, 
11 to pernicious, 20 to typhoid, 11 to typhus, 2 to yellow, and 4 to 
other fevers. Consumption attacks with great severity the mixed 
and black races. Only one-fourth, or 36, of those who died from this 
disease were whites; 62 were of the mixed and 45 of the black class. 
As the whites constitute about 64 per cent of the population, the 
mortality among the 36 per cent of colored people appears remarkably 
high. Bowel troubles, such as dysentery and diarrhoea, are quite gen- 
eral. There were 83 deaths from these causes, of which 55 were of 
white, 13 of mixed, and 15 of black persons, showing that the whites 
are specially subject to these diseases. The statistics are not suffi- 
ciently comprehensive to show the full effect of lack of proper food; 
but it appears that in 50 or more cases anaemia was a chief or collat- 
eral cause of death. Dr. A. Stahl, in a pamphlet giving comparative 
statistics of the death rate in seven rural municipalities, covering 
two years, shows that the months having fewest deaths are February, 
March, April, May, and June. Of 1,348 who died in those places in 
one year 543 were below the age of 20, and 146 were 60 and upward, 
28 having passed the age of 80 and 6 that of 90. There is little which 
bears on the question of longevity, except the census of 1860, which 
shows, in a population of 583,308, that 2,442 were over 80 years of 
age and that of these 73 had passed, the century mark. 

THE POPULATION. 

The population, according to the census of December 31, 1897, for a 
full copy of which I am indebted to the late secretary of state, the 
Hon. Luis Munoz Rivera, numbers 890,820, or, including the Spanish 
military and naval forces then quartered on the island and the penal 
population, 899,203. In 1887 the figures were 802,439, including sol- 
diers, sailors, and prisoners, showing an increase in the ten years of 
96,704, or a little more than 12 per cent. In the previous decade — 
1877-1887 — the increase was 70,784, or between 9 and 10 per cent. The 
growth of the population in the last ten years can not, it would seem, 
be regarded as unsatisfactory. As to sexes, males are slightly in 
excess of females — 448,619 to 442,201. This excess would be consid- 
erably increased by the addition of the Spanish militaiy and naval 
forces and of the penal population. The excess would not be specially 
remarkable in a colony were it not that in 1887 the sexes were not only 
more equal in number, but there was a slight excess — 523 — in favor 
of the females. This is explainable on racial grounds. The white 
males exceeded the white females in 1887 by nearly 6,000, but females 



11 

of the mixed and colored classes exceeded the males of the same 
classes sufficiently to make up the difference. 

A more remarkable fact appears concerning the races from a com- 
parison of the two censuses, namely, that the colored classes are 
decreasing. The census distinguishes blancos (whites), pardos (gray), 
and morenos (brown). In 1887 there were 323,632 pardos and.more- 
nos; in 1897, only 317,724, showing a decrease of 5,908. Every pre- 
ceding census of which details can be had shows an increase. Between 
1775 and 1834 there was an increase of 89,458 free colored persons and 
35,246 slaves; from 1834 to 1846 the increase was 49,392 free colored 
and 9,398 slaves; from 1846 to 1860, 65,224 free colored, with a de- 
crease of 9,480 slaves; from 1860 to 1877 (slaves were freed in 1873), 
an increase of 82,617 free colored persons. This large increase for 
seventeen years is now followed by a decrease. For the cause of the 
decline no explanation is at hand. It is worthy of note that the 
decrease appears in all departments of the island excepting San Juan 
and Arecibo. The colored population seems to be fairly prosperous 
and contented. The occupations generally are open to them, and in 
San Juan they are the artisans, carpenters, masons, painters, etc. Of 
whites there are, exclusive of Spanish soldiers and sailors and the 
penal population, 573,096, or upward of 64 per cent; of mixed, 241,895, 
or more than 27 per cent; and of blacks, 75,829, or less than 9 per cent. 

There are two distinct census tables, those of the hecho, or actual, 
and those of the derecho, or legal, population. The former (890,820) 
is made up of residents present and transeuntes, or transient visitors. 
The latter consists of resident and ausentes, or absent, citizens of 
Porto Rico and Spain, excluding . the transeuntes. Included in the 
derecho population were 7,932 Spaniards and 127 foreigners, who were 
absent when the census was taken. It is somewhat surprising to find 
that 886,442 of the the actual population are classed as Spaniards, 
and only 4,324 as foreigners. This is a small number to include all 
the citizens of the United States and other countries of America and 
the rest of the world living in Porto Rico at the close of 1897. 

The most populous of the eight departments of the island are those 
of San Juan and Arecibo, on the north, 295,724; Ponce and Guayama, 
on the south, come next with 290,961; Aguadilla and Mayaguez, on 
the west; third, with 221,557, and Humacaoand Vieques, on the east, 
fourth, with 83,578. Drawing a line through the center of the island, 
as near as may be from east to west, it is found that 475,856 are north 
and 414,964 south of the line. West of a line drawn north and south, 
through the center, there is a considerable preponderance, the number 
being west 521,055 to 369,765 east. The gains in the last ten years 
have been chiefly in the west. Of the 84,109 increase for the whole 
island, 64,562 was in the west and 19,547 in the east. 

HISTORY OF THE ISLAND. 

The island of Porto Rico, which forms part of the Archipelago of 
the Antilles, situated betweeu 18° 30' and 17° 55' north latitude and, 
including the smaller islands, 68° and 65° 10' west from Greenwich, 
was discovered by Columbus on his second voyage. The expedition 
which left the port of Cadiz on the 25th of September, 1493, called at 
the island of Santo Domingo the 3d of November, and on the 16th, in 
the afternoon, sighted Cape Malapascua, in southeastern Porto Rico. 
On the 17th his fleet coasted around the south of the island; on the 
18th they doubled the Morillos of Cabo Rojo and ascended the west 



12 

coast; and on the 19th cast anchor off Agnacla, the northernmost bay 
on that coast. The admiral landed and planted the symbol of the 
Christian religion on the shore, and, raising anchors, left on the 22d 
for Santo Domingo. The supposed place of landing, south of Agua- 
dilla, is marked by a monument of granite, erected by the people in 
1893, in commemoration of the fourth centenary of the event. The 
monument is in the form of a cross and bears the inscription, " 1493, 
19 de Noviembre, 1893." 

This colonizing expedition had on board Don Juan Ponce de Leon, 
who, later, was the captain who subjugated the island. He was a son 
of Santervas de Campos, and first saw service in Santo Domingo, in 
the district of Higuey, under the orders of Capt. Diego de Valasquez, 
the conquerer of Cuba. 

Commander Ovando, who was governor of Santo Domingo in 1508, 
gave permission to Ponce de Leon to make a journey of discovery to 
the neighboring island of San Juan. He embarked from the port of 
Salvaleon, in Santo Domingo, in a caravel, with a handful of followers 
and a few Indian guides, about the end of 1508. On the way he 
called at the island of Mona, then thickly populated by Indians, 
traversed the south of the island, making friends with the chiefs 
(caciques), and brought his ship to anchor finally in Sardinera road- 
stead, about 24 miles west from the capital. From this point Ponce 
de Leon and his followers moved on to the bay of San Juan, where he 
embarked for Santo Domingo to report his discoveries. 

The natives called the island Boriquen. (Some say Borinquen, 
some Borinquen, the last being the accepted popular term among the 
islanders. Scholars incline, however, to Boriquen as the true Indian 
name.) Columbus christened it San Juan de Bautista (St. John the 
Baptist). Capt. Ponce de Leon initiated the conquest with some 300 
followers, laying the foundations of the first town on the spot known 
as Pueblo Viejo (.Old Town), on the shores of the bay fronting the 
capital. This town was called Caparra, the name given to it by 
Commander Ovando. It was afterwards named the city of Porto 
Rico and was transferred to the present site in 1521 by royal order, 
on the recommendation of the St. Geronimo order of monks. In the 
course of time the island has taken the name of the city, Porto Rico, 
and the city that of the island, San Juan. Ponce de Leon took up 
his residence in Caparra and sent one of his lieutenants, Cristobal de 
Sotomayor, to the south, where the latter founded a village in the 
port of Guanica, which, owing to the unhealthiness of the site and 
the plague of mosquitoes, did not prosper, and was transferred to the 
port of Aguada, contiguous to the village of the cacique Aymamon. 

They began to work the mines. The natives, whose number was 
about 100,000 in the whole island — although there are historians who 
compute their number much higher — soon began to show open oppo- 
sition to the conquerors, who forced them to wash the auriferous sands, 
to burn lime, and other laborious work. The cacique TJrayoan or- 
dered the young Spaniard Salcedo to be drowned in the river Anasco 
in order to prove to his people that the Spaniards were not immortal. 
The cacique Guarionex set fire to the village which Sotomayor had 
founded in Aguada. Lieut. Don Cristobal de Sotomayor himself was 
killed by the cacique Guayabana, and the struggle extended in all 
directions, forcing the Spaniards to leave the west of the island and 
retire to Caparra under the command of Captain Salazar. 

Ponce de Leon sent notice of the rebellion of the natives to Santo 
Domingo, then called La Espanola, and prepared himself for the de- 
fense. He soon, however, took the offensive, beating the Indians in 



13 

every battle and terminating the rebellion with the death of the prin- 
cipal cacique, Guayabana, who was killed by the arquebus of a sol- 
dier. The Indians then submitted humbly to their conquerors, who 
enslaved some 5,500 of them, and thus terminated the period of 
conquest, initiating the period of colonization. 

The colonization was turbulent. The Emperor, Charles V, conceded 
the right of governing the island to Don Diego Columbus, and Ponce 
cle Leon had to turn the command over to Juan Ceron and Miguel 
Diaz, two of Viceroy Columbus's lieutenants. They arrived from 
Santo Domingo with some of their adherents, founded the original town 
of San German at the estuary of the River Anasco, and started a 
reign of intrigue and quarreling among the colonists. 

The natives, who were obliged to work on the lands of the Span- 
iards, among whom they had been divided into gangs called enco- 
miendas, in order to teach them the doctrines of the Catholic religion, 
little by little began to decrease. The conquerors began by appro- 
priating their handsomest women as spoils of war, and t^hen sub- 
jected them to a hard and cruel slavery. Many of them emigrated 
to the neighboring islands, not a few committed suicide, while small- 
pox wrought devastation among their reduced numbers. 

On the 20th of April, 1543, after consulting the Council of the In- 
dies, the king ordered the Indians of Porto Rico to be freed. The 
bishop of San Juan, on the 20th of March, 1544, informed the king- 
that "Indians, young and old, natives of the island, who had been 
granted such signal mercy, numbered 60," and according to Bar- 
tolome de las Casas, when the Spaniards first arrived at Boriquen, 
" it was as full of people as a hive, and as beautiful and fertile as a 
garden." 

The working of the alluvial gold mines, calculating from the 
$669,160 paid to the Spanish crown as a tithe of one-fifth, must have 
produced about 13,000,000, although owing to the concealment of the 
findings from the fiscal agents the quantity may easily have been 
greater. The colonization of the island received a setback by the 
emigration to Mexico and Peru. In 1595 the English, under Drake 
and John of Aquines, assaulted the capital with a fleet of twenty-four 
ships. The Spanish fleet was stationed in the bay and the English 
were prevented from taking the city, the general, John de Aquines,, 
losing his life in the action. In 1597 the Earl of Cumberland cap- 
tured it, but had to abandon it owing to an epidemic of dysentery 
which decimated his troops. In 1625 the city was attacked by the 
Dutch with seventeen war ships. They captured- the port and the 
whole city, but could not take the Morro, and had to reembark with 
the loss of their general, Boudoino Henrico. In 1702 the English 
attacked Arecibo; in 1703, Loiza; in 1743, the coast of Ponce; and in 
1797 the capital, but in each instance were repulsed. 

These frequent attacks made the fortification of the capital neces- 
sary. The first fortress built was Santa Catalina, begun in 1533 and 
finished in 1538. Casa Blanca, the oldest building in the city, was 
begun in 1525; the Morro in 1584; San Geronimo and Canuelo in 1608; 
the city walls in 1631, and San Cristobal in 1766. 

The, population of the island increased little by little. The natives 
were replaced by African blacks. In 1765 the island had 29,846 inhab- 
itants, besides 5,037 slaves. The end of last century showed 138,758. 
According to the last census (1897), there were 899,203 inhabitants. 

The first sugar mill was built by Santaolaya, in 1848, near the capi- 
tal, and was called Santa Ana. In 1897 there were 25,090 hectares 
under cane, and the island exported 63,413 tons of su^ar. The gen- 



14 

eral aspect of Porto Rican civilization at the beginning of the present, 
century was that of a Catholic colony following a patriarchal life. 
There was but little commerce, owing to the fact that exporting was 
only permitted to certain ports of the Peninsula, notably Malaga. 
Owing to smuggling the treasury could not pay its way, and Mexico 
had to send annually about $100,000 to cover the deficit of the island. 
There were no public schools. 

In 1815 a royal order, styled "act of grace," allowed foreigners 
to establish themselves in the island, and many came in from the 
French and English Antilles, bringing their capital and their slaves. 
The Venezuelan and Dominican emigrants, flying- from the wars in 
their countries, came in search of peace to Porto Rico and helped to 
swell the population. This marked the overthrow of the prohibitive 
system, which had prevailed since the discovery of the island. In 
1778 a concession allowed Catholic workingmen to come in, but the 
royal decree of 1815 opened the doors, though certain restrictions 
adopted jn 1816 somewhat modified the liberality of the decree. One 
of these restrictions required foreigners who had not acquired domicile, 
under the rules, to quit the island in three months or suffer the penal- 
ties prescribed for disobedience. The ' ' golden " age of Porto Rico 
began with the date of the order, and the population not only increased, 
but agriculture and commerce were greatly developed. The slavery 
of blacks, which had begun before the disappearance of the slavery 
of the Indians, was abolished on the 22d of March, 1873, by order of 
the republican Government of Spain, giving freedom to 34,000 persons. 

The history of the island since the beginning of this century is 
notable only by reason of the formation of a distinct type of Porto 
Rican Spaniard, as opposed to the Peninsula Spaniard, in which the 
latter has received all the favors at the hands of the home government, 
while the former has been almost entirely excluded from- participation 
in the administration of the island. A long list of governor-generals 
contains but few names which are mentioned by Porto Ricans with 
affection. 

The attitude of Porto Rico toward Spain has been one of obedience 
and endurance, if not of love and devotion. There have been no 
important uprisings since the aboriginal inhabitants made their final 
stand early in the sixteenth century and were defeated and enslaved. 
Some Colombians in 1825, inspired by the desire to free Porto Rico 
as they had freed their own country under the leadership of Simon 
Bolivar, landed at Aguadilla and captured some of the defenses, but 
were beaten off by the Spaniards and gave up their enterprise. Then 
was Porto Rico's opportunity, but she did not welcome it, perhaps did 
not see it until it was too late. 

In September, 1868, when the revolution broke out in Cuba, an 
attempt not very well planned and but weakly supported was made 
to throw off the Spanish yoke in Porto Rico. There was an outbreak 
at Lares, where a force of 700 or 800 insurgents took the field and 
won a few unimportant victories, being finally routed, it is said, by 
less than a dozen militiamen. Many escaped and some were taken 
and ordered to be shot, but before the order could be executed the 
Queen at Madrid had been deposed and political prisoners were 
released. An insignificant insurrection was begun in Yauco in 1897 
which was soon put down; the prisoners taken were made conspicuous 
objects of the Crown's clemency. 

There was more or less of persecution by the Spanish authorities 
for the last ten or twelve years of the Spanish domination. The civil 



15 

guard arrested many persons on suspicion of being members of an 
alleged secret society, believed to have disloyal ends in view. In the 
first years of that period, when Romualdo Palacio was Governor- 
General, the persecution was particularly severe, being known as el 
componte, a word borrowed from the negroes of Cuba. Persons were 
arrested, generally at midnight, and tortured. The instrument most 
used was called the palillos (sticks or pegs). The smaller ends of 
three of these pegs, 6 or 7 inches long, were tied close together. The 
pegs were inserted, close to the string, between the fingers of the victim, 
and the loose ends were pressed together, giving the most exquisite 
pain, and crushing the bones. Some were killed by other instruments 
of torture. These methods of promoting loyalty were continued until 
j 896, when a more liberal and humane policy was adopted for effect, 
il is said, on public opinion in the United States. 

THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

The civil government of the island was the Govern or- General, and 
the Governor-General was the civil government. All power was lodged 
in his hands and he was accountable only to Madrid. He was at once 
the executive, the legislative, and the judicial head. As Captain- 
General, he had chief command of the military forces, and made such 
disposition of them as he chose; as Governor-General, he conducted 
civil affairs, whether insular or municipal, according to his own 
pleasure. 

To quote from Senor Munoz Rivera, late secretary of the govern- 
ment, whose statement is given elsewhere, "the Governor- General 
was absolute master of the destines of the country." He was " sur- 
rounded by a number of influential persons to whom he granted 
favors and on whom he depended to keep up the appearance of a sys- 
tem of representation which was at bottom completely false." "The 
budget of the country was voted by the Spanish Chambers." Munic- 
ipalities had no power to control their own affairs. They had 
to submit all their acts to the Governor- General for approval, and 
he "appointed all municipal employees, naming arbitrarily every 
employee down to porters and janitors. " He ' 'directed finances through 
a manager who was his subordinate, who had under his order the chiefs 
of all the other departments." If, as occasionally happened, he was 
a wise and good man, seeking the welfare of the people rather than 
his own personal enrichment or the advancement of his political 
friends, there was less cause for complaint from the people, who were 
completely ignored. As the position was one of great power and of 
large opportunities for pecuniary profit, it not infrequently went to 
those who were prepared to exploit it in their own interests. 

The establishment of the diputacion provincial was the first step in 
decentralization. This is a feature borrowed from the provinces of 
Spain. In Porto Rico it consisted of twelve persons elected by the 
people, one each from the twelve judicial districts. It met twice a 
year, a permanent committee of five transacting its current business. 
The members were unsalaried. It had oversight of the department 
of fomento, including public works, roads, the lottery, schools, prisons, 
etc. , also of municipal budgets. Its income was derived from terri- 
torial taxes and taxes on commerce and industry, of which it received 
50 per cent; from special duties collected at the custom-houses and 
from earnings of raffles and lotteries. It controlled the expenditure 
of upward of 1,200,000 pesos per year. It was abolished by the 
United States military government. 



16 

The system of autonomy, which was proclaimed November 25, 1897,. 
was never fully installed. The war intervened, and the provincial 
legislature, which was its most important feature, was dissolved when 
Sampson's fleet appeared, and the Governor-General conducted the 
government practically on the old plan, except that the ministry, as 
provided by the autonomistic law, was retained, as follows: Secretary 
of government or of state, secretary of the treasury, secretary of the 
fomento or interior, including public works, public instruction, pub- 
lic lands, mines, etc., agriculture and commerce, and secretary of jus- 
tice and worship. The last three secretaries were subordinate to the 
secretary of government, through whom all orders from the Governor- 
General and all communications to or from him must pass. The 
autonomist law allowed the secretaries or ministers to be members of 
one or the other of the two legislative chambers. The Governor-Gen- 
eral with his council constituted the executive power. No act of his 
was valid unless approved by one of the secretaries, and the secre- 
taries could issue no order which he had not countersigned. He had 
the power to convoke or dissolve the chambers, to refer objectionable 
bills to Madrid for approval or disapproval, and to appoint or remove 
the secretaries. All matters of a diplomatic character were in his 
hands exclusively and, constituted by the Pope patronato real, he was 
the head of the church in the island and practical director of ecclesi- 
astical affairs. The legislature consisted of two chambers, the coun- 
cil and the house of representatives. The council was composed of 
fourteen members, eight of whom were elected, and six appointed by 
the Crown ; the house of representatives of one representative for each 
25,000 inhabitants, elected by the people. The liberality of this law 
is further indicated by the fact that it gave the right of suffrage to all 
males of 25 years of age and over. The two chambers were em- 
powered to legislate on all insular questions, such as the estimates, 
which must be adopted by the Cortes at Madrid , public instruction, 
public works, sanitation, charities, etc. It will be seen that the 
reforms granted by this autonomistic decree were large in the letter, 
taking powers which the Governor- General had exercised unques- 
tioned and giving them to the people, who had never been allowed to 
participate in the government of their own country. Whether it 
would have proved liberal in practical operation is not so certain. 
The Government invariably discriminated against Porto Ricans in 
favor of Spaniards, and it is also to be remembered that Spanish laws 
as written and Spanish laws as administered are not always identical. 

GOVERNMENT FINANCES. 

The finances of the Government, managed by the hacienda or treas- 
ury department, were so conducted that no provincial debt was created. 
Sufficient amounts for the various purposes were included in the esti- 
mates, which were sent to Madrid for approval, and those amounts were 
collected and disbursed. The finances of the cities were conducted on 
a similar plan, the provincial deputation exercising so careful a vigi- 
lance that such debts as appeared were due to failure to pay the prov- 
ince's quota of revenue. In only a few instances were towns or cities 
allowed to raise money by large bonded loans. Sometimes a consid- 
erable surplus was accumulated in the provincial treasury, from which 
the Government at Madrid borrowed on several occasions. The pre- 
supuestos or estimates consisted of two parts, gastos or expenses and 
ingresos or income. There were two distinct budgets; one by the 



17 

provincial deputation, the other by the treasury department, with two 
independent treasuries, whose operations are combined in the figures 
which follow. 

The sources of revenue were classified under five heads, namely: (1) 
taxes and imposts; (2) custom-houses; (3) monopolies; (4) state prop- 
erty; (5) incidentals. Under the first head were territorial taxes, levied 
on urban and rural estates; taxes on industry and commerce, levied on 
manufactures and on the income of merchants, doctors, lawyers, etc. ; 
royal dues and dues on transfers of property; mining imposts, cedulas 
personalesor passports; a 10 per cent tax on the business of railroads, 
and the consumo tax on petroleum. Under the second head were 
customs duties, fines, and confiscations, warehouse dues, 10 per cent 
transitory tax, and special duties on loading and unloading of freight 
and the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers. Under the 
third head were the monopoly revenues, such as ecclesiastical bulls, 
stamped papers for instruments of indebtedness and other legal pur- 
poses, postage stamps, forms for" payments to the State, for receipts 
and accounts, drafts, insurance policies, bank and company shares, 
drafts for the use of the press and custom-house stamps and documents. 
In the fourth division, which was insignificant, were included rents 
and sales of public lands, tax on quarries, mines, etc. The fifth 
division, incidentals, embraced various small items. The estimates for 
the financial. year (July 1, 1897-June 30, 1898), including those of the 
provincial deputation, amounted to 5,157,200 pesos. Of this total 
§3.377,900 was expected from the custom-houses; $1,051,200 from terri- 
torial taxes; $312,200 from stamped paper, postage stamps, etc. ; $9,300 
from state property; $309,700 from the lottery, and $96,900 from all 
other sources. 

The estimates of revenues, compared with those of expenditures, 
indicated a surplus of over 400,000 pesos. The expenditures were 
divided as follows: General obligations, $498,502, all of which went to 
Madrid, for expenses of the colonial ministry, losses on exchange, 
auditing of accounts, etc., for payments to returned soldiers and 
marines, and for pensions, civil and military, pensions, etc., amounting 
to $362,700; worship and justice, $423,819, of which $197,945 was for the 
support of the clergy; war, $1,252,378; navy, $222,668; treasury, 
$260,800; fomento or interior, $2,095,876. In the last sum were 
included all the expenditures in connection with the postal and tele- 
graph business, the lottery, light-houses, schools and asylums, public 
works, the civil guard, which cost $351,633, and the corps of vigilance 
and security, which cost $92,293. According to the budgets for 
1897-98, it would appear that the cost of the postal and telegraph 
service was $295,452 and the income only $128,000; at least, this is the 
only amount which is credited to the service in the estimates of income. 
The cost of the lottery, of which there were eighteen drawings 
annually of 30,000 tickets each, was $23,180. It yielded $309,700, 
leaving a net income to the State of $276,520, according to the budgets, 
which indicate no other expenses. 

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 

The island is divided into districts, taking the name of the chief town 
or city in which is the. seat of the government for the whole district. 
There are at present about seventy of these districts, some of which 
are as large as counties in the United States. Utuado, in the interior 
of the island, is 19 miles long by 10^ broad in its greatest dimensions, 
1125 2 



having an area, perhaps, of 145 square miles. Arecibo, the second 
largest district, lying on the coast, directly north of Utuado, has an 
area of somewhat less than 120 square miles, extending 12 miles along 
the coast, east and west, and about 10 miles north and south. Some 
districts are very small, notably that of San Juan, in which the capi- 
tal is situated, which is less than 7 miles long and 2£ miles wide in its 
greatest extent. Besides the city or principal town, these districts 
embrace other towns or villages, but for the most part the population 
in the rural portions is widely scattered. The tendency to concentrate 
in villages, manifested in countries like the United States, seems to 
have been discouraged in Porto Rico. In many sections the houses 
are few and far between. Even on large plantations there are few 
families living, ordinarily. The peons or field laborers often walk 
long distances to and from their daily labor. Many families live in 
comparative isolation, and the majority of the population would 
probably, strange as it may seem, be found outside the seats of 
municipal government. 

In the large district of Bayamon, lying next to that of San Juan on 
the west, reporting in 1887 a population of 15,169, only 2,200 were in 
the town of Bayamon. The rest were in the rural barrios, of which 
there were 18 besides Catano. In the district of Aibonito, on the line 
of the military road, only 1,430 out of a population of over 7,000 reside 
in the pueblo, or town; the rest are in the 8 rural barrios, 2 of which 
return over 1,000 each. Humacao, on the east coast, has two-thirds 
of its population outside the city proper, in its 12 rural barrios. In 
the same section, the district of Fajardo, which now includes the 
former district of Ceiba and part of that of Luquillo, embraces a pop- 
ulation of 17,616, of which Fajardo itself has 3,865. The most popu- 
lous municipal district in the island is Ponce, which has a popula- 
tion of 48,198. Fully two-thirds of this is in the rural barrios. The 
distance of these 23 barrios from the city varies from 1 to 13 kilo- 
meters. (Five kilometers make 3 miles.) TJtuado, lying in the cen- 
ter of the western half of the island, is a typical rural district. It is 
second to Ponce in the number of its inhabitants, 41,056. This pop- 
ulation is so widely distributed that, according to the General Official 
Guide of Porto Rico, the city itself, in 1887, had less than 2,500 inhab- 
itants, 3 of the most distant barrios having each a larger number. 
The ratio of the population of the citj^, in that year, to the total of 
the district, was as 1 to 13. Some of the barrios were more than 10 
miles distant from the seat of the municipal government. Mayaguez, 
on the west coast, with which Hormigueros has been united, is the 
third municipal district in the island in point of population, having 
a total of 37,662, of which probably two-thirds will be found in the 
numerous rural barrios. 

All the barrios of a municipal district are under the jurisdiction of 
the mayor and council of the chief city or town. Municipal regula- 
tions and supervision are coextensive with the boundaries of the dis- 
trict. Where the districts are small and the settlements near, admin- 
istration is not difficult, perhaps; but in the larger districts, with 
considerable villages and towns outside the seat of municipal govern- 
ment, and a large scattered population, the exercise of municipal 
functions can not be easy. Each barrio has an alcalde de barrio, or 
comisario, who represents the alcalde, or mayor, with the powers of 
a police justice. 

The mayor and council, constituting the ayuntamiento, are subject 
to the ley municipal, or municipal law, which prescribes their duties. 



19 

These are more particularly described in the Manual del Secretario de 
Ayuntamiento, a volume of nearly 900 pages. Under the old system 
the mayor or alcalde was nominated by the Governor-General. The 
councilors, whose number is determined by the population, are elected 
by vote of the people. Towns of 801 to 1,000 inhabitants are entitled 
to one alcalde, one teniente, or vice-alcalde, six regidores, or council- 
men, making a body of seven, besides the alcalde who presides, with 
increase for every thousand of inhabitants; towns of 9,001 to 10,000 
to one alcalde, three tenientes, and thirteen councilmen, or sixteen in 
in all; towns of 18,001 to 20,000, one alcalde, five tenientes, and sixteen 
councilmen, or twenty-one in all. One of the tenientes takes the 
alcalde's place in his absence. The councilmen are not elected by 
barrios. Practically the administration is in the hands of those 
elected by the city or town proper. There may be representatives 
from other parts of the district, but often there are not. Thus the 
thirty members of the Ponce council are elected by the city, although, 
as already shown, less than half of the population is within the city 
limits. Thus the majoritj^ of the people have no direct representa- 
tion in the government of the district. The inayor of Ponce, in 
answer to questions by the commissioner, said: "All members of the 
council are from the city. If they lived in the country they would 
never come to the meetings. " The distances and the condition of the 
roads would make it impracticable for country members to come to 
the weekly sessions. If there were representatives for each barrio, 
the member for Guaraguao would have to come 13 kilometers, or about 
8 miles; the member for Tibes 12 kilometers, the one for Anon 11, for 
Maragiies 9-g-, for Real 9, and so on. On being reminded that many 
of the ordinances and appropriations of the council had no reference 
to rural needs, and farmers were being taxed for electric lights, street 
improvements, fire department, etc., from which they get no benefit, 
he said: "You are quite right in that. We make the countrymen 
pay for what they don't enjoy. That is one of the things we could 
arrange on an equitable basis if we had municipal autonomy." He 
stated that in addition to the ayuntamiento Ponce has, in common 
with other cities, a municipal junta, or board of thirty members, from 
'all parts of the district. This board unites with the council in an 
assembly to consider matters concerning the whole district. One of 
its duties is to pass upon the budget. It has power to increase or 
decrease any item, but not to remove items or insert new ones. 

The powers of the mayor and council were quite limited. Under 
the regime in existence at the time of the American occupation, the 
power of the Governor-General was paramount. He appointed all the 
municipal employees, according to Senor Luis Munoz Rivera, and 
named the alcaldes, although the municipal law of Spain provides 
that they may be elected by the council, if the Governor- General does 
not wish to appoint. The mayor and council formed the annual budget 
and supplementary budget, setting forth the necessary expenditures 
and the expected revenues. Both had to be sent to the insular gov- 
ernment for approval, and for every undertaking necessary to the 
health or order of the municipality the consent of the Governor-Gen- 
eral or secretario de gobernacion was a prerequisite. The police force 
could not be enlarged, temporarily even, without such authority. The 
mayor and council, in addition to ordinary municipal duties, were 
expected to keep the parish churches and the cemeteries, hospitals, 
and jails in proper condition, to unite with other ayuntamientos in 



20 

the support of the departmental prisons, and to exercise control over 
the public schools, under supervision from the capital. 

The income of municipalities was derived from the consumo tax on 
articles "de comer, beber y arder" (food, drink, and fuel), coming 
into the city; from the tax on territorial, industrial, and commercial 
wealth (being 7% per cent of the valuation by the State), and from 
fines, leases, licenses, rents, etc. The income of San Juan for 1897-98 
was estimated at 1598,484. Of this sum, 1127,119 was expected from 
the city's 7^ per cent of on incomes, $167,786 from the consumo 
tax, $252,000 from a loan, and the rest from fines, rents, licenses, 
special taxes on business, appropriations from the State and from 
other municipalities for the support of the provincial and depart- 
mental prisons. The income from licenses was for construction of 
buildings, scaffolds, sidewalks, for street vending, for billiard tables, 
cock fighting, prostitution, and even street begging. Special charges 
were made for graves and niches for interment in the cemetery. Its 
expenses were as follows: For municipal administration, $24,417; 
police, $91,145; public instruction, $27,660; beneficencia, $28,972; 
public works, $6,550; public correction, $26,351; payments on debt 
and for various purposes, $120,635; new public works, $249,163. 

The income of the municipality of Ponce was estimated at $287,759 
for the same period, 1897-98. Of this, $89,564 was to come from the 
usual percentage of direct taxes on income, $28,399 from licenses and 
special taxes, $21,871 from rents, and the rest from various sources. 
Of the expenditures, $33,200 was to be devoted to the administration, 
$52,383 to police, $34,033 to public instruction, $33,748 to beneficencia, 
$29,410 to public works, $39,064 to public correction, $51,921 to 
various obligations, such as payment of debt, subventions, and the 
like, new public works, $13,000. This budget showed an increase 
over that of the previous year. The fire department cost the modest 
sum of $3,799, including, of course, no salaries. 

The provincial and municipal systems embraced all there was of 
civil administration in the island. It was a highly centralized form 
of government. All the officers, provincial and municipal, received 
their positions, with few exceptions, from the Governor-General, and 
were removable by him. There were elections for councilmen, for 
members of the provincial deputation, and for senators and deputies 
to the Cortes in Madrid. The legal voters elected half the senators, 
the other half being nominated by the Crown. That was all the 
participation the people had in their own government. Moreover, 
most of the important offices under the insular government were 
filled by Spaniards. The large list of civil pensioners in Spain tends 
to bear out the statement, often repeated by natives, that favorites 
were sent from Madrid to Porto Rico for a short service that they 
might be put on this list, and live comfortably the rest of their days 
in Spain. 

SYSTEM OF TAXATION. 

Customs duties were levied both on imports and exports. There 
was also a special tax on the loading and unloading of freight, the 
embarkation and disembarkation of passengers, and transitory dues 
of 10 per cent on duties on imports. The revenues from these sources, 
as has already appeared, constituted by far the largest item of the 
receipts of the insular treasury. 

There was a system of direct taxation, resting on the basis of income, 
and not on valuation. The territorial tax, yielding $410,000 to the 



21 

insular treasury, affected urban and surburban property; the indus- 
trial and commercial, yielding $240,000 to the insular treasury, included 
all kinds of manufactures and industries, all branches of the mercan- 
tile and banking- business, and all occupations. 

The industrial and commercial tax was divided according to the 
population of cities and towns, classified according to character of 
business, and graded according to amount of business. There were 
six divisions on the basis of population. San Juan, Ponce, and Maya- 
guez constituted the first division; towns with custom-houses of the 
first class the second; towns with more than 12,000 inhabitants the 
third; the other three divisions being graded down from 12,000 to 
4,000 and less. Then there were five classes of tariff. The first, with 
eight grades, included merchants, wholesale and retail; the second, 
importers and exporters, money lenders, transportation, salaries of 
officials of banks, railroads, and other companies; the third, the manu- 
facture of sugar, rum, machinery, chemicals, chocolate, ice, etc. ; the 
fourth, the professions and occupations, and the fifth, patents or new 
shops, factories, etc., which had to pay a special installation tax. 
Merchants in the first class of the first tariff would pay 130 pesos in 
San Juan, Ponce, or Mayaguez ; 104 in Aguadilla, Humacao, etc. ; 72 
in Adjuntas, Bayamon, etc.; 52 in Coamo, Camuy, etc.; 39 in Aibo- 
nito, Barranquitas, etc. ; and 31 in Dorado, Santa Isabela, etc. Mer- 
chants, wholesale or wholesale and retail dealers in various lines of 
wares, on commission or on their own account, paid according to the 
first grade; retail shops, hotels, and restaurants, according to the 
second; pharmacies, shoe, provision, and other retail stores were in 
the third ; stationery shops in the fourth, wholesale and retail tobacco 
shops in the fifth, cafes for the sale of soda waters, etc. , in the sixth, 
boarding houses in the seventh, and shops for the sale of native 
flowers and plants in the eighth. 

The second tariff embraced salaries, wages, commissions, and the 
like. Governors or directors of banks, railroad companies, etc. , paid 
& per cent of their wages or salaries, contractors 6 per cent of the 
amount of their contracts, banks 10 per cent of their profits ; import- 
ers and exporters, receiving and remitting, buying and selling, ship- 
ping and conducting banking operations, paid $700 in cities of the 
first division. Provincial and municipal officers were not required to 
pay tax on their salaries. But no kind of business seems to have 
escaped the sharp eye of the State experts. Public baths, balls and 
concerts, periodicals, including daily papers, laundries, funeral agen- 
cies, gymnasiums, livery stables, all kinds of industries, even the 
manufacture of artificial feet were taxed. Blacksmiths paid, accord- 
ing to the town in which their business was conducted, from 12 to 3 
pesos; architects from 36 to 6; dentists and pharmacists the same; 
physicians and surgeons, 48 to 12; nurses and midwives, 18 to 5; vet- 
erinarians, 15 to 5; barbers, 8 to 2; lawyers, registers of property, and 
notaries, 48 to 16; while carpenters, cabinetmakers, bookbinders, 
florists, tailors, milliners or dressmakers, professors of music, lan- 
guages, painters, etc. , paid according to their class and grade. Among 
the exceptions may be noted washerwomen, barbers without shops, 
clerks in commercial houses, and similar classes. Day laborers were 
assessed on the basis of one-third the value of half a year's wages. 

According to the law, some classes of business and occupations are 
agremiable and some are not. A particular class is called a gremio. 
The lawyers, for example, would form one, the doctors another, the 
merchants another, and so on. The custom was for the State to 



22 

announce the amount it needed, and those composing the various 
gremios would meet, each gremio by itself, and apportion the amount 
among its members on the basis of the tariff. 

The territorial tax was levied on the income of real estate, both 
urban and rural. It yielded nearly twice as much as the tax on com- 
merce and industry. The valuation was made in each municipal 
district by a commission of three, with three subcommissioners for 
each class of wealth, the three subcommissioners representing, respec- 
tively, the largest, the medium, and the smallest class of taxpayers. 
These commissioners were appointed at a joint meeting of the coun- 
cilinen, with three times as many taxpayers, elected in equal parts by 
the three classes of taxpayers. In valuing the income of a farm the 
commissioners would fix a certain price for the respective products. 
Sugar, for example, was estimated at 13 a quintal, and 75 per cent was 
deducted for expenses; coffee, at 112, and $8 was allowed for expenses. 
On urban property 25 per cent discount was allowed; on pasture lands 
10 per cent. 

All taxes were payable quarterly. The amount assessed for the 
benefit of the State was 5 per cent, both on urban and suburban prop- 
erty. The rate for the municipality varied according to its needs, 
but was generally 7 or 1\ per cent. The complaint was quite general 
that those who had much property, and ought to have paid large sums, 
escaped with small payments. Methods of evasion not unknown in 
other countries seem to have been practiced in Porto Rico, including 
bribery of officials. A German resident of an interior district told 
the commissioner how he got his annual tax reduced by bribery, 
learning the trick from older residents. It is charged that Span- 
iards were favored by the State at the expense of the natives. Mr. 
Andres Crosas, a merchant of many years' standing in San Juan, 
but an American citizen, informed the commissioner that a Spaniard 
who rented a farm, had agreed to pay the tax on it, which, while he 
had it, was only $80 a year. The farm afterwards came into Crosas's 
possession, and the tax was raised from $80 to $100. As to the tax on 
commerce, he said that formerly he paid $700 a year to the State as an 
importer of the first class, and $1,050 to the municipality, making 
$1,750 a year. He then had himself placed in the second class and 
paid $421 to the State, refusing the municipality's demand for its 1\ 
per cent. 

From this brief review of the sytems of taxation it will be seen that 
if the laws had been faithfully administered no person and no article 
or form of property could have escaped his or its share of the public 
burden. The direct taxes would seem to have been extremely oner- 
ous. The earnings of merchants, manufacturers, and other producers 
were subject to a tax of 12^- per cent or more, according to the 
financial exigencies of the treasuries, provincial and municipal. 
For example, if a merchant's income were valued at $10,000 a year, 
he would pay in direct taxes $1,250. He would also pay for his 
cedula or personal passport, the amount of which was graduated, 
according to personal means, from 12 cents up to $25 or more. He 
would pay direct taxes on his residence and furniture and on his 
horses and other live stock, if not used for labor. If he were just 
starting in business, he would pay a patente or tax for the privilege. 
And yet the general testimony, as will appear elsewhere in this report, 
was to the effect that taxation was not really oppressive, or would not 
have been, if it had been impartially assessed and collected. But the 
fact that it was so heavy doubtless had an influence in inducing peo- 



23 

pie to conceal their property as much as possible and undervalue their 
annual income. Articles of common use, such as rice, flour, corn, 
charcoal, wines, etc., not only paid heavy import duties, but were 
subject, together with fresh beef, milk, and sugar produced in the 
island, to a consumo tax at the gates of the municipalities. For ex- 
ample, flour, which had paid a duty of $4 at the custom-house per 100 
kilos, paid at the city gates $2.50 consumo tax, or a total of $6.50, 
which was at the rate of about $3 a hundredweight; rice, the com- 
mon article of diet, paid $2.70 import duty and $1 consumo tax; 
fresh beef paid a consumo tax of $5 a hundred kilos, or 220 pounds. 
This was in addition to the head tax paid the city by the slaughterer. 

THE CODES AND COURTS. 

There are three Spanish codes, the penal, in three books, with 
twenty-five titles and eighty- four chapters; the civil, in four books, 
with forty-two titles and one hundred and twenty-six chapters and 
nine appendixes, and the commercial, in four books, with twenty- 
seven titles. The graver crimes of murder and homicide are set forth 
^ in the penal code with very great brevity. The chapters on parri- 
cide, murder, and homicide are extremely brief. Parricide is consid- 
ered the gravest crime and is punishable by sentences ranging from 
"cadena perpetua" (a term usually of thirty years) to death. Mur- 
der, when committed under any of the following circumstances, (1) 
by treachery, (2) for money or promise of reward, (3) by means of 
drowning, fire, or poison, (4) with premeditation aforethought, (5) in 
a passion, with deliberation and inhumanity, involves penalties rang- 
ing from "cadena temporal" (twelve to twenty years) to death. 
Slaves or freedmen committing this crime incurred the penalty for 
parricide. It will be observed that treachery is placed first in the list 
of aggravating circumstances. The Spanish law is especially severe 
in punishing abuse of confidence or betrayal on the part of slaves or 
domestic servants. For example, a servant who steals $25 from his 
employer could be sentenced, according to Senor Casalduc, a judge of 
first instance, in Utuado, to six years imprisonment. The crime is 
considered aggravated by the element of treachery. Homicide is 
punishable by terms of imprisonment; infanticide with the penalties 
of parricide. Distinctions are made between delitos, or crimes, 
and faltas, or faults. The difference was thus illustrated by Senor 
Fulladosa, judge of first instance, in Humacao. If a peon, passing 
through a field of sugar cane, cuts a stalk of cane and sucks it, that 
is a falta. If, after having eaten one stalk, he cuts others and takes 
them away, he would be guilty, not of a falta, but of the delito of lar- 
ceny. The former would be punished by thirty days imprisonment; 
the latter by a heavier penalty. The reason given for the distinction 
was this: In the first case the man takes a single cane on the spur of 
the moment and from a sense of immediate need; in the second the 
element of immediate need is absent, and he appropriates the prop- 
erty of another for his future use. The penal is the briefest of the 
codes. 

The civil code is characterized by great attention to minute details, 
as is also the commercial code. Marriage, ownership and disposition 
of property, laws of inheritance, nature of contracts, etc., are treated 
in the civil code, and everything pertaining to mercantile life in the 
commercial code, which gives in the fullest detail, the law of mercan- 
tile firms or companies, mercantile contracts and the like. There is 



24 

a system of legal registration, under the courts, for all kinds of mer- 
cantile documents, and the code prescribes the manner in which a 
merchant's books must be kept in order that they may have the force 
of testimony in law suits. 

Besides these three codes are the Ley Hipotecaria, or mortgage law ; 
the Ley y Reglamento del Notariado, or notarial law and regulations ; a 
compilation of legislation affecting education ; Legislacion de Primera 
Ensanza de Puerto Rico — a book of a thousand pages; the Ley de En- 
juiciamiento Civil, and the Ley de Enjuiciamiento Penal — relating to 
legal procedure; Leyes Organicas del Poder Judicial — defining the 
powers of judges, making a considerable body of official legal litera- 
ture, which is supplemented by manuals for the various classes of 
officials. 

The codes and laws are regarded by the lawyers and judges of 
Porto Rico as, on the whole, equitable, suitable, and effective. They 
concede that reforms of a minor character are needed under certain 
heads, but insist that the systems are admirably drawn and are among 
the best in use among the Latin peoples. It is in the organization of 
the courts and in the methods of judicial procedure that occasion is 
most generally found for considerable amendments and changes. 

The judicial system of Porto Rico was a very simple one. There 
were three criminal courts of the same grade, the audiencia territorial 
(criminal chamber) at San Juan, the audiencia criminal of Ponce, 
and the audiencia criminal of Mayaguez. These three courts dis- 
posed of all the graver criminal cases. Appeals were taken direct to 
the supreme court at Madrid. The audiencia criminal consisted of a 
president, two justices, with a justice suplente, or supplementary, a 
fiscal and an assistant fiscal, a secretary, and the usual court officers. 
For the trial of high officials a special court was provided, consisting 
of the president, two justices of the audiencia territorial, and two 
members, doctors of the law, of the provincial deputation. 

The audiencia territorial was constituted as follows: A president, 
a president of the hall of justice, five justices, a fiscal and assistant 
fiscals, a secretary, fifteen secretaries of the hall of justice, etc. 
Appeals in civil cases were taken from the courts of the various 
judicial districts to the audiencia territorial, and thence to the 
supreme court of Spain. 

The island was divided into eleven judicial districts. In each of 
these was a judge of first instance and instruction, that of San Juan 
having two. He had power to hear and determine civil suits, there 
being an appeal from his decisions to the audiencia territorial. His 
function in criminal cases was restricted to investigation. ■ He sum- 
moned and examined witnesses privately, and made a brief for the 
audiencia criminal. He had to prepare a summary of all the testi- 
mony, and indicate for what crime the offender should be tried or 
why he should be acquitted. If the audiencia considered the case 
incomplete, or as requiring emendations, it was returned for comple- 
tion or correction. 

In every municipal district there was a municipal judge, who had 
jurisdiction in civil cases involving $200, or less, and in cases of viola- 
tions of municipal ordinances. He could impose fines up to $45, and 
imprisonment up to thirty days. Appeals from his decisions were to 
the judge of first instance. When a crime was committed, it was his 
duty to prepare the case and submit it to the judge of first instance 
within three days. 



25 

Municipal judges had no salary. Judges of first instance received 
from $2,000 to $3,000 a year; judges of the audiencias, $3,000; and 
the two presidents in San Juan, $5,000 and $5,500, respectively. 

The attitude of the Spanish law toward accused persons differs from 
that which characterizes Anglo-Saxon jurisprudence. Under our law 
they are regarded as innocent until proved guilty ; under the Spanish 
law, according to Judge Fuliadosa, they are regarded as guilty until 
proved innocent. The denuncia on which arrest is usually based 
may be made by a private person or by the fiscal. The order of arrest 
does not state the charge. After arrest the accused is questioned pri- 
vately by the judge, and is held incomunicado in the first stage of the 
inquisitorial proceedings, no one being allowed to see him or talk 
with him for two or three days. He is not permitted to be present 
while the judge examines the witnesses, also in privacy, only one wit- 
ness being present at a time. Asked by the commissioner why the 
accused is not informed of the charge against him when he is arrested, 
the judge of first instance at Humacao replied: "Because he might 
prepare himself for a defense beforehand; he might put himself in 
communication with persons for that purpose ; they are very clever 
here." After he learns what he is accused of he may name a lawyer, 
but the lawyer has no control over the secret proceedings. No wit- 
ness is allowed to disclose and no newspaper to print any of the testi- 
mony. The case when completed is passed on to the audiencia for 
trial. The summary is examined by the court, which certifies that it 
has been properly drawn; the fiscal then examines it and passes it to 
the counsel for the defense. On the trial the presiding judge asks 
each witness the usual questions as to his age, birthplace, etc. , and 
then allows the prosecution and the defense to examine. 

The witnesses for the prosecution are first called, then those for the 
defense. The testimony before the court may be the very opposite 
of that given in the preliminary proceedings; but this contradiction 
does not involve per j ury . That only is regarded as conclusive evi- 
dence which is given on the trial. This is a comparatively recent 
provision of law, the reason for which is said to be, that people were 
so much in terror of the civil guard that they would give false testi- 
mony before the judge of first instance to conciliate the guard, which 
seems to have haled men to prison on the barest suspicion. The com- 
missioner attended one session of the audiencia criminal at Mayaguez, 
when five men were on trial for burning a*h estate in Rincon and 
shooting the wife of the proprietor. Two lawyers sat with the three 
judges, all wearing black gowns, with white lace at the wrists. Little 
latitude seemed to be allowed to the counsel for the defense, the presi- 
dent calling them to order frequently, by ringing a small bell, and 
ruling out their questions, though no objection was raised by the fiscal. 
The testimony of the wife of the proprietor was contradictory of that 
of her husband on minor points. He said there was no light in the 
house when the attack was made ; she said there was ; he said the 
accused were in front of a group of trees when they shot; she said 
they were behind the trees. The president himself got brief explana- 
tions from the two witnesses, and refused to allow the counsel for the 
defense to go into the matter at all. The court exercised larger 
powers than is customary in the United States, asking many ques- 
tions itself and limiting the functions both of the prosecution and the 
defense. The case was concluded with the written arguments of the 
lawyers on both sides. 



26 

There is a strong demand for reforms in the courts. Senor Aguayo, 
an able and upright judge of first instance, in a statement to the com- 
missioner, urged that all secrecy in the preliminary investigation be 
removed. He points out as the greatest evil of the system that the 
secrecy "produces in the public conscience a sort of terror," and, as 
a rule, "witnesses have to be made to testify by force." He insists 
that publicity would insure general cooperation; those having knowl- 
edge of the case would come forward to testify; that it Would be "a 
guaranty against the venality of judges," and that the defendant 
could produce all the proof on his side. He would have the jury 
system which is in use in Spain introduced immediately. The time 
occupied in making the sumario, ordinarily a month or more, was 
well-nigh wasted, since it was not conclusive, even in cases where the 
summary showed that conviction was improbable. It must, in any 
event, go up to the audiencia to be tried or dismissed. Abuses, the 
commissioner was told, were numerous. The delays are long and 
vexatious. After the sumario, consisting of from 500 to 1,000 sheets, 
is in the hands of the court, it may be six months or more before the 
trial begins. Sometimes the prisoner is set at liberty before his case 
comes on, his- innocence having been demonstrated to the satisfaction 
of the judge of first instance; nevertheless, the court may proceed 
with the case. Men with malicious intent have, it was said, abundant 
opportunity to secure the imprisonment of innocent persons for a 
month or more, and yet escape prosecution for making false charges. 

The prosecution of minor offenses was made difficult by the dis- 
tances the complainant often had to go, the horrible condition of the 
roads, and the time and expenses involved. A case in illustration 
was given the commissioner by a German farmer living at Gobo, 
having his farm partly in the municipal district of Utuado and partly 
in that of Arecibo. A man with whom he had had trouble stole his 
horse. He pursued, him and got the horse. He immediately made 
complaint before the comisario of the district, and next day went 
before the judge of first instance in Arecibo. He proved his owner- 
ship of the horse and received him in deposito. Then it was dis- 
covered that the crime was really committed in the district of Utuado, 
and he had to go to that place, almost as far as to Arecibo. There he 
was told that the trial would take place at Mayaguez six or seven 
months later. He would have to go to Mayaguez with his witnesses, 
consuming two days each way, besides the time occupied in the trial. 
The law provides for the expenses of witnesses, but it is claimed that 
it is so difficult to collect them that the claims are often sold at a con- 
siderable discount. The horse was valued at $25. The German had 
already lost two days, expected to lose a week more at the trial, and 
to pay $50 in expenses. Under such circumstances crimes would, in 
many instances, go unreported and unpunished. 

THE NOTARIAL AND REGISTRATION SYSTEMS. 

The drawing of deeds, wills, and all kinds of legal contracts and 
documents was in the hands of notaries, whose number was limited, 
so that new members could not be admitted to the college until vacan- 
cies occurred. There were twenty-five for the island, two each in the 
three larger cities, and one each in cities of less importance. They 
were admitted, on competitive examination, by the Crown, and paid, 
it is said, large fees for their exclusive privileges. They not only drew 
deeds and wills, but were the depositaries for such documents, giving 
a bond of security for damages from the loss of important papers. The 



27 

dean of the college, Mr. Guerra, informed the commissioner that he 
had paid $17,000 for the privilege, which is transferable. 

Registries of property are established, as a rule, in those places 
entitled to notaries, the work of the one being complementary to that 
of the other. The system of registration comprises deeds, mortgages, 
wills, and all forms of ownership and transfer of property. The law 
requires a registrar to inquire as to the validity of titles which he 
inscribes, and holds him responsible for their legality. The registrar 
charges fees according to an elaborate scale fixed by law. He was 
allowed to charge for inscription, which included only certain parts of 
documents, for passing on the validity of the title, and for search- 
ing the records. Formerly registrars might charge for correcting 
defects in documents offered for inscription, and abuses grew out of 
the practice. The system appears to be a good one, although the 
charges are complained of as excessive. An increase in the number 
of registrars, so as to have one in every municipal district, is very 
desirable. Much property remains unregistered, owing partly to the 
heavy expenses involved and partly to the feeling of security in pos- 
session. Litigation over titles, deeds, wills, etc., is, it is stated, not 
very extensive. The expenses of transfers were very great. In the 
first place, they were subject to the royal dues; second, to the notarial 
charges, which were very heavy; third, to the fees of registration, 
amounting sometimes to $12 for property worth $300; and, fourth, to 
the cost of the stamped paper, on which all the documents had to be 
written. According to the mayor of Guayama, the tax on transfers 
was "so onerous that the island is full of deeds which have been held 
in hopes of better times, and have not yet paid this tax, thus making 
the titles inoperative." The stamped paper cost from 15 cents up to 
$25, according to the value of the contract or obligation. Its use was 
obligatory in all documents of a legal character, even by judges in the 
preparation of a sumario. 

Mortgages, which may be referred to in this connection, were gov- 
erned by the hypothecary law, which sought the security of the lender 
rather than the convenience of the borrower. There are two methods 
of foreclosure, one called the executive; the other is a special pro- 
cedure. Most of the actions are taken under the latter, and are of a 
summary nature. The debtor has no power to intervene, and his 
estate may be sold at auction thirty days after proceedings are begun 
in the court. Many cases of hardship under the law were reported 
to the commissioner, in which owners of plantations were about to 
lose their property for a fraction of its estimated value. In accord- 
ance with his earnest representations, Governor-General Henry issued 
an order, prepared by him, suspending the law of foreclosure as respects 
farm property and machinery for one year from January 19, 1899. 
The law needs to be reformed in the interest of debtors against con- 
scienceless creditors, so as to give sufficient opportunity to the former 
to save their property from sacrifice. The mortgages recorded in the 
various districts amount to a total of nearly $28,000,000, indicating 
that borrowing is extensive. The largest mortgage indebtedness 
exists in the registration districts of San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, and 
San German. 

THE CHURCH AND CHURCH PROPERTY. 

The Catholic was the state religion, and at the time of the Ameri- 
can occupation there were but two churches of any other faith in 
Porto Rico. There was a Protestant church in Ponce and another at 
Isabel II, in the island of Vieques, both under the auspices of the 



28 

Church of England. The latter had been established nineteen years. 
The Governor-General, under appointment by the Pope, was patron- 
ato real, or civil head of the church. The bishop, with his staff, and 
all the clergy were borne on the provincial pay roll, and received 
their salaries through the custom-houses of the various districts. 
For salaries alone $167,340 was appropriated in the budget of 1897-98, 
including $42,400 for the cathedral in San Juan, out of which the 
bishop and his staff were paid. For expenses, apart from salaries, 
the sum of $26,270 was provided. For other purposes, including sal- 
aries of ecclesiastical judges and military chaplains, subventions to 
religious sqhools, and Sisters of Charity in the hospitals and asylums, 
about $41,000 was set apart, making in all about $235,000 for the 
church and various religious purposes. The bishop formerly received 
a salary of $18,000 or $20,000 a year, but this amount was gradually 
reduced to $9,000. The dean of the chapter was paid $3,000; canons, 
$2,000; parochial priests, according to their class, from $1,500 down 
to $600 a year. Formerly the church was supported by tithes and 
first fruits, and monthly sums from the ayuntamientos. The royal 
decree of 1858 abolished tithes and first fruits, forbade fees for the 
sacraments, and provided for the church in the budget. The capitu- 
lar vicar informed the commissioner that there had probably been 
some abuses in the charging of fees by the clergy for baptisms, mar- 
riages, and burials, but he did not believe they were extensive. A 
priest, who announced that he was about to leave the church, stated 
that the fees collected averaged about as follows: Marriage, simple 
service, $10; more elaborate service, $16; burial, simple service, $14; 
more elaborate service, $22; masses, $1. Several persons told, the 
commissioner that they had paid $16 for their marriage service. 
After American occupation, the priests having no support whatever, 
charged, in some instances, whatever they could get. One American 
paid a fee of $65. The clergy were almost entirely Spaniards. Very 
few natives were in the priesthood. Reared and educated in Spain, 
they did not, for the most part, command the sympathy of the munic- 
ipal officers, who were chiefly Porto Ricans, and as there was more or 
less friction between Porto Ricans and Spaniards, and the priests 
were paid by the Government and were understood to be in entire 
sympathy with it, they did not really come into close touch with many 
of the natives in their parishes. At the close of the war a number of 
the priests, including the bishop, went back to Spain. 

There are no monasteries in Porto Rico. Formerly the Dominicans 
and Franciscans were established there, but the Government confis- 
cated their property in 1837-38, using part of it for public purposes, 
selling a part and renting a part. The chapels attached were, however, 
not disturbed. Such orders as are now represented are engaged in 
educational, hospital, and charitable work. 

The churches, which are invariably situated on the chief plazas of 
the cities and towns, vary in value and size, according to the popula- 
tion surrounding them. They are usually among the best buildings, 
though some are old and need repairs. None of them would be called 
magnificent. Evidently no great amount of private wealth has been 
bestowed for their adornment and furnishing. The assumption that 
the church in Porto Rico is rolling in wealth has nothing to support 
it. The secretary of the bishopric, Senor Caneja, lectoral canon, 
informed the commissioner that the church has no other property 
except the churches and parish houses; that by will or gift it is in the 



29 

receipt of censos or annual payments for specific purposes, such as 
masses, sermons, or other memorial celebrations. These censos are 
fixed charges, which must be paid by the holder of the property upon 
which they are a claim. When state support was suddenly withdrawn 
the church had ho resources. The capitular vicar stated that its con- 
dition was lamentable. The people had not been accustomed to the 
American system of voluntary contributions; most of them were too 
poor to take upon themselves additional burdens, and the priests had 
to depend upon the fees they could get and upon their own resources, 
which in some instances were ample. 

The moment that Spanish domination ended the question of the 
ownership of the churches was raised. None of these properties 
were registered. The church, under the law, could not register them, 
and few or no papers or records of gift or conveyance appear to be in 
existence. The capitular vicar said to the commissioner: "The 
church has no title in the sense of documents; but it has always 
been an understood thing that these properties belong to the church. " 
In so far as lands or other gifts were made, the donors, he added, 
"did not bother about giving written titles." The municipality, or 
the state, generally, gave the ground and in most cases the municipal- 
ity built the church. The commissioner inquired thoroughly into 
this matter in all the municipalities he visited. In some cases the 
surplus in the treasury was used for this purpose; in other cases spe- 
cial provision was made in the municipal budget, and in a number of 
instances a kind of apportionment was made among the ratepayers 
by the ayuntamiento. Almost without exception the alcaldes and 
councilmen, questioned by the commissioner, asserted municipal 
ownership of the church property. In Arroyo the church, according 
to the vice alcalde, was built by popular subscription and turned over, 
to the state; in Yabucoa the title is not vested in the municipality, 
says the alcalde, but in the state; in Aibonito the town gave $15,00,0, 
the state $12,000, and the balance (17,000) was raised by subscription; 
in Humacao the church cost $45,000; it was built by the people and 
taken over by the state; in Ponce the church property is claimed by 
the alcalde as belonging exclusively to the municipality, which caused 
it to be registered after American occupation. The fine, large church 
in Guayama was built in 1873, from the annual surplus of the muni- 
cipal budget and from returns for old taxes; in San German, which 
has, it is said, the oldest church in the island, it was conceded that 
the property belongs to the church ; in Cayey the church was built by 
public funds and the parish house was bought by municipal money; 
in Coamo the land was given by the town and the church built by 
taxation; in Caguas the church was built by municipal funds. 

This brief summary of important testimony, given before the com- 
missioner, indicates how the churches were generally built. Some of 
the ayuntamientos seemed quite firm in the purpose to hold the 
churches as municipal property, but were willing to sell or to rent. In 
other cases the proposal to transfer the title to the church was appar- 
ently welcomed. There is little question that public funds built in 
whole or in part nearly all the churches. The considerations which 
seem to me to control the question are these : (1) The churches were 
built for Catholic worship, and for no other, by Catholic communities; 
(2) they were consecrated by the rites of the Catholic Church; (3) 
they have been regularly used for Catholic services, and for no other 
purpose, since consecration; (4) their use for this purpose received 



30 

the acquiescence of state, municipality, and people; (5) according to 
the law, edifices for public worship, no matter by whom built, passed 
under control of the church when consecrated; (6) the law did not 
allow such property to be registered by the church; (7) no records 
or deeds of gift were usually made of donations or transfers of prop- 
erty for church uses; (8) under the law of registration, twenty years' 
undisputed and continued possession gives valid title. 

On the other hand, municipalities claim the ownership of most of 
the churches, on the ground that they were built in whole or in part 
by municipal funds raised by taxation ; that the payment of such 
taxes was obligatory, and that it was not permitted to loyal citizens 
to protest against them. Church and state were one, the bishop occu- 
pying, in the council of administration and similar provincial organi- 
zations, the place next to the governor-general. In one instance, 
already referred to, church property was registered without protest as 
municipal property, but this was since American occupation. It was 
not the custom to register municipal property, though there was no 
law prohibiting it. Perhaps this was due to the heavy registration 
fees. The fees for registering six pieces of property in Ponce were as 
follows : Catholic cemetery in the playa, $379 ; the Catholic church, 
$598; the Tricoche hospital, $156; the civil hospital, $81; and the 
Protestant cemetery, $13. On appeal to General Henry he relieved 
the municipality of the charges and the property was registered free. 
The churches have been kept in repair by the municipalities. It is 
admitted that consecration gave the church use or control of the edi- 
fices, but it is denied that it gave also ownership. The churches in 
Yabucoa and Arroyo, according to the alcaldes of those districts, 
belong not to the municipality but to the state. If this be so the 
question might be raised whether these churches and any others in 
the same category do not, under the Treaty of Paris, " belong to the 
public domain and as such to the Crown of Spain," and have there- 
fore been ceded by the treaty to the United States. But this cession 
was made subject to "the rights of provinces, municipalities, public 
and private establishments, ecclesiastical or civic bodies," etc. The 
churches spoken of as belonging to the state were perhaps property 
of the province and not of the Crown. In so far as titles may be 
legally established by ecclesiastical bodies, or on the part of the Prov- 
ince of Porto Rico, or by the several municipalities, the United States 
is evidently bound by the treaty to grant possession. Neither the 
municipalities nor the province could be coerced to a surrender of 
such churches as may legally be held by them. But if the will of the 
Porto Ricans were permitted to have effect with their official repre- 
sentatives, the churches, as a matter of simple justice, would be passed 
over to the control, possession, and use of the Roman Catholic Church. 
The commissioner found that everywhere the majority thought that 
the churches ought to be for Catholic worship, but ought to be held 
by the people and not by the priests. Some alcaldes and councilmen 
and others, including men who were said not to be good Catholics, 
insisted that the municipalities should have some return for what they 
had expended, either by sale or by annual rental. If the right of 
municipalities to control them is established, it is conceivable that 
in some cases they might be sold or rented to representatives of other 
faiths for public worship of a different order and thus give cause of 
offense to Catholics. 

The ends of justice could probably be most surely and promptly 
reached by creating a special court or commission to investigate the 



31 

whole matter, with power to determine each case brought before it, 
and give legal title, possession, and use to the rightful owners. 

The people seem to be entirely in accord with the American prin- 
ciple of separation of church and state, and complete religious liberty. 
The capitular vicar urged that gratuities from the state treasury to 
the clergy be granted, as a temporary measure, until the church could 
organize a system of self-support, but the commissioner found no 
second in the island to this proposal. In every municipality he visited 
he was told that appropriations for the repairs of the churches had 
been discontinued. Other forms of worship have been introduced in 
San Juan, Ponce, Arecibo, Rio Piedras, and other places without 
demonstrations of hostility. This is no small tribute to the liberality 
of a people who have in all the past been accustomed to one form of 
religion to the exclusion of others. 

THE CEMETERIES. 

In this connection the question of control of the cemeteries has been 
raised. It is not disputed that these cemeteries were bought and built 
by municipal funds. But they were consecrated by the priests as 
burial grounds for Catholics, and while the secular owners have rented 
and sold graves and niches, issued through municipal judges permits 
for burial, and kept the grounds in condition, the priest was allowed 
to exercise the right to indicate who were entitled to ecclesiastical 
burial. Those not Catholics were buried in unconsecrated ground, 
generally a small plot outside the walls. After American occupation 
one or two ayuntamientos took action in favor of the secularization 
of the cemeteries, but the military government has not conceded that 
right. On the contrary, General Henry issued an order confirming to 
the priests the right of prohibiting the interment of non-Catholics in 
consecrated ground, and at the same time requiring the municipal 
authorities, from the proceeds of rentals and fees which they collect, 
to pay for the maintenance of the cemeteries. 

Ecclesiastical control is claimed, not on the ground of ownership, 
but on that of immemorial usage. Priests have always been allowed 
to consecrate the ground and to say who should be buried in it, and 
the church insists that it gained a right by consecration and continued 
control which can not properly be taken from it. The question raised 
is a delicate one. It is not the same exactly as that concerning church 
property. The church existed for all who chose to attend its services 
and accept its offices; but persons could refuse to worship in it or to 
patronize it. Not so the cemetery. Those who die must be buried, 
and the right to sepulture in a cemetery owned by all the people can 
not be denied, it is argued, without substantial injustice. The issue 
might be met by having plots for non-Catholics. Where such plots 
already exist they are generally outside the walls and are not kept in 
proper condition. As new cemeteries are established they will prob- 
ably be on a secular basis, with a provision allowing the graves of 
Catholics or Catholic portions to be consecrated. Municipalities 
should be required to provide ground for non-Catholic burials, suf- 
ficient, eligible, and in no way inferior. The custom of disinterment 
of bodies entitled only to temporary sepulture, if not dangerous to 
general health, is shocking to those not familiar with European usage, 
and should be discontinued. The order of General Henry to that 
effect is not fully carried out for want of room in the cemeteries. 



32 



THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The system of public schools was antiquated, and few improvements 
seem to have "been made. In practice it was decidedly inferior and 
insufficient. Most attention was given, naturally, to urban schools, 
and these were inadequate in almost every respect. Less attention 
was given to schools in the rural districts, where the difficulties were 
greatest. Something was done for the boys, but little for the girls. 
Indeed, the first rural school for girls is said to have been established 
no longer ago than 1880. The general administration of public schools 
was under the direction of the provincial deputation. At the close of 
the Spanish domination it constituted a bureau of the department of 
fomento or interior. The expenses of this administration were in- 
cluded in the provincial budget. The pay of the teachers, the rent 
of buildings, and the expense of supplies devolved on the municipali- 
ties. In every municipality there was a school board, of which the 
mayor was chairman, charged with immediate supervision. It was 
ordinarily composed of the most intelligent men available, but is said 
to have been negligent usually in the discharge of its duties. The 
finances of the cities were so often made difficult bv the heavy prior 
claims of the state on taxpayers that the appropriations to the schools 
frequently suffered. The schools were domiciled in rented rooms, 
generally unfitted for the purpose. Only half a dozen occupied public 
buildings. Space, light, ventilation, furniture, appliances, and sup- 
plies were never adequate, the surroundings were unsuitable, and the 
conditions unsanitary. The school age was from 5 to 18. Children of 
well-to-do parents usually entered at 5; those of the poorer classes 
not until 8. The scholars were generally clothed, but there were 
some exceptions among the smaller ones. Very poor parents, seen by 
the commissioner, excused their neglect to school their children by 
saying they could not give them decent clothes. The school popula- 
tion of the island, as reported by Secretary Carbonell, on the 1st of 
November, 1898, was 125,695. Of these 27,938 had attended school 
and 93,757 had not. Returns in March, 1899, showed that the total 
of registered scholars was 26,588, including private schools, and the 
average attendance 18,979. According to this, a little more than one- 
fifth of the school population were registed and the average attend- 
ance was upward of one-seventh. Of the registered scholars 17,521 
were boys and 9,007 were girls, the boys outnumbering the girls nearly 
two to one. The masters or teachers were required to show the 
teacher's title in order to obtain employment. Some were prepared 
in the two normal schools or in the secondary institute in San Juan; 
many came from Spain. As a rule, they were a faithful, poorly paid 
class of public servants. Women taught the girls' schools in all cases, 
the sexes being rigidly kept apart. Teachers were allowed to collect 
fees from parents able to pay. This, it is said, led to more or less 
partiality for the pay scholars. Supplies were furnished to those who 
could not buy them. Schools were held every day but Sunday the year 
round, excepting feast days and holidays, with morning and afternoon 
sessions of about three hours each. Iu summer the afternoon session 
was shortened or omitted. 

The schools were supposed to be divided into elementary , of first and 
second grades, and superior. Of the latter there were only seven. 
The system of instruction was generally superficial and not solid, and 
theoretical rather than practical. The commissioner visited and 



33 

examined many schools, as described elsewhere in this report. He 
found the children wonderfully bright and quick. They answered 
the questions of the teachers promptly and confidently, but hesitated 
and stumbled when asked the simplest questions in geography, arith- 
metic, and other studies, indicating that more attention had been 
given to the making of brilliant than competent scholars. There were 
few general institutions. A conciliar seminary was established for 
the priesthood ; the Provincial Institute, recently suppressed, carried 
scholars to the ordinary freshman or sophomore year; the College of 
the Esculapian Fathers, the College of the Mothers of the Heart of 
Jesus, the College of San Ildefonso, the School of Arts and Industries, 
and a private academy of drawing constituted, with the normal schools, 
all the general educational institutions. 

The first great need of this system of education is suitable, sanitary 
public buildings; second, a more efficient corps of teachers; third, 
more schools, particularly in the rural districts; fourth, larger pro- 
vincial appropriations, until the municipalities are in a condition to 
support their own schools; fifth, reorganization of the studies and 
better text-books ; sixth, effective provincial supervision, such as the 
military government has provided, under which great improvements 
have been made;' seventh, better normal schools. 

The last census does not give returns for literacy and illiteracy 
except in certain districts. There are no later figures than those of 
the census of 1860, when the population was 583,181. Of this num- 
ber 51,250 were literate and 531,931 illiterate. Over 90 per cent were 
unable to read. The estimates of present conditions vary; some say 
that 15, others 18 or 20 per cent, of the population are literates. Of 
the population of Ponce, numbering, according to the census of 1897, 
between 48,000 and 49,000, 14,394 can read or read and write. This 
is over 29 per cent, showing a gain since 1887, when the percentage 
was 24. The population of that district was as follows : Poncenos, 
37,203; from other districts of the island and Cuba, 8,493; from the 
Peninsula, 2,283; from other foreign countries, 1,021. The floating 
population was remarkably small, being only 342. The greatest 
amount of illiteracy is, of course, in the rural districts, where the 
population is hard to reach with school facilities. 

PUBLIC CHARITIES AND PRISONS. 

The public charities of Porto Rico are few, poorly supported, and 
poorly organized, as a rule. The municipalities make appropriations 
for beneficencia, including town doctors, hospitals, aid for the sick 
poor who can not get to the hospital, and occasionally for a house for 
infirm poor. Every district has a hospital, generally insufficiently 
equipped and not well kept, but there are few orphanages and scarcely 
any provision for the insane, outside of San Juan, where an insane 
asylum is maintained by provincial funds. There is an excellent 
asylum for children in San Juan under the care of the Sisters of 
Charity, and one or two small orphanages. 

There is need of more generous provisions for orphans. Mothers 
of illegitimate children very rarely abandon them, but when these 
unfortunate women die, the children are often cast on the street, and 
live like animals. The people are very kind and helpful to those in 
distress. It is the custom when a child is left without natural pro- 
tectors for the relatives or neighbors to provide for it. One will give 

1125 3 



34 

shelter, another food, another clothing, another education, thus divid- 
ing the burden. Among the poorest of the poor the commissioner 
found a system of mutual helpfulness. When a poor woman falls 
sick and her income stops, neighboring women care for her out of their 
own slender resources. The poor commonly have a strong prejudice 
against the hospitals, and will not go to them unless helpless. They 
say those who go in sick come out dead. They differ in their state- 
ments about the town doctors. Many said they would not visit the 
sick poor without pay; others that they would. Dr. Stahl, of Baya- 
mon, says that scarcely one in a hundred of the poor who die has the 
attendance of a physician. The Tricoche Hospital in Ponce, estab- 
lished by a private benefaction, is one of the best in the island. It 
is kept clean and in good order by the Sisters of Charity. 

The prisons, of which there is one in each judicial district, with a 
penitentiary, so called, for the whole island, in San Juan, besides 
ordinary jails, are almost without exception worthy of condemnation. 
They are generally crowded, damp, pervaded by foul smells, danger- 
ous to health, according to native physicians. With the exception of 
separation of sexes, no division whatever is attempted. Young and 
old, the first offender and the old criminal are herded together, the 
man accused and awaiting trial with those serving long sentences. 
The care of the penitentiary at San Juan was undertaken by the 
insular government. The cost of maintaining the district prisons is 
borne by the municipalities within the district. Many of the prison- 
ers in the penitentiary were kept in chains. General Henry abolished 
this form of punishment, and put the district prisons under the care 
of the province. Much has been done under the military govern- 
ment to remedy abuses and improve the sanitary conditions, but 
the whole system needs to be reorganized according to modern peno- 
logical methods. 

Crime, particularly of the graver kinds, is not excessive. The dis- 
orders which followed the overthrow of Spanish dominion were of a 
serious character; but they did not spring oufc of a spirit of lawless- 
ness so much as out of a spirit of revenge. The native who had been 
oppressed by Spanish employers used the opportunity to pay off a 
Ions: score of personal injuries and insults. The attacks by those 
bands were not indiscriminate, and usually the motive was to destroy, 
not to appropriate property, to wound oii kill the master himself or 
his agent, and not the family. They were soon ended, and not a few 
of the guilty ones are serving sentences. Those familiar with the 
conditions before American occupation say that the wonder is that 
the outrages were not far worse. The prevailing crimes are those of 
homicide, and appropriation of property in the various forms of theft, 
larceny, and robbery. Burglary is almost entirely unknown. The 
summary for the provincial penitentiary shows that there were 4 serv- 
ing sentence for murder, 113 for homicide, 168 for theft or robbery, 
2 for forgery, 5 for swindling, 6 for arson, 6 for violation, and 1 
for abduction. Ten were under 20 years of age. Of 69 in the de- 
partmental prison at Ponce, 20 were under sentence for theft or rob- 
bery, 27 for wounding, 5 for swindling, and 5 for homicide. Of the 
prisoners 30 were white and 39 colored. Of the 308 prisoners in the 
penitentiary 131 were white and 177 colored, showing that the colored 
classes, forming about 36 per cent of the population, are responsible 
for considerably more than their share of crimes. The entire penal 
population, according to the census of 1897, was 1,101, or 1 in 817 of 
the entire population. The proportion in the United States is consid- 



35 

erably greater, being 1 in 766. In 1862, when Porto Rico had 600,000 
population and Cuba 1,200,000, the latter had 1 homicide to every 
7,100 inhabitants, the former 1 to every 75,000; Cuba 1 assault to 
every 1,799 inhabitants, Porto Rico 1 to every 5,120;. Cuba 1 robbery 
to every 7,453 inhabitants, Porto Rico 1 to every 15,789; Cuba 1 theft 
to every 753 inhabitants, Porto Rico 1 to every 2,112. 

. SOCIAL CONDITIONS. 

The statistics of births in 1897, elsewhere given, show that about 52 
per cent were of legitimate and 48 per cent of illegitimate children. 
The births are by no means, owing to a defective law, fully reported ; 
but complete returns would not probably make the showing better. 
Half or more of the children born are illegitimate, and it follows 
that a large proportion of parents are living in conjugal relations with- 
out marriage. This does not mean that the people are immoral or that 
the sexes are promiscuous in their relations. The social evil is said to 
be quite extensive; but marriage is not shunned, with rare exceptions, 
for immoral purposes. Various reasons are given for neglecting the 
sacrament or ceremony. By some it is ascribed to a want of edu- 
cation, by others to the desire to be free from the obligations which 
marriage imposes, but by most informants to obstacles which the poor 
could not surmount. Two forms of marriage were j>rovided by law, the 
civil and the ecclesiastical. The code declared the latter to be the 
only form for Catholics, and the former for non- Catholics. Certain 
conditions were prescribed for both, such as consent of parents and 
advice of grandparents, certificates of age, proclamation of the bans, 
etc. The priest required, in addition, confession and communion. 
If marriage took place at the church in the morning, it was without 
cost, according to the testimony of priests. If it took place in the 
evening, as was the custom of the well-to-do classes, a fee was ex- 
pected. At most of the hearings held by the commissioner, persons 
insisted that these fees were too heavy for poor people, who preferred 
to live together unweclded than to meet all the conditions of ecclesi- 
astical marriage. It was the general testimony that these persons live 
together as faithfully as those under marriage vows, and are rarely 
untrue to each other. Many who were questioned by the commissioner 
in the poor quarters of Arecibo,Yauco, and other cities, said they would 
like to marry for the sake of legitimatizing their children, but could 
not pay the expenses. Under the prevailing interpretation of the 
law, they could not go to the municipal judge for civil marriage with- 
out abjuring the Catholic faith. Moreover, the expenses of this form 
were considerable. 

< There was another difficulty. In the smaller communities nearly 
every family was related to every other family, and often persons 
desiring to marry were related to each other within the degrees pro- 
hibited by both church and state. Ecclesiastical dispensations were 
difficult to get. The commissioner, at the request of General Henry, 
in consultation with the secretary of state and the secretary of justice, 
drew an order which opened the way to civil marriage for all, remov- 
ing delays and obstacles and making it free. The immediate effect 
was an increase in judicial marriages. It is desirable that this chap- 
ter of the code should be entirely recast in accordance with American 
principles, and the onerous provision requiring the mother to present 
herself and her child for registry, within forty days after its birth, 
under penalty, though she may live in a distant part of the district 



36 

and be unable to travel, should be substituted by a more reasonable 
and effective system. The deaths were considerably in excess of the 
births, according to the municipal returns for 1897. Births are con- 
cealed or unreported for reasons already indicated. There are no 
recent statistics of longevity. According to the census of 1860, of 
583,308 inhabitants, 18,273 were above GO years of age, and 73 above 
a hundred. 

CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE. 

The Porto Ricans are a kindly, hospitable, polite people, very 
sociable, and always ready to do Americans a friendly service. If a 
stranger in their streets asks the way to any particular point the 
obliging native will often go with him instead of simply directing him, 
and refuse any reward. Courteous to everybody, they seem glad to 
be able to grant a favor. They are cheerful in disposition,. uniformly 
kind to one another, and manifest as parents great love for their 
children. Cases of brutal treatment of the little ones are rare. 
Street brawls and disorders occur occasionally, but respect for. law 
and order is very strong, and the people are lovers of peace. Although 
they have always been accustomed to the presence of soldiers, they 
appear to be grieved that they are kept under a military government. 
To the commissioner thej^ said again and again, "We want a civil 
government as soon as possible. Let the military regime be shortened. 
What have we done that we should be placed under military law? 
We have done nothing worthy of punishment." They spoke favor- 
ably of the character of the military government, its honesty, effi- 
ciency, and devotion to insular interests, but were impatient to have 
their civil status fixed. According to Senor Manuel Fernandez 
Juncos, one of the leaders of the autonomist party, the chief fault of 
the Porto Rican is -'lack of will force," and he urges that education 
should be so directed as to counteract this weakness. 

Naturally inclined to social intercourse, the conditions tend to 
restriction in the indulgence of their inclination. In cities there are 
social calls, balls and receptions, and occasional performances, musi- 
cal or theatrical, in the public theater, but outside of the cities few 
amusements are possible. Visiting is difficult, owing to bad roads, 
and family reunions, even, are not common, particularly among the 
poorer classes. They are fond of music, especially of string instru- 
ments, but are not a reading people. Books and periodicals are sel- 
dom seen on their tables. Games and outdoor diversions are not 
general, among either young or old, men or women. Balls and dances 
are perhaps the most popular and universal diversion. In the winter 
season the feast known as candelaria is celebrated, and much is made 
of the carnival just before Lent. During the former, which was 
observed in January, when the commissioner was in Mayaguez, many 
people came into the city from the rural districts and participated in 
the processions, balls, etc. It was a time also for games of chance. 
The market place and drinking houses were occupied with tables for 
all kinds of gambling, which is a passion with the people. Boys and 
girls, men and women, who had saved up their centavos and small 
silver coins for this purpose, crowded around the tables afternoon and 
evening and took their chances. Although this was contrary to law, 
the municipal authorities said the custom was dear to the people, and 
they thought the play was usually not serious, but a harmless pastime. 
In the carnival the good will and good nature of the people are mani- 
fested. They open on Sunday with the papelita, small paper disks, 



37 

which are showered upon the passers-by in the streets, balconies being- 
decorated with paper ribbons of bright colors. Then the maskers, of 
both sexes, appear in public and there are several days of fun and 
frolic, those thus disguised parading the streets with horns and other 
musical instruments in couples and in crowds. 

A large class of the men are devoted to cockfights. Every consid- 
erable town has its cockpit, to which an entrance fee is charged. A 
special breed of cocks is reared for fighting. The exhibition is usu- 
ally given Sunday afternoon, and betting is one of the most prominent 
features of it. In one town visited by the commissioner the munici- 
pal judge was the proprietor of the pit. No moral objection seems 
to have suggested itself to anybody, in proof of which it was said 
that priests sometimes attended the exhibition. The admission fees 
to cockfights are often much larger than those to theatrical perform- 
ances. Bullfights have never been popular in Porto Rico. Gambling 
is said to be the prevailing vice of the people. The field laborer often 
loses a large part of his weekly wages, the commissioner was told, in 
games of chance, and a few instances were related of loss of valuable 
estates in high play. 

The marriage customs are similar to those of Spain, though some- 
what relaxed. Men only join funeral processions. Among the poor, 
the coffin is carried through the streets on the shoulders of friends, 
followed by male relatives. At the grave the body is usually taken 
out of the coffin, which is only hired for the occasion. 

The newspapers are not numerous. There are several large and in- 
fluential Spanish dailies published in San Juan and Ponce. They 
give insular news, letters from abroad, and occasionally brief cable 
dispatches. They generally represent one or the other of the politi- 
cal parties. The oldest newspaper was established sixty years ago. 
It was very conservative under the Spanish regime, opposing auton- 
omy, and . stating that it preferred cholera and yellow fever to the 
proposed reforms. The editor of the oldest daily journal told the 
commissioner that there was no liberty of the press till after Ameri- 
can occupation ; that the life of a newspaper man was one of ' ' con- 
stant martyrdom." He was frequently arrested, and had whole 
editions of his paper confiscated, and during the war many columns 
of matter were ruled out. When he undertook to publish extracts 
from "Christian Doctrine," in place of the deleted matter, the mili- 
tary censor forbade it, because people might infer that important 
news had been suppressed. 'In November last there were twenty- 
seven or twenty-eight newspapers published in the island, in the 
towns of San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, Humacao, Arecibo, San Ger- 
man, and Utuado. In the majority of cases they are said to be 
short-lived. There was a limited demand for foreign magazines and 
periodicals. Small libraries exist in San Juan, Ponce, and a few 
other cities. Among these is the Municipal Library, established in 
San Juan in 1880, and the library of the Athenseum, founded the same 
year. The former has 7,000, the latter 5,000 volumes. 

POLITICAL PARTIES. 

The political organizations of Porto Rico corresponded, naturally, 
to those of Spain. The General Official Guide of 1896 has a list of 
four political parties, as follows: The Unconditional Spanish, the 
Liberal, the Autonomist, and the Progressive Left of * the Uncondi- 
tional Spanish. After the war but two remained, the Liberal and 



38 

those Autonomists who would not acquiesce in the Sagasta plan for 
Porto Rico, generally called Radicals. In March last the Radicals 
reorganized as the Republican party of Porto Rico, with a declaration 
of principles, calling for the retirement of the provincial currencj r , 
protection of the island's industries, and free trade with the United 
States. The platform of the Liberal party which was organized Octo- 
ber 1, 1899, as the Federal party, declares in favor of "a firm and 
resolute tendency towards absolute identity with the United States," 
the early establishment of a territorial form of government, the exten- 
sion of suffrage to all resident citizens, free commerce between Porto 
Rico and the rest of the Union, greater freedom for banking institu- 
tions, municipal autonomy and American methods in popular educa- 
tion. Its leader, Senor Luis Muhoz Rivera, was secretary of govern- 
ment or state under the autonomistic regime and had a very large 
following. Party feeling was strong, though for mouths after Ameri- 
can occupation no principle, apparently, was at issue. The differ- 
ences grew partly out of the history of the struggle for autonomy, 
including the first election under it, and partly out of the fact that 
one party was in and the other out of office. 

ROADS, RAILROADS, AND COMMUNICATION. 

There can be no civilization without means of communication and 
transportation. Porto Rico had a cheap and fairly effective telegraph 
and postal system, both under Government direction, but its roads, 
with few exceptions, were bad, and its railroads incomplete and not 
altogether satisfactory. There exists on paper a plan for a railroad 
system all the way around the island, but the gaps are much longer 
than the lines. From San Juan, the French line, so far as completed, 
extends along the northern shore westward to Camuy, a distance of 
62 miles; then there is a, break from Camuy to Aguadilla of 25 miles; 
the line begins again at Aguadilla and goes on to Hormigueros, 34 
miles; from Hormigueros to Yauco is another break of 21 miles; the 
third part runs from Yauco to Ponce, 22 miles, making a total for 
the French company of 118 miles, with breaks of 16 miles, in the 
route from San Juan to Ponce — 164 miles. 

•From Ponce eastward around to San Juan, about 140 miles, the rail- 
road is yet unbuilt, excepting about 14 miles, by the French company, 
from San Juan to Carolina. There are three other short lines of rail- 
road, one extending from Catano, opposite San Juan, to Bayamon, 
4.35 miles; another from San Juan to Rio Piedras, 7 miles, and 
another from Anasco, on the west coast, to Alto Sano, 11 miles, with 
an extension in view to Lares. The total for all lines is 154 miles. 
The railroads are all narrow gauge. The French lines and the line to 
Bayamon are 39.37 inches, the line to Rio Piedras 30 inches, and the 
Anasco line only 23f inches. The speed of passenger trains on the 
French road is about 15 miles an hour on the San Juan-Camuy branch 
and less on the Aguadilla-Mayaguez branch,, or ordinary trolley time 
in this country. On the Aguadilla-Mayaguez branch it is about 12 
miles. There are three classes of passenger fares. For first-class 
tickets from San Juan to Camuy the rate is $4.95; second-class, $3.85; 
third-class, $2.75, being about 8 centavos a mile for the first, 6 for the 
second, and 4-J- for the third. The cost of first-class passage from San 
Juan to Yauco, including coach hire, is about $30, using mail coaches; 
when the roads are bad, or by private coaches, it may be $40 or $50. 
By coach over the military road between San Juan and Ponce, 78 



39 

miles, the rate is $30, for one or two passengers. The freight charges 
are based on distances, amounts, and speed of trains. The rate 
between San Juan and Camuy (62 miles) on a hundredweight is $3, 
fast time. By slower trains the prices are arranged in four classes, 
ranging from $7 per ton up to $15 between Camuy and San Juan. 
There are also special tariffs, in which the following are included: 
Sugar, muscovado or refined, from Camuy to San Juan, $4.95 for each 
1,000 kilograms, or ton, the minimum price being for 6,000 kilograms; 
that is, on any amount less than 6,000 kilograms the price would be 
six times $4.95, or $29.70. Coffee pays at the same rate. The freight 
on flour, oats, rice, or corn between the same points is at the rate of 
$7 a ton, the minimum price being $35. Oranges, lemons, cocoanuts, 
plantains, potatoes, etc., pay at the rate of $2.56 per 1,000 kilograms 
from Barceloneta to San Juan, 40 miles. According to statements 
made to the commissioner at Yaueo, freight rates seem to be about 
equal to those by cart when the roads are in ordinary condition. Both 
freight and passenger charges are too high in comparison with prices in 
general, and both a quicker and cheaper railroad service is desirable. 
If the resources of the island are to be developed, improved railroad 
facilities are indispensable. The insular government agreed to insure 
a net income of 8 per cent to the French company. On behalf of the 
latter it is claimed that lower rates would, increase the annual deficit 
to be made up by the province, which was about $150,000 in 1898; 
but lower rates and more rapid service would doubtless secure more 
business and therefore a larger income. 

The importance of having a line of railroad around the island can 
hardly be overestimated. Nothing has been done recently to com- 
plete the project undertaken by the French company, except that the 
roadbed has been extended some little distance beyond Hormigueros 
toward Yauco. If the belt line were completed it would be possible 
to market much of the agricultural produce which can not now be 
shipped, or shipped promptly, by reason of bad roads and high cart- 
age rates. Quick and cheap rail communication between the various 
points and ports on the entire coast of Porto Rico must be provided 
at an early day if the resources of the island are to be properly 
developed. 

Whether short lines to the interior are necessary, there may be two 
opinions; they are quite practicable, for there are many rivers which 
open the way through the mountains. Electric roads could be built, 
equipped, and operated more cheaply, and would, doubtless, be suffi- 
cient, except where heavy grades are necessary. 

The roads of the island are, in part, maintained by the insular and 
in part by the municipal governments. The carreteras, or highways, 
are under the control of the bureau of public works, department of 
the interior. Those which connect the towns of two or more municipal 
districts are in this class. The military road, so called, between San 
Juan and Ponce, crossing eight municipal districts, 133 kilometers in 
length, is the finest in the island. It is a smooth, macadamized road, 
divided into sections, with a house in each for the roadmaster. It 
cost, on the average, $15,000 per mile to construct, and requires 
$15,000 or more annually to keep it in condition. There are good, 
substantial bridges, except in the Ponce district. A branch road 
from Cayey to Guayama is of the same excellent character. In the 
same category are a few other short roads, notably the one from 
Aguadilla through Moca to San Sebastian, and that from the Playa 
of Ponce to Adjuntas. The rest of the carreteras, or highways, may 



40 

be classified according to degrees of badness. The very important 
one connecting the terminus of the »railroad at Camuy with that at 
Aguadilla is extremely rough most of the distance, with alternate 
soft places. It is a wonder that the coaches, usually of the phaeton 
class, are able to endure the strain. The horses, small but willing, 
are driven with no mercy. Some of the carreteras are nothing more 
than trails; for example, that between Yabucoa and Maunabo. An 
American ambulance was got over it once, and the feat is spoken of 
as miraculous. "When rain falls abundantly the roads of the plains 
and valleys, and, in fact, all which have not a rock foundation or are 
not macadamized, are extremely bad. They become so soft that teams 
are sometimes actually drowned in mud. Where this danger is not 
imminent the roads are rough beyond the power of description. At 
Utuado the commissioner was warned not to undertake to go to Lares 
without first making his will. Mud holes and hillocks occur in each 
track in such confused succession that while the fore wheel on one 
side is ascending, that on the other is descending, with the conditions 
reversed for the hind wheels. 

The caminos vecinales, or vicinage roads, are supposed to be kept 
in order by the various municipalities. Few are even in fair condi- 
tion. The larger cities give this matter more attention. Ponce spent 
in 1897 $13,000 on its streets and $7,200 on its roads; for 1899 the 
appropriations for roads and bridges was $3,230; in the district of 
Humacao the amount is $2,000, not sufficient, the mayor said, to keep 
the three roads in repairs; in Aibonito, nothing. In the important 
district of Yauco the vicinage roads are so bad in some places that 
coffee is brought down on the backs of mules over mere trails. 

The demand for good roads was more general than any other pre- 
sented to the commissioner. A memorial from Arroyo stated that 
"without roads the riches of the island can not be developed." 
Another, from the municipal council of Utuado, said: "Real roads do 
not exist from the interior to the coast; only tracks, dangerous even 
to travelers, are available, preventing the development of the country 
and sapping its life every day;" a delegation from Ponce represented 
that "means of transportation to and from the interior of the island 
are to-day in about the same primitive state as when Porto Rico was 
discovered," and that its "immense natural resources can not be 
developed" unless attention be given to this matter. In response .to 
the universal request for better roads, the military government has 
expended large sums of money, under its own direction, in road build- 
ing, but it will require years of ordinary effort to secure a proper sys- 
tem for the island. 

This subject is of the greatest importance. It is fundamental to 
the well-being and progress of Porto Rico. It affects all human 
interests — social, educational, industrial, commercial, political. Good 
roads increase travel and social visitation; make school facilities 
available; lessen the cost of marketing industrial and agricultural 
products ; cheapen the price of the necessaries of life ; make commer- 
cial transactions easier; facilitate the functions of government, and 
render possible a quick and effective postal system. Bad roads are 
the enemies ,of civilization. They destroy carriages and wagons and 
ruin horses and oxen ; they make the cost of transportation so great 
that products are wasted, production is curtailed, and profits eaten up. 

At Humacao the commissioner was informed that the shipments 
from that port might easily be 20,000 or 25,000 tons a year, instead of 
9,000, indicating an annual loss of 11,000 to 16,000 tons. The cost of 



41 

transporting a hogshead of sugar, 1,600 to 1,800 pounds, from San 
Lorenzo to San Juan is $6. If the road to Humacao were passable it 
could be taken to that port for $2, a loss evidently of $4 a hogshead. 
The cost of transportation from Juncos to Humacao is so great that 
the margin of profit is very small. Planters in Utuado declare that 
it costs as much to get coffee from that district to the shipping port 
as from the port to Liverpool. In the wet season it costs an extra 25 
cents a quintal to send coffee from Utuado to Ponce. At Gobo, on the 
border of the districts of Arecibo and Utuado, the commissioner's 
party overtook an ox team loaded with merchandise that had been 
already two days and a night on the way to Utuado. The planters 
and merchants in Humacao, when questioned as to why they did not 
raise more rice, pineapples, oranges, and cocoanuts, stated that it was 
because of lack of facilities of transportation. 

At most of the ports the arrangements for shipping and unloading 
goods are of a primitive character. There is no wharf even for small 
boats. Passengers must wade or be carried on the shoulders of the 
boatmen. The loading of a hogshead of sugar is a serious matter. A 
large flatboat, used as a lighter, is brought as near shore as possible 
and turned upon its side. The hogshead is then rolled in and the boat 
is righted. Port improvements are almost as necessary as good roads. 
More coastwise vessels are needed for the island commerce, and some 
of the port charges need to be reduced. At Humacao the pilot fee for 
each vessel was said to be $28, which is very burdensome, particularly 
when only a few goods are landed. 

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. 

The policy which has governed in Porto Rico hitherto seems to have 
been to put all its energy into the production of sugar, coffee, tobacco, 
and cattle, and import most of its food supply. Its crops, under a 
system of cultivation not the most advantageous, have been so large 
that it could pay its heavy bills for foreign goods, meet enormous 
interest charges on its working capital, and have generally a profit 
left. The movement of commerce at the custom-houses was indicated 
by detailed statistics, published under official auspices. For the cal- 
endar year 1897 the importations amounted in value to $17,858,063, 
native money, of which $7,152,016, or a little more than 40 per cent, 
came from Spain; $3,749,815, or upward of 20 per cent, from the 
United States; $1,755,755, a little less than 10 per cent, from England; 
$1,445,600 from English possessions; $1,314,603 from Germany; and 
the rest from many other countries, including $913,069 from India 
and $692,780 from Cuba. The importations from English possessions 
consisted chiefly of fish from Canada. From Cuba came manufac- 
tured tobacco and chocolate; from Spain, hats and shoes, rice, wines, 
olive oil, soap, furniture, and cotton goods; from the United States, 
coal, kerosene oil, boards, pork and lard, and flour; from Germany, 
rice, beer, cheese, and building materials; from England, coal, corru- 
gated iron for roofs, cotton goods, machinery, and cheese; from India, 
Belgium, and Denmark, rice; and from South America, jerked beef. 
Bacalao (codfish) and rice are the chief articles of common diet. The 
importation of rice was enormous — 35,451,874 kilos, or 77,994,122 
pounds — far exceeding in weight any other single article, not even 
excepting coal. In value it exceeded by a million pesos any other 
imported article. Of codfish, 11,244,245 kilos, valued at $1,461,752, 
was imported; of flour, 13,852,030 kilos, valued at $969,642; of pork 



42 

and lard, 4,649,784 kilos, valued at $1,309,935. Including rice, flour, 
fish, pork and lard, vegetables and canned produce, cheese, olive oil, 
and common wines, the food importations reached a value of nearly 
$8,000,000, or well-nigh 45 per cent of the entire list of foreign 
articles. 

The exports — $18,574.678 — were in 1897 heavier than the imports, 
the balance in favor of the island being $716,615, or, deducting the 
articles reexported, $494,478. Coffee leads the list of exports in value. 
The quantity exported was 23,504,999 kilos, valued at $12,222,599, 
which was less by 3 ? 157,195 kilos and $1,641,741 than in 1896. Next 
to coffee, constituting nearly two-thirds of the volume of exports, 
came sugar— 57,648,851 kilos, or 126,827,472 pounds (63,413 tons), 
valued at $4,007,9,99, an increase both in quantity and value over the 
crop of 1896. The value of the tobacco exported was $1,194,318; of 
molasses, $403,520, and of hides, $71,852. 

The coffee found market chiefly in Spain, France, Cuba, Germany, 
and Italy, very small amounts going to other European countries and 
the United States. The bulk of the tobacco crop went to Cuba to be 
manufactured. The United States, Spain, and Denmark took nearly 
all the centrifugal sugar; the United States and Spain most of the 
muscovado sugar, and the United States three-fourths of the molasses. 
Hides went chiefly to Spain, France, and Germany ; rum to Spain and 
Africa; cocoanuts to the United States and Cuba; oranges to the 
United States; the chocolate bean to Spain; cattle, of which the 
export value was $221,720, to Cuba and other West India islands; 
salt to the Dutch islands. Small quantities of vegetables, minor 
fruits, chickens, eggs, etc., are also exported. 

The imports were carried in 1,135 vessels — 809 steam and 326 sail- 
ing. Of the total number 210 were from Spain, 168 from the United 
States, 179 from 'the English possessions, 144 from Cuba, and 137 
from England. 

The commerce of Porto Rico was controlled almost entirety by 
Spanish and European houses. Comparatively few Porto Ricans 
were engaged in either the banking or the mercantile branch. . The 
leading retail merchants were also Spaniards and had Spanish clerks. 
The majority of the planters or farmers were Porto Ricans, and the 
industries were mostly in their hands. Of the industries, apart from 
those belonging to the culture of the soil, which will be described 
under "Agriculture," there is little to be said. They are few in num- 
ber and small in extent. Salt is produced, notably at Cabo Rojo, by 
evaporation; hats, both common and fine, are made in the same sec- 
tion, chiefly by women ; there are a few factories of chocolate, soap, 
carriages, shoes, sdup paste, matches, ice, tinware, and trunks for 
domestic consumption. The manufacture of tobacco has assumed 
important proportions since the tariff was established on the raw 
material in Cuba and on the finished article in Porto Rico. All the 
cigarettes and most of the cigars used in the island are now made 
there. Rum is made in considerable quantities from the residuum of 
the sugar mills, and some of it is turned into bay rum, artificial bran- 
dies, and other liquors. There are sugar mills on many of the estates, 
very few of the most approved pattern, and centrifugal and musco- 
vado sugars and molasses are produced. The central system needs 
to be introduced for the sake of economy. Many mills are in ruins 
and vast sums of money have been wasted in niultiptying poor plants. 
In the beautiful valley of San German, from almost any point, one 
can see twelve or thirteen chimneys, the mills of most of which were long 



43 

since past grinding. The triple-effect system is found only in a very 
few mills, and these are owned almost entirely by Englishmen and other 
foreigners. The old method of pressing out the juice between wooden 
cylinders turned by oxen, with open boiling pans, in which the boiling 
liquor is skimmed by immense paddles and dipped by hand from one 
vat to another, is still used in many places. The waste from this 
process, known as the Jamaica train system, is very large, and it is 
difficult to see how any margin of profit is left to the producer. Coffee 
is prepared in primitive mortars and also by large modern mills, 
which strip off the inner husk, polish the berry, and color it for the 
European markets. The sorting and much of the cleaning also are 
done by hand, women and girls being employed at prices extremely 
low. There is excellent clay in the island from which bricks are 
made and also rude earthen jugs and roof tiles. The sea is well 
stocked with numerous varieties of fish, but comparatively few per- 
sons are engaged in catching and selling them, perhaps because of the 
difficulty of transporting them in a fresh state. They spoil utterly in 
a few hours. Oil was refined at Catano in a small refinery which the 
late hurricane destroyed. 

Many industries are possible which have not yet been undertaken, 
or undertaken in a small and ineffective way. The materials for the 
manufacture of soap and candles are abundant, and these articles 
command good prices. The cattle industry being large, and good tan 
bark from the mangle tree right at hand, tanneries might be estab- 
lished to cure hides which are now exported. There are numerous 
vegetable fibers, from which sacking, used in large quantities for 
sugar and coffee bags, could be made; also cordage, baskets, ham- 
mocks, sleeping mats, door mats, now made in small quantities, and 
a variety of useful articles. The yucca, from which a small quantity 
of starch is made, is easily raised, and the mayor of Fajardo says it 
yields a profit of $20 an acre. 
pf? • The commissioner questioned the people of Humacao, Yauco, and 
/ other cities as to the materials for possible industries, and they gave 
long lists of them. The lack of capital was given as the reason why 
they have not been established. Perhaps initiative and technical 
knowledge are also wanting. It is of the utmost importance to the 
future of Porto Rico that its industries should be increased. When- 
ever coffee, sugar, and tobacco crops are destroyed by hurricanes, 
which visit the island three or four times a century, or bring small 
returns on account of low prices, the masses are in danger of starva- 
tion; not quick, direct starvation, which is hardly possible in a land 
where natural fruits are so abundant, but starvation of the slow kind, 
which gradually saps the strength, weakens the will power, and pre- 
pares the way for disease. The cry of labor is for more work, par- 
ticularly in the cities. The starting of new industries is an economical 
necessity, and it should be the policy of the United States to encour- 
age it. The prosperity of the island must be built on this basis. 
When labor is respected and well employed, the masses become larger 
consumers, and all classes of business are benefited. Spain never 
encouraged the Porto Paeans to establish any industry in the island 
which would unfavorably affect those of the Peninsula. For this 
reason its resources have never been developed, have never really 
enjoyed a golden age, and the mother country had. a restricted where 
\ it might have had an extensive market; for if the masses had been 
able to secure constant employment they would have bought Spain's 
fabrics to clothe themselves, and consumed quantities of articles that 



44 

they have been compelled to do without. In the United States a poor 
man carries an umbrella when it rains; in Porto Rico he protects him- 
self with a banana leaf. Give the latter the means and he will buy 
other things than codfish, rice, and a few garments of cheap cotton 
goods. 

AGRICULTURE. 

This is the chief, almost the only, source of industrial wealth in 
Porto Rico. Most of the lands — even the mountains — are susceptible 
to cultivation or use for pasturage. One may see on the military road 
near Cayey a tobacco field covering the whole side of a mountain from 
the base to the summit. The proportion of land under actual cultiva- 
tion is difficult to determine. It is not known certainly how much 
there is, as the area of the island has not been definitely ascertained, 
nor the surface occupied by water and by sites of cities and towns. 
The returns of the provincial board of taxation made in 1896 for rural 
estates may, however, be taken as a basis for an estimate. Those 
returns indicated that 294,973 acres were devoted to cane, coffee, 
tobacco, and other crops. > Taking 3,860 square miles, equal to 2,460,400 
acres, as representing the area of Porto Rico, it would follow that a 
little less than one-eighth of the entire surface was under cultivation 
in 1896. Of pasture lands there were 1,116,262 acres and of forests 
and other similar areas 657,631, making a total for rural property of 
2,068,866 acres. This would only leave 391,534 acres for city and town 
sites, streams and lakes, roads, etc. The common estimate of Porto 
Ricans is that only one-tenth of the cultivable lands are in actual cul- 
tivation at any one time. Partial returns of the bureau of agriculture 
at San Juan for 1899 show that in forty-five municipal districts eighty- 
one of two hundred and eighty-nine sugar-cane plantations are not in 
cultivation. The acreage devoted to the several crops, particularly 
to sugar cane and tobacco, varies from year to year. The tax returns 
indicate 60,953 rural estates and 50,753 owners. 

The lands are usually classified under four heads : Vegas de primera 
clase are alluvial lands, particularly valuable for sugar cane and cat- 
tle raising ; sobre vegas, higher lands, also alluvial, but not so rich as 
those of the first class; mountain lands, often requiring fertilizers, 
good for coffee, cattle, and small fruits; and, lastly, mountain tops, 
usually covered with forests. Along the coasts are sandy soils, good 
for little except cocoa palms, and tracts subject to the action of the 
tides, which could be redeemed by banks or dikes. The soils of the 
plains and valleys are generally very rich. They have borne crops 
for generations without the application of fertilizers, and seem to be 
well-nigh inexhaustible. There is a variety of soils — humiferous, 
consisting of organic matter ; argillaceous, or clayey ; siliceous, or 
sandy, and calcareous, or containing limestone. As classified for 
purposes of taxation, the alluvial soils of plains and valle3 7 s are con- 
sidered most valuable ; those of highlands, containing loam, with sand, 
clay, or lime, fall into the second classs ; lands producing inferior 
pasture, into the third, and rocky areas, which grow nothing but 
bushes, into the fourth. 

The crops most generally raised are, in the order of areas occupied, 
according to the agricultural census of 1896, coffee, 121,176 acres; 
cane, 60,884; tobacco, 4,222. Besides these are frutos menores, or 
minor products, including vegetables and bananas, to the raising of 
which 92,576 acres were devoted, and other crops, including oranges, 



45 

cocoanuts, and fruits in general, covering 16,115 acres. The lower 
alluvial lands of the coast plains and the valleys of the interior are 
well suited to cane; the elevated plains and the mountain valleys to 
coffee. Tobacco grows well in strong soils of the valleys and mountain 
sides. Cane, coffee, and tobacco are grown in every municipal district 
save Vieques, which produces no coffee. 

Coffee can not be raised without shade, as in Brazil. The coffee 
bushes need five years for full development, under the shade of banana 
or guava, or other trees. Bananas give both shade and fruit the first 
year; guavas and other trees in about five years. The coffee plant 
begins to bear full crops at the end of seven years, and continues in 
bearing condition to 25 and even 50 years of age. Coffee farms are 
exempted from taxes for the first five years. The amount produced 
varies from 1 or 1-J to 3 or more quintals per cuerda, a cuerda being 
a little less than an acre. The cost of production, including planting, 
picking, hulling, drying, sacking, and carrying to market, is estimated 
at about $10 per quintal. As the price was only $13 to $15 this year, 
there was little margin of profit; but this price was unusually low. 
.The average size of the coffee plantations in the neighborhood of 
Aibonito was said to be from 80 to 100 cuerdas. The grades of coffee 
produced are among the finest, and Porto Rican coffee brings excellent 
prices in European markets, for which it has to be polished and 
slightly colored. 

/The cane fields are found on the plains lying next to the coast line 
of the island and in some of the interior valleys. There are two 
systems of culture, one called the petty, by which planting is done in 
February or March and the crop is cut a year later; in the other, 
called the larger method, the planting is done in October and the 
entire cutting follows fifteen months later. Many of the lands are 
said to need fertilizing, much having been taken from them and little 
or nothing given back. The smaller farmers, having but little land, 
plant it so continuously that it fails to produce satisfactory results. 
On the larger plantations the process of alternation of crops can be 
carried out to some extent. Sugar plantations range in size from a 
few acres up to 700, 800, and even 1^000. The tendency in recent 
years has been to increase the size and diminish the number of plan- 
tationsj The planters go back to the days of slavery, which was 
abolished in 1873, as the golden days of the sugar industry. Then 
they got $5 and $6, where they scarcely get $3 now, and the expenses 
of production were then much smaller. Formerly they had sufficient 
capital to work their estates and did not need to borrow much; now 
they depend largely on borrowed capital, for which they pay from 
9 to 16 or even 18 percent per annum, x The fall in prices in the 
world's markets has, of course, been due to increased production in 
other lands, in which the beet has become the rival of the cane. 
While cane producers elsewhere have improved their methods of cul- 
ture and manufacture, those of Porto Rico have changed but little. 
According to native experts, the production is only from 2 to 4 hogs- 
heads of 1,400 to 1,800 pounds each, when it might be 5 or 6 hogs- 
heads. They use seed from the same stock year after year. A dis- 
ease, affecting almost the whole of the stock, attacks it, and the pro- 
priety of changing the seed frequently had not even occurred to some 
of the growers. The changa (grillo-talpa), a cricket, commits great 
ravages among the young plants, and Spanish experts have failed to 
find a remedy. To almost all questions relating to improved methods 



46 

the planters gave the uniform answer that capital was required, and 
they had no capital. For example, the examination of the planters 
of one of the rich valleys proceeded substantially as follows : 

Q. What is the present state of the sugar industry? — A. Deplorable. 

Q. Due to what cause ? — A. Poverty of owners and of soil. 

Q. Why not use fertilizers?-— A. We have no capital. 

Q. Why do you not use phosphates from your mountains ? — A. Because we lack 
the means to mine them. 

Q. Why are you so poor? — A. Because, not having sufficient capital, we have to 
borrow at exorbitant rates of interest. 

Q. Why do not the planters unite for mutual improvement and defense and the 
study of methods ? — A. Because we have no money. 

Q. You have many poor mills and few good ones. Why do you not introduce 
the central system as an economical measure ? — A. Because we have no capital. 

Q. If your cane suffers from disease, why not try new seed? — A. We would, but 
we have no money. 

Certainly the condition of the sugar industry is deplorable, and the 
lack of capital is evident and affects all branches of agriculture. 
There is a combination of causes. First, decrease in prices, with no 
corresponding decrease in expenses of production and transportation; 
second, waste in method of manufacture; third, heavy interest rates; 
fourth, onerous direct taxes, amounting to 12^ per cent, or more, of 
net profits; fifth, high customs duties on machinery and heavy tax on 
the right of importation; sixth, withdrawal of capital by Spaniards 
returning to the Peninsula with the Spanish troops. -This last cause 
alone, considering the small amount of currency in circulation, would 
have serious results. While in other countries falling prices have 
been met by increased economy in production and manufacture, in 
Porto Rico planters seemed to be caught in a web of difficulties from 
which extrication was not possible. It is evident that, apart from the 
question of increased capital, at reasonable interest, to work their 
plantations, which they unite in urging as the first great need, and 
free access to the markets of the United States as the second, they 
must give more attention to methods of cultivating and manufactur- 
ing their crops, and agricultural experiment stations will be of great 
value. 

The third crop in value is tobacco. This was formerly a paying 
industry. The chief difficulty in growing it seems to be due to the 
changa. To protect the young plant from this insect, it is wrapped 
in the mamey leaf. This, it is said, affects its growth and its flavor. 
Formerly, most of the tobacco was shipped to Cuba, where it was 
manufactured. The tariff has shut it out of that market, and much 
of it is being manufactured at home. But there is no market except 
the home market ready for the manufactured article. The processes 
of cultivating and drying need, evidently, to be improved. Experts 
claim that the Porto Riean cigars have a green taste. 

The other vegetable crops are usually called f rutos menores. They 
consist of rice, corn — which is very highly esteemed as food, particu- 
larly by the colored people — potatoes, yams, bananas, squashes, toma- 
toes, and other garden produce. As seen in the markets, most of 
these articles are greatly inferior in size. Potatoes and tomatoes are 
scarcely larger than marbles; eggplants, cabbages, and pumpkins 
than goose eggs. The explanation generally given is that attention is 
absorbed by the chief crops, and the lesser ones are expected to pro- 
duce themselves, with little or no cultivation. The prices are gener- 
ally good. In the market at Ponce, in March, 1899, small native 
cabbages were selling at 10 and 12 centavos, while large imported 
cabbages brought 60 centavos a head. The appearance of the vegeta- 



47 

ble stands suggests that long use of seed of the same stock and lack 
of suitable culture have resulted in degeneration. It would seem that 
potatoes and onions equal to those of Bermuda might be produced 
and sent to markets in the United States in the winter or early spring, 
when the demand for those articles makes the prices remunerative. 
The commissioner was told that rice of fair quality is grown without 
great labor. As this is preeminently the food of the poor, the natural 
suggestion is that more of it should be raised for home consumption. 
Annotto, which yields a coloring material, is cultivated quite gener- 
ally; and yucca, out of which starch is manufactured, is, it is claimed, 
a profitable crop. The soil and climate seem to be well suited to the 
cacao, from the beans of which chocolate is made, and the production 
could be easily increased if there were better facilities for getting it 
to market. 

The fruits are such as are common to tropical countries. The 
orange, the culture of which is almost entirely neglected, is the finest 
fruit the island produces. It is large, juicy, very sweet, and has an 
exquisite flavor. The tree is seen almost everywhere, but yields the 
best results in the mountainous districts. It is very prolific, and in 
January, February, and March it is at its best, and the prices are 
remarkably cheap. They could be purchased in some districts at 10 
centavos (about 6 cents) a hundred, and an American is said to have 
purchased a shipload at $2 a thousand. Few have been shipped to 
the United States, owing, it is said, partly to lack of certainty of 
transportation and partly to the cost of freightage. Cocoanuts are 
produced abundantly, particularly on the sandy shores, where little 
else will grow. Bananas grow everywhere in great variety and quan- 
tity, and form an important article of food for the poor. They require 
little attention and are very prolific. The small and delicious guineo 
is also grown. Unfortunately, it is too delicate to ship to other coun- 
tries. Among other fruits which are valued by all classes are lirnes, 
a .large and sweet kind of lemon, aguacates, or alligator pears, used 
for salad and spread on bread instead of butter; nispolas, very sweet 
and juicy; corazones, sweet and mushy; fresas, a small wild berry 
resembling the strawberry, with the flavor of the raspberry; pine- 
apples of a delicious quality; guayaba, of which excellent jelly is 
made; grosella, fruit of a tree, used for a dulce, or preserve; man- 
goes, tamarinds, and breadfruit. Grapes are also grown. At Fajardo 
the commissioner was informed that an excellent quality of Malaga 
grapes was raised there, and that three crops a year were gathered. 

The most obvious suggestion to those who study the soils and crops 
and agricultural methods of the island is the necessity of. improved 
culture of all products, and increased attention to vegetables and 
fruits. Porto Rico can and ought to raise more rice, potatoes, and 
similar articles for its own consumption, if not for export. Its oranges 
and pineapples, already very fine, can doubtless be developed by cul- 
ture to such a state of excellence as to compel recognition in the 
world's markets. But any material increase in native products for 
exportation can hardly be expected until better and cheaper facilities 
of inland transportation are secured. How the question of roads 
affects production is illustrated by the following questions and 
answers. Mr. Roig is a merchant, and owner of a sugar mill at 
Humacao : 

The Commissioner. What crops are raised here in addition to sugar? 

Mr. Roig. Corn, beans, yucca, a very few potatoes, some cabbage and other 
vegetables. We have a few oranges, also a few lemons, but only enough for our 
own use. Oranges are produced here easily. 



48 

The Commissioner. Why don't you raise larger quantities of oranges? 

Mr. Roig. Because no one has thought of doing so. I think there is more money 
in planting cane. 

The Commissioner. Do you raise rice? 

Mr. Roig. Very little. It flourishes, but it comes cheaper from outside? 

The Commissioner. Is it any trouble to raise it? 

Mr. Roig. No. 

The Commissioner. Why, then, do you import it? 

Mr. Roig. All the rice here is raised by the poor people. 

The Commissioner. Do you raise many bananas? 

Mr. Roig. Only for home consumption. 

The Commissioner. Why don't you raise them for export? 

Mr. Roig. I am unable to say. 

The Commissioner. I think I can tell you why. Your roads are so bad you can 
not get them to market. What other crops are raised? 

Mr. Roig. Cocoanuts. 

The Commissioner. Do you raise many for export? 

Mr. Roig. Yes. 

The Commissioner. You have plenty of land on which you could grow more for 
export, have you not? 

Mr. Roig. Yes; we come to what we said before. 

The Commissioner. Do you raise pineapples? 

Mr. Roig. Yes. 

The Commissioner. Do they require much labor? 

Mr. Roig. No. 

The Commissioner. You don't export any? 

Mr. Roig. No; or at least very few. 

Perishable products need quick as well as cheap transportation, and 
it is obvious that opportunities for sale may be lost by delay, and that 
regular service by carriers is a matter of importance. 

The raising of cattle is an important and lucrative industry. The 
pasture is generally abundant and of good quality, and the expense 
account is small. The breed is of African stock crossed with Euro- 
pean, and the cattle are large and heavy and Avell suited for the meat 
market and for working purposes. The cows are generally poor milk- 
ers, the maximum quantity being 8 or 10 quarts a day for each cow. 
Doubtless the fact that they are only milked once a day accounts in 
part for the small quantity. The quality of the milk is poor. The 
oxen are extensively used for plowing and carting, the race of horses 
having so degenerated, although originally of the famous Andalusian 
strain, that they are chiefly of use for the carriage and the saddle. 
A pair of oxen ready for work will bring $100, being worth more than 
a pair of ordinary ponies. Besides supplying the. domestic meat mar- 
ket, many cattle are shipped to other West Indian islands, chiefly Cuba. 
The number of head in the island in 1896 was upward of 300,000. 
The chief cattle districts are on the north side. The retail prices of 
beef vary from 28 to 40 or 42 centavos a kilo, or 2.2 pounds. 

CONDITION OF THE LABORING CLASSES. 

Those who depend upon daily wages for support constitute the great 
majority of the people. The sources of employment are not numerous. 
The raising, harvesting, and grinding of cane require many more 
hands than the care and cure of coffee or tobacco; but even on sugar 
estates the work is not continuous. Some are kept the year round; 
others only during the busiest season. .; The daily wages of the com- 
mon field laborer range generally from 35 to 50 cents, native money. 
A few of the more skilled get from 60 to 75 cents a day in the mills. 
Young boys and the few women employed receive about 25 or 30 cents 
a day. Women are rarely seen at work in the fields. Sometimes they 



49 

assist at, the mill in putting cane in the carrier which takes it to 
the cylinders. Men are paid by the day to work in the tobacco fields; 
but coffee pickers and sorters are hired, not by the day, but at so much 
by measure. Women and girls are found in' coffee houses doing the 
sorting, and also in tobacco factories. In the poor quarters at Arecibo 
the women who worked at coffee sorting stated that they made from 
12 to 18 cents a day, never more than 24 cents. They received 6 cents 
a kettle. Ten kettles make a quintal, or a hundred pounds, and they 
could not do half a quintal a day. Laborers in the cane field usually 
go to work early in the morning, at 7 o'clock or before, and work 
steadily until 3 in the afternoon, when they quit for the day. On one 
estate visited by the commissioner they were served once during the 
forenoon with bread, presumably by the planter. In the mills the day 
is from sunrise to sunset. 

The house of the laborer is very small and very poor. In the rural 
districts it is built usually of thatch of the palm, leaves of the sugar 
cane, or other vegetable fibers. It is placed on four posts, standing 
from 1 to 3 feet from the ground. The floor is very uneven and far 
from tight. It has generally three rooms, sometimes only two. These 
rooms are usually about 6 by 7 or 8 by 10 feet in size. Fortunately, 
no sash is needed for the windows in that mild climate. Almost no 
furniture is visible. A kettle serves as a sort of portable range. In 
this, with a little charcoal or splinters of wood, whatever cooking is 
necessary is done. Sometimes a scissors bedstead, without mattresses 
or pillows, and with little covering, is seen ; sometimes a sack or two 
suspended from the roof does duty as a hammock. These houses are 
often occupied by families of five or more, who dispose themselves for 
sleep in the different corners of the room, often on palm branches. 
For chairs, a box or two must do as substitutes; and as for tables, it 
is not every man that can afford one. 

In the poor quarters of the cities the houses are often made of 
pieces of old boxes or short boards which have served some other 
purpose. In Arecibo houses of this class are ranged in rows or groups 
on very narrow streets or alleys. Several of these houses the com- 
missioner was allowed to examine. In one the husband and wife 
were seated on the floor eating their noon meal from a dish and a 
little naked child was in the back room crying. There was no chair 
or table, only a little wooden stool. Nothing else was visible, except 
the small charcoal stove already described. This house, the roof of 
which was full of holes, brought $2 a month rental to its owner. The 
woman was white, the man black. Other houses in this settlement 
were of the same description; some a little larger; some better kept 
and with more furniture; others a little l^es comfortable, perhaps. 
At one of the larger houses, preparations were being made for the 
usual Sunday night dance. Two men were practicing the music on a 
home made guitar, accompanied by a guira, a native instrument 
made of a gourd, over whose regularly lined surface a short, slender 
iron rod was scraped back and forth. Extreme poverty and squalor 
were in evidence, but there was no sign of vice and unhappiness. 
Living in this neighborhood of kind-hearted, polite, and sociable people 
were a woman, said to be over a hundred years old, evidently having 
Carib blood, and a helpless woman who had been a beggar. Both 
were eared for by those who esteemed themselves better off. The 
sick, in these small, crowded, dirty quarters, are not allowed to suffer 
for a bit of bread, or fish, or a little soup. The poor quarters of 
1125 4 4y 



50 

Yauco are on the hillside. The houses were a little better, perhaps, 
than those in Arecibo. There were no sanitary arrangements of any 
kind, and the water used had to be brought from the river, distant a 
mile or more. Now and then a case of thrift will appear where, under 
similar conditions as those of the majority a family will have better 
food and better furniture and cleaner clothes than their neighbors, 
and sometimes own the house they live in. All are industrious, as a 
rule, and the only complaint they make is that they can not get work 
enough. 

The food of the poor varies in quantity and quality, according to 
their means. In the house of an intelligent laborer at Yauco the 
table was standing when the commissioner visited it. On it were 
small plates of rice and codfish. It was then 5 o'clock in the after- 
noon, and the family of five were taking their first meal that day, and 
said they were thankful for even the small portion they had. A 
woman who had been deserted by her husband was supporting four 
children. * She paid $1.25 a month rent, and earned about 25 cents a 
day picking coffee. Few of the laboring: classes are robust. Tbey 
are small and thin and are decidedly anaemic. More nourishing food 
may be said to be the universal need, and a less destructive drink 
than the native rum. Porto Ricans are not as a rule intern perate. 
Those who can afford it drink wine or beer with their meals in mod- 
eration; but the tariff and consumo tax on common wines put them 
beyond the reach of the poor. The fiery rum does them no little 
physical injury. A good supply of pure water is almost everywhere 
wanting. It would be a boon alike to the well-to-do and the poor. 
The old stone filter's in use are quite inadequate purifiers. 

The ordinary household utensils, not numerous, consist of a square 
tin case in which oil was imported, with a bar of wood across the top 
nailed to the sides to serve as a handle; a fire kettle, like a plumber's; 
cucharas and cucharitas, large and small spoons, and cups and ladles 
made of the gourd ; washtubs fashioned from the sheath of the royal 
palm, the ends being drawn together; mills for coffee and corn, circu- 
lar flat stones, and mortars hollowed out of trunks of trees, with the 
machete to serve as ax, hatchet, and knife, and fingers as a substitute 
for forks. 

The rule of the planters appears to have been to pay their laborers 
in money once a week. To this rule, however, there were exceptions. 
Sometimes they paid in vales or tickets, redeemable at the store of 
the proprietors. There were many complaints from workingmen that 
what they got at these stores was poor in quality and high in price. 
The law required that the wages be paid in money, but the employee 
had no means of enforcing it. Workingmen showed these vales to 
the commissioner and besought his intervention. On inquiry it 
appeared that some of those who paid in this way could not command 
the cash at all seasons of the year, and gave their employees the choice 
,of quitting work or taking them. 

The field laborer is usually illiterate and is bringing up his children 
as he himself was raised, entirety without schooling. This is due in 
part to the lack of school accommodations in rural districts, partly to 
the want of suitable clothing, and in some measure to the failure of 
parents to appreciate the importance of education. The clothing of 
the poor is of the cheapest description and is very meager. The young 
children go entirely naked. Those who have two changes of clothing, 
usually thin cotton goods, consider themselves fortunate. As to shoes, 



51 

few wear them at all. A committee of iTusiness men in Ponce made 
a careful calculation of the number of shoes required annually for the 
people of the island. Their estimate was as follows : Fifty thousand 
wear four pairs a year; 50,000 wear three pairs a year; 50,000 wear 
two pairs a j^ear; 50,000 wear one pair a year. According to this, 
150,000 of the 900,000 inhabitants wear shoes regularly, and 50,000 
irregularly, leaving 700,000 as belonging to the barefoot class. 

The artisans are better educated, have better food, and wear better 
clothes. As their work is chiefly in the cities, it is a necessity for them 
to be suitably dressed. At the invitation of the commissioner, the 
artisans of San Juan, who are organized into a dozen or more gremios 
or unions, came to his headquarters one evening and were examined. 
There were eleven of them, representing painters, tinsmiths, silver- 
smiths, bookbinders, cigar makers, printers, masons, carpenters, 
bakers, shoemakers, and boatmen. Nine of the eleven were colored 
men, who seem to monopolize the trades, at least in the capital. All 
except one wrote his name and occupation in the stenographer's note- 
book. They were neatly dressed, well-appearing, intelligent men. 
Each spoke of his own trade. It appeared that their freedom of meet- 
ing had been restricted, and that they had not been allowed to concert 
strikes. The substance of their complaints was that their yearly in- 
come is too small to allow them to live comfortably and educate their 
children. In most cases their earnings were from $1 to $1.25 or $1.50 
a day of ten or eleven hours. They complained of lack of work; 
that boys of 15 years or less are allowed to undertake toil too hard for 
them, breaking down their physical constitution, and that their trades 
were generally overcrowded. Skilled workmen in other cities were 
worse off. Coopers, tailors, and others on the average get employment 
for only four to six months a year. In Arecibo the commissioner was 
informed that many of the artisans were kept away from the hearing 
because they had no hats or shoes to wear. The carpenters and 
masons suffer because there is little building even in the cities ; the 
bakers, because there are so many of them; the tailors and shoemakers, 
because so many cheap clothes and shoes are imported; the printers, 
because there is so little demand for newspapers. The masons of 
Arecibo, numbering thiiiy-six, prepared a circular in January, 1899, 
asking those able to do so to build houses on the numerous vacant 
lots in that city in order to give masons and carpenters work, but natu- 
rally their appeal was without effect. Some of the masons make less 
than 75 cents a day. One of them in response to an inquiry said the 
conditions had been bad ever since he could remember. 

It is evident that the condition of the laboring classes can not be 
greatly improved unless agriculture becomes prosperous and minor 
industries are developed. This means practically a revolution in the 
methods of raising, and marketing crops, and it can not be accom- 
plished without the influx of new capital. How this shall be attracted 
is one of the problems for those interested in the regeneration of 
Porto Rico. It is manifest that the great object to be gained is the 
raising of the working classes to a higher level of intelligence, of effi- 
ciency as laborers, of power and influence as citizens, and of comfort 
and enjoyment as social creatures. Give them remunerative work, 
and all the rest is possible. They will then, as has already been said 
under another heading, want better houses, better furniture, better 
food and clothing, and this in turn will give increased employment to 
masons and carpenters and to producers of foodstuffs and the vari- 



52 

ous fabrics. The great wheel would turn all the lesser wheels. 
Laborers are good consumers when their labor is sufficiently paid, 
and there can be no real prosperity in which they do not share. 

THE TARIFF. 

The commissioner had the honor of making, in December last, a 
preliminary report on this subject, which will be found in another 
part of this report. Upon the basis of it, the Hon. Robert P. Porter, 
special commissioner for the United States to Cuba and Porto Rico, 
revised the schedules with the aim of levying, on the average, a rate 
of about 15 per cent ad valorem. The change in the value of the 
native money in United States currency, which took effect at about 
the same time, was taken into consideration. Previously the rate of 
$2 Porto Rican to II American had prevailed at the custom-houses; 
the new order made $1.66f Porto Rican receivable for $1 American in 
customs dues. As Mr. Porter points out, this alone made a "reduc- 
tion of 16f per cent in the amount of revenue paid in pesos." The 
effect of the new tariff was to give considerable relief to the people, 
particularly in the price of foodstuffs and the cheaper grades of cot- 
ton goods, and in machinery. All export duties were abolished. A 
special report of its operation was made by the commissioner to the 
Secretary of the Treasury from San Juan in February, 1899, from 
which it appears that at minor points changes are desired. The new 
tariff proves, so far, to be a good revenue producer. The receipts for 
imports in the first six months of 1899, including less than five months 
under the present tariff, amount to $697,902. For the same period in 
1896 they were $705,033; in 1895,1606,065; in 1894, $464,987. There 
are no returns for 1898. The total amount collected in the year 1897, 
according to the official Estadistica General del Comercio Exterior de 
la Provincia de Puerto Rico, expressed in United States money, was 
$1,489,172; the export duties for the same year were $144,844. It is 
not possible with the data available to make an accurate comparison 
between the old tariff and the new as to net results. Attention is 
called to the statistics of manufacture of tobacco and manufacture and 
sale of liquors, gathered with a view to taxation for internal revenue. 

THE CURRENCY AND BANKING. 

The commissioner's views on the currency were also presented in a 
preliminary report. The action of the President in fixing the value 
of the peso in United States money was as just a solution of the 
problem as could have been reached. It only remains to complete 
the process by retiring the native currency when it can be done with- 
out injurjf to the interests of the island, and allowing the monej' of 
the United States to be the circulating medium of the island. The 
depreciated silver of the Spanish regime is a source of confusion in 
commercial transactions. Silver dollars and half dollars — American — 
of practically the same weight and fineness pass for dollars and half 
dollars, while the peso and 40-centavo piece are received at a little more 
than 60 cents and 24 cents, respectively. The time for the change will 
come when cabotage, or free commerce, is established between ports of 
Porto Rico and those of the United States. The people desire a 
monetary system which will harmonize with those of other countries. 

The currency in circulation is so limited in amount and the banking 
facilities so meager that borrowing has been attended with difficulties 



53 

and great expense. There is only one bank of issue — the Spanish 
Bank of Porto Rico, in San Juan — which had in circulation usually 
from $2,500,000 to $3,000,000 of paper money. These notes were 
accepted in some parts of the island, but they were not a legal tender, 
and did not circulate extensively outside of San Juan. The Terri- 
torial and Agricultural Bank, in San Juan, was founded in 1894 on 
the model of the Credit Foncier of France. Its nominal capital is 
$2,400,000, of which only one-fourth has been realized by the sale of 
shares. Its principal business is to make loans on long terms on first 
mortgages on real estate, for which it issues hypothecary bonds. These 
issues have not exceeded $1,000,000. There were two savings banks 
(caja de ahorra), one in Ponce and one in Mayaguez. Their cedulas 
(so large that they had to be folded) obtained some circulation. They 
were taken as a convenience instead of silver. 

There is great need of a banking system for Porto Rico which shall 
allow of the establishment of banks in the chief cities and towns of 
the island. The Spanish banking law permits the free establishment 
of note-issuing banks, provided they are supervised by a governor 
appointed bj^ the Government, the limit of circulating notes being 
fixed at three times the amount of the paid-up capital. Our national 
banks could not meet the urgent demand of the agriculturists for long- 
time loans on mortgages on real estate, but they would be of incal- 
culable benefit to the merchants and business men. They could issue 
notes and thus increase the circulating medium; they could lend on 
collaterals for short terms; they would bring banking facilities into 
every considerable community, and business transactions would be 
largely by check instead of by shipments of silver. The conditions 
of the agriculturists are peculiar, and they unite in saying that loans 
for periods of from twentj^ to thirty or forty years are absolutely nec- 
essary. The Agricultural Bank met their needs in so far as it had 
ability; but its scale of business was far too limited, and but few 
could get accommodations from it. They suggest the establishment 
of similar banks in other cities, or, failing in that, a large increase in 
the capital of the existing bank, the guarantee of its securities by the 
Government, and their recognition in the stock markets of the United 
States. 

CHANGES UNDER THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT. 

The government of the island, its various civil institutions, its codes 
and its courts, the systems of taxation, etc., have been modified in 
very important particulars since the American occupation began, 
October 18, 1898. It will be useful; perhaps, to indicate the more 
important changes. Under Gen. John R. Brooke orders were issued 
declaring — 

(1) That the political relations of Porto Rico with Spain were at an 
end; that provincial and municipal laws were in force in so far as not 
incompatible with the changed conditions, and that they would be 
enforced substantially as they were before. 

(2) Abolishing the use of all stamped paper and stamps of every 
kind for documents, public and private. 

(3) Exempting all conveyances and contracts from the payment of 
royal dues. 

(4) Discontinuing the diputacion provincial, and distributing its 
duties among the secretaries or ministers. 

(5) Directing that appeals should not be sent to the supreme court 
in Madrid, but should be heard by the superior court at San Juan. 



54 

(6) Abolishing the subdelegation of pharmacy which gave degrees 
to pharmacists. 

(7) Making the fisheries free to all. 

Appropriations for the support of the church ceased with American 
occupation, and the Government lottery was discontinued. 

Under the military government of Gen. Guy V. Henry, orders were 
issued — 

(1) Appointing military commissions to try cases of arson and mur- 
der which had accumulated in the civil courts. 

(2) Closing public offices on Sunday, as far as possible. 

(3) Suspending the municipal tax on fresh beef for use of the Army. 

(4) Making Christmas and New Years holidays. 

(5) Forbidding grants or concessions of public or corporate rights 
or franchises without the approval of the commanding general and 
the Secretary of War. 

(6) Abolishing the municipal consumo tax on articles of food, fuel, 
and drink, and providing for additional assessments on the sale of 
liquors and tobacco. 

(7) Separating the collection of customs duties from that of direct 
taxes. 

(8) Establishing a new system of land taxation, by which agricul- 
tural lands should be taxed according to the several classes instituted, 
from 1 peso down to 25 centavos per cuerda, and levying 50 per cent 
additional on lands whose owners reside abroad. 

(9) Providing for the free vaccination of the people of the island. 

(10) Prohibiting the exhumation of bodies in the cemeteries, recog- 
nizing the right of priests to control burials in consecrated grounds, 
and requiring municipalities to keep cemeteries in repair. 

(11) Reducing notarial fees from $1.88 to $1, from 14.50 to $1, from 
$11 to $1, and from $1 to 50 cents, according to class of document and 
canceling others. 

(12) Reorganizing the cabinet, so as to make all the secretaries di- 
rectly responsible to the governor-general. 

(13) Suspending the foreclosure of mortgages on agricultural prop- 
erty and machinery for one year. 

-■■>. (14) Appointing February 22 a holiday. 

(15) Prohibiting the sale of liquor to children under 14 years of age. 

(16) Modifying the civil marriage law. 

— (17) Declaring that eight hours shall constitute a day's work. 
-t- (18) Creating an insular police. 

Under the military government of Gen. George W. Davis orders 
were issued — 

(1) Modifying the order of General Henry concerning hours of labor, 
so as to allow agreements between employer and employee for longer 
or shorter .hours. 

(2) Naming May 30 as a holiday. 

' (3) Allowing the writ of habeas corpus to be issued. 

(4) Constituting a board of prison control and pardon. 

(5) Continuing the observance as a holiday of June 24. 

(6) Creating a provisional court on the basis of circuit and district 
courts of the United States for the hearing of cases not falling within 
the jurisdiction of local insular courts. 

(7) Creating a superior board of health for the island. 

(8) Reorganizing the bureau of public instruction and the system 
of education. 



55 

(9) Relieving the judiciary from all control by the department of 
justice, discontinuing the office of secretary of justice, and appointing 
a solicitor-general. 

(10) Abolishing the sale at auction of the privilege of slaughter of 
cattle, .and making it free. 

(11) Reorganizing the judicial system of the island, with a supreme 
court in San Juan and district courts in San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, 
Arecibo, and Humacao, and with modifications of civil and criminal 
procedure. 

(12) Discontinuing the departments of state, treasury, and interior, 
and creating bureaus of state and municipal affairs, of internal reve- 
nue, and of agriculture, to be placed under the direction of a civil 
secretary, responsible to the governor-general, and continuing the 
bureaus of education and public works, with an insular board of nine 
members to advise the governor-general on matters of public interest 
referred to them. • 

The reductions in the budget of expenditures have been extensive. 
That of 1898-99, adopted in June, 1898, amounted to $1,781,920, 
native money. The appropriations for "general obligations," which 
went to Madrid, $498,502; for the clergy, $197,945; for the army, 
$1,252,378; for the navy, $222,668, making a total of $2,171,493, 
ceased to be obligations, leaving $2,610,428 for the fiscal year. A 
new budget was adopted for the calendar year 1899, which still fur- 
ther reduces expenditures, calling only for $1,462,276. This budget, 
if carried out, would have involved a reduction from the proposed 
budget of 1898-99 of $3,319,644; but a new budget was formed, as 
already stated, for 1899-1900, which appears to call for an increase 
over this very moderate sum. 

The revenues were reduced by the abolition of stamped paper, 
personal passports, export duties, royal dues on conveyances, the lot- 
tery system, and other sources of income, amounting, all told, to less 
probably than a million of pesos. 

WHAT PORTO RICO EXPECTS FROM THE UNITED STATES. 

All classes of natives of the island welcomed the American Army, 
American occupation, and American methods, and accepted without 
hesitation the Stars and Stripes in place of the red and yellow bars. 
They had not been disloyal to the old flag; but it had come to repre- 
sent to them, particularly during the present century, in which a class 
feeling developed between the insular and the peninsular Spaniard, 
partiality and oppression. In the short war, some of the natives occu- 
pying official positions made demonstrations of loyalty to the Crown 
of Spain, as was perfectly natural, but they were among the first to 
submit to American rule when the protocol promised cession of the 
island to the United States. On the other hand, as the commissioner 
is informed, a Porto Rican who had hoped and prayed for American 
intervention for fifty years enrolled himself as a Spanish citizen some 
months after the war was concluded, and his hopes had been realized. 
Porto Ricans generally complained that the former Government dis- 
criminated in favor of the Spaniard, who, in the distribution of the 
offices, was preferred to the native, and who, aided by the powerful 
influence of the authorities, prospered in business as banker, mer- 
chant, manufacturer, or agriculturist. They also insist that the inter- 
nal improvement of the island was neglected; that agriculture bore 



56 

more than its share of the burden of taxation; that the assessments 
were very inequitable and unequal ; that education was not fostered, 
and that in general the welfare of the people was not the first concern 
of their rulers. 

They expect under American sovereignty that the wrongs of cen- 
turies will be righted; that they will have an honest and efficient 
government; the largest measure of liberty as citizens of the great 
j Republic under the Constitution; home rule as provided by the Terri- 
torial system; free access to the markets of the United States and 
no customs duties on goods coming from our ports; a school system 
modeled after that of the United States ; the adoption of the English 
language in due time and the general adaptation to the island of all 
those institutions which have contributed to the prosperity, progress, 
and happiness of the American people. 

The largest and most representative gathering, since American 
occupation, was held in San 5uan, October 30, 1898, without distinc- 
tion of party or class with the object of consultation and formulation of 
a programme for the future, In brief, the propositions of the congress 
as submitted to the commissioner for presentation to the President of 
the United States were these : Immediate termination of military and 
inauguration of civil government; establishment of the Territorial 
sj^stem, with laws common to other Territories of the Union; a legisla- 
ture in two branches; suffrage for all male citizens of 21 j^ears of age 
or over, the right to be surrendered at the end of the first two years by 
those who do not then know how to read and write; judicial reform; 
introduction of the jury system; autonomy for municipal govern- 
ments; taxation on the basis of valuation; free and reciprocal com- 
merce with the ports of the United States; aid for agriculture; 
obligatory and universal education; trade schools; savings banks. 

This programme of reforms seems to have very general support, 
although there is a difference of opinion on certain points. Many 
Porto Ricans urged the commissioner to represent them as desiring 
that the military regime be made as short as possible, not because the 
military governors were in any way objectionable or their rule op- 
pressive, but because the civil status of the island should be fixed 
with no unnecessary delay. There was no other opinion except 
among foreign subjects, many of whom thought that the people were 
not yet ready for self-government, and that the firm hand of military 
power would be needed for probably two years. 

CAPACITY FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT. 

The question of capacity for self-government lies at the threshold 
of the whole subject. It may be said, without fear of contradiction, 
that Porto Ricans have had little opportunity to show their capacity, 

/ and such experience as they may have gained in the government of 
cities and in minor official positions was under a system not the most 

l suitable for developing efficient, independent, impartial, and honest 
public servants. They, themselves, see this clearty and admit it. 
They condemn unsparingly the old methods, and say that they want 
to begin the era of iheir new relations with better institutions, under 
sounder and juster principles, and. with improved methods. Their 
anxiety to learn fully equals their willingness to accept the American 
plan of government. This is not so new to them as manj 7 have sup- 
posed. Some of them have been educated in American institutions, 
not a few of them know our language, and while they might not be 



57 

able to pass a thorough examination in American civil government 
their aspirations for the past half century have been toward the 
United States as a deliverer, and when their allegiance to the Penin- 
sula was broken they knew pretty well what the rights and privileges 
of American citizenship were. They are quick in intellectual appre- 
hension, and have little trouble, either the old or the young, in learn- 
ing to read when there is an object to be gained in doing so. 

If the desire to assume the burdens of local self-government may 
be taken as indicating some degree of capacity for self-government, 
the people of Porto Rico certainly have the desire. They may be 
poor, but they are proud and sensitive, and would be bitterly disap- 
pointed if they found that they had been delivered from an oppress- 
ive yoke to be put under a tutelage which proclaimed their infe- 
riority. Apart from such qualifications as general education and 
experience constitute, the commissioner has no hesitation in affirming 
that the people have good claims to be considered capable of self- 
government. . Education and experience, although too high a value 
ean hardly be set upon them, do not necessarily make good citizens. 
Men may be well educated and yet be bad morally. Moral conduct 
is the first and most indispensable qualification for good citizenship. 
The ignorant and the vicious are often spoken of as though always 
in one class. In some measure they are; but so are the intelligent 
and the vicious. Education is not the invariable line which separates 
good citizens from bad, but active moral sense. m 

The unswerving loyalty of Porto Rico to the Crown of Spain, as 
demonstrated by the truth of history, is no small claim to the confi- 
dence and trust of the United States. The people were obedient under 
circumstances which provoked revolt after revolt in other Spanish 
colonies. The habit of obedience is strong among them. 

Their respect for law is another notable characteristic. They are 
not turbulent or' violent. Riots are almost unknown in the island; so 
is organized resistance to law; brigandage flourished only for a brief 
period after the war and its object was revenge rather than rapine. 

They are not a criminal people. The more violent crimes are by no 
means common. Burglary is almost unknown. There are many cases 
of homicide, but the number in proportion to population is not as large 
as in the United States. Thievery is the most common crime, and 
petty cases make up a large part of this list of offenses. The people 
as a whole are a moral, law-abiding class, mild in disposition, easy to 
govern, and -possess the possibilities of developing a high type of 
citizenship. The fact that so many of them enter into marital rela- 
tions without the sanction of state or church is, of course, a serious 
reflection upon their social morality. Half or more of their children 
are illegitimate. From this stigma they can not escape. But too much 
to their discredit may be easily inferred from this scandalous state of 
affairs. Their apparent defiance.of social, civil, and ecclesiastical law 
is not due to immoral purpose, but to conditions of long standing, 
against which they have deemed it useless to struggle. It is the gen- 
eral testimony that persons living together without the obligations of 
marriage are as a rule faithful to each other, and care for their off- 
spring with true parental love and devotion. 

They are industrious, and are not disposed to shirk the burdens 
which fall, often with crushing force, upon the laboring class. Their 
idleness is usually an enforced idleness. No doubt the ambition of 
many needs to be stimulated, for their lot has been so hopeless of an 
improvement that the desire for more conveniences and comforts may 



58 

have been well-nigh lost. They seem to have few customs or preju- 
dices which would prevent them from becoming good American 
citizens. 

The question remains whether, in view of the high rate of illiteracy 
which exists among them, and of their lack of training in the responsi- 
bilities of citizenship, it would be safe to intrust them with the power 
of self-government. The commissioner has no hesitation in answer- 
ing this question in the affirmative. Who shall declare what is the 
requisite measure of capacity for self-governmentV It may be put so 
high as to rule out all the Central and South American nations and some 
of the nations of Europe which have demonstrated practical!}* their 
capacity for self-government. Tribes living in a very primitive state 
of civilization show capacity to maintain order, to protect their com- 
mon interests, and defend themselves against enemies, and to hold 
individuals accountable to a more or less crude and imperfect system 
of law. Some measure of such capacity is common to the human 
race, better developed among some peoples than among others, but 
characteristic of all. Porto Ricans are surely better prepared than 
were the people of Mexico, or of the colonies in Central and South 
America, which have one after another emancipated themselves from 
foreign domination and entered upon the duties and privileges of self- 
government. Revolutions marked their earlier history with violence 
and bloodshed, because they were a warlike people; but out of it has 
come increased capacity and steady advance toward settled peace, 
with prosperity. The Porto Ricans will make mistakes, but they will 
not foment revolutions or insurrections. They will learn the art of 
governing the only possible way — by having its responsibilities laid 
upon them — and they will fit themselves for the discharge of their obli- 
gations by establishing at once a system of free schools that will give 
every boy and girl a chance to remove the reproach of illiteracy. The 
father who wishes his son to learn to swim does not row him all day 
upon the lake, but puts him into the water and the child's fear of 
drowning will stimulate to those exercises which lead to the art of 
swimming. Let Porto Rico have local self-government after the pat- 
tern of our Territories and she will gain by her blunders, just as cities' 
and States in our own glorious Republic are constantly learning. 

It should be remembered that Porto Rico is not asking for inde- 
pendent self-government. The people are far from desiring separa- 
tion from the United States. This simplifies the problem and reduces 
the risk; for what they might not be able to do if left entirely to their 
own resources, they may easily accomplish under the strong protecting 
hand of the Government of the United States. The system will be 
given them by Congress, their chief executive and a few other officials 
will be Americans, and with a strong central insular government, to 
which they are accustomed and against which they will not protest, 
they may be started on their new career under favorable auspices. 

AS TO CHANGE OF LANGUAGE AND CUSTOMS. 

The commissioner is convinced by what he saw, heard, and learned in 
Porto Rico by contact with all classes, that Avhile many changes and 
modifications are desired and are absolutely essential to the future 
welfare of the island, the existing institutions and laws, usages, and 
customs should not be revolutionized or severely reformed. The 
customs and usages and language of a people are not like old vest- 
ments, which maybe laid aside at command, but become a part of their 



59 

life, and are very dear to them. They will learn our customs and 
usages, in so far as they are better than their own, as they learn our 
language. A native lady, a grandmother, said to the commissioner: 
"Sir, I am glad the Americans have come. We must learn the Eng- 
lish language. I shall not learn it; my son will not learn it; we are 
too old; but my grandchildren will learn it, the children of the island 
will learn it in the free schools which our new metropolis will cause to 
be established." The attachment to the language has long and strong- 
roots. It will not do and it is not necessary to take any harsh meas- 
ures to sever it. Said one of the leading native scholars and lawyers, 
an ardent American and a very progressive man : "I love the Spanish 
language. I lisped it in my mother's arms; I whispered its soft 
words to her who became my wife; I think in it, and in it are all the 
beautiful prose and poetry known to me." Both Spanish and English 
may be used side by side for years to come. 

The codes, civil, commercial, and penal, need to be amended, but 
not abrogated or superseded ; the courts to be reorganized, not revolu- 
tionized; judicial procedure and administration to be reformed, not 
created anew; the system of property registration has some x~>oints 
of advantage over our own, and it does not need to be recast, provided 
the abuses are remedied ; municipal government requires development, 
and the civil divisions of the island should be arranged upon another 
plan. The commissioner is convinced that an adaptation of the village, 
town, and county system of the United States is necessary to efficient 
internal government in Porto Rico. Some of the municipal districts 
are as large as counties. The population of the municipal seat is often 
but a small fraction of that of the whole district, yet its streets, plazas, 
lights, police, fire department, public charity, etc., are maintained at 
the expense of the majority in the rural portions who do not enjoy 
these conveniences. Township and village organizations would relieve 
rural taxpayers, and, what is of even greater importance, encourage 
concentration of population, which is now so scattered that it is ex- 
tremely difficult, if not impossible, to provide school and other neces- 
sary facilities for thousands of people. The county system would 
secure equality of assessment as between different towns and villages, 
make effective school and road superintendence possible, and provide 
natural divisions for courts, registration of property, etc. Attention 
is called to Dr. Tomas Vasquey's plea for concentration of peones in 
villages as the only method of improving their condition, socially, 
morally, and intellectually. Even this reform, however, should not 
be forced upon the people. They should be allowed to introduce it in 
their own time. 

FREE COMMERCE BETWEEN PORTO RICO AND THE UNITED STATES. 

In recommending that Porto Rico be given a form of government 
modeled after that of our Territories, the commissioner does not for- 
get that the fixing of the status of the island, as that of our older Span- 
ish Territories of Arizona and New Mexico, involves the abolition of 
customs duties between our ports and those of our new possession. 
Indeed, that is one of the reasons why Territorial government should 
be given. The question of statehood is not now in issue. The power 
that grants Territorial rights can grant or refuse statehood, and may 
be trusted not to make undue haste, seeing that Territories organized 
from thirty-six to fifty years ago have not yet had their pleas for 
admission to the Union favorably acted upon. Free access to our 



60 

markets is a matter of far more moment to Porto Rico than the possi- 
bility of statehood. 

Without asking the consent or advice of the people of the island, 
we separated it from its relations to the Peninsula, and took it under 
our own control. By that action we caused the markets of Spain to 
be closed to its products, except upon terms to which the commerce 
of all foreign nations must submit in Spanish ports. It sold in Spain; 
it bought in Spain. Since American occupation, it finds itself without 
a single free market either of sale or purchase. Customs duties bar 
it from Spanish ports and from the ports of the United States with 
equal rigor. It pays the same rates at its ports for what it buys in 
the United States as for what it buys in Spain and other foreign 
countries. The embarrassment of unusually low prices for its prod- 
ucts is increased by the rates it has to pay to, find either its old or 
new customers. The sister island of Cuba, which used to buy 
coffee and cattle of it, and manufactured its tobacco, is now foreign 
territory. 

Under these circumstances she turns to the United States and begs 
that reciprocal relations of mother and daughter may be established 
and that iii our markets she may buy and sell as freely as Arizona or 
New Mexico or Alaska. It is difficult to see how this prayer can be 
denied or disregarded. There is but one reason for doing either, and 
that is, Porto Rican sugar and tobacco will come into competition 
with the sugar and tobacco of the United States. We must, it is 
said, protect our farmers. True; but is not Porto Rico ours as really 
as Arizona, and are not Porto Rican farmers our farmers? And if 
they have advantage in the markets of the United States, shall not 
the merchants and manufacturers of the United States have compen- 
sating advantage in a new market for their wares and manufactures 
in Porto Rico? The Porto Rican sugar crop is small compared with 
that of the United States. According to the statistics of the Treasury 
Department, our sugar production^ including cane, sorghum, and 
beet, amounted in 1896 to more than 383,000 tons; while the island's 
total export the same year was a little over 61,000 tons. The com- 
parative production of the two countries is as 6 to 1 in favor of the 
Union. This does not prove that the free admission of Porto Rican 
sugar would not affect our sugar market, but it does not indicate that 
it would unsettle it. Of Porto Rico's export of sugar in 1896, 35,512 
tons, or somewhat less than three-fifths, came to the United States, 
paying dutj^, of course. 

The exports of tobacco from Porto Rico in 1896 amounted to 
2,215,245 pounds, which was the bulk of the crop, as a comparatively 
small proportion was manufactured in the island. The tobacco pro- 
duction of the United States, as estimated by the Department of 
Agriculture, was, in 1896, 403,000,000 pounds, in round numbers. The 
amount of the Porto Rican export is hardly an appreciable quantity 
compared with the crop of the United States. It is as 1 to 182. The 
value of the former was less than 423,000 pesos, or, valuing the peso 
at $1.66f toll American, less than $255,000 American. Our imports 
of tobacco leaf in 1895 amounted to 114,745,720. 

Practically, so far as the sugar and tobacco producers of the United 
States are concerned, leaving the revenues to the Government out of 
sight, the admission of these Porto Rican products free would mean 
adding about 61,000 to our 690,666 acres devoted to cane and sorghum, 
according to the census of 1890, and 4,222 to our 695,301 acres of 
tobacco. In the first case the increase would be less than one-tenth; 



61 

in the second, less than one one hundred sixty-fifth, or hardly a 
healthy annual development. 

No doubt the opening of the Government reservations now consti- 
tuting the Territory of Oklahoma resulted in a considerable increase 
of the agricultural productions of the United States, but no one 
thought of raising objection to the settlement of the new lands, because 
it was recognized as a natural and satisfactory development of the 
national domain. The difference between Oklahoma and Porto Rico 
is chiefly geographical. The former provided for an overflow of pop- 
ulation from "surrounding States, the latter will furnish a field for 
American capital and American enterprise, if not for overflow of 
population. It is American and must and will be Americanized. 

THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE. 

The United States may surely venture to show a trust in Porto Rico 
equal to that of Spain. It has been seriously proposed that no pro- 
vision be made for giving the franchise to the people of that island. 
Is the new sovereignty to be less liberal than the old ? Are rights long- 
enjoyed to be taken away? Is less to be granted than under the 
autonomist decree; less than under the electoral law of 1890? The 
question of giving the right of suffrage to a horde of ignorant men 
may be a serious one under certain conditions. Educational and 
property qualifications may be considered requisite by those who are 
distrustful of the masses, but republics are founded on trust of the 
body of the people, learned and unlearned. Moreover, it is possible 
to be intelligent and at the same time illiterate, as princes and kings 
of bygone centuries, and many excellent citizens of the United States, 
have demonstrated. The Spanish electoral law of 1890 gave the right 
of suffrage to all Spaniards over 25 years of age — "universal suffrage," 
as it was termed. The provision was as follows: 

All male Spaniards over 25 years of age who are in the full enjoyment of their 
civil rights and are residents of a municipality in which they have resided at least 
two years, are electors in the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico. 

This paragraph occurs both in the electoral law of 1890 and in the 
adaptation of that law for the autonomist system, for which it was not 
changed, except that the restriction of the right to taxpayers in Porto 
Rico was removed. Those who were specially excepted by the law 
were noncommissioned officers and privates in the army and navy, 
those serving sentence for crime, bankrupts and insolvents who have 
not paid their debts, taxpayers in arrears for taxes, and persons liv- 
ing on charity — who were not allowed to vote. The voting privilege 
extended to municipal coun oilmen, to members of the provincial dep- 
utation, and to deputies to the Cortes. Senators were elected by cor- 
porations and the larger taxpayers. 

If it should be thought wise to modify the Spanish electoral law so 
as to restrict the suffrage, the exclusion of all the illiterate would 
leave the right to vote as a monopoly of the few. If the illiterate 
who have a certain amount of property were included, the number 
of voters would be increased somewhat, but would still be a minority. 
What Spain thought it wise and safe to concede the United States 
ought not to deny, except, possibly, as a stimulus to education. With 
this in view, it might be deemed wise to grant suffrage to all males 
of 21 years or over (instead of 25 as in the Spanish law), with the 
proviso that those who do not learn to read in the next ten years 
shall be deprived of the right. The term suggested by the native 



62 

congress is two years; but it is manifest that this does not give suf- 
ficient opportunity to meet the condition. With no schools and no 
teachers, how is the peasant to learn to read'? If he is to be denied 
the right of a freeman on the ground of inability to read, it would be 
fairer to provide him first with the facilities and opportunity to learn 
to read, and then if he fails, after a reasonable time, to improve 
them, impose the penalty of deprivation of the franchise. 

Any propositions for restrictions, however, will be in the nature of a 
curtailment of popular rights conceded by the Spanish law. No such 
restrictions were proposed in any of the acts granting Territorial gov- 
ernment to New Mexico, Arizona, and other Territories. Neither 
educational nor property qualifications were required. As to illiter- 
acy, New Mexico has been a Territory nearly fifty years, and yet of its 
population above the age of 10 years more than 44 per cent, accord- 
ing to the census of 1890, are illiterate. The illiterates of Porto Rico, 
estimated on this basis, would constitute between 75 and 80 per cent. 

What the effect of manhood suffrage will be under our Territorial 
system it is, of course, impossible to predict. Intelligent Porto Ricans 
are by no means unanimous in favor of it. They recognize dangers 
in the free exercise by ignorant men of the right of participation in 
government. But the Territorial system, while granting self-govern- 
ment, retains for the legislative and executive branches of the Fed- 
eral Government large powers of control. By a provision in the act 
creating the Territory of New Mexico ' ' all laws passed by the legis- 
lative assembly and governor shall be submitted to the Congress of 
the United States, and if disapproved shall be null and of no effect." 
This reservation might be made with respect to Porto Rico. It is 
also desirable that a measure of control over municipal administra- 
tion should be secured to the provincial government. It would not 
be wise, in granting municipal autonomy, to leave the cities without 
provincial supervision. In an excess of zeal for municipal improve- 
ment the mayor and council might contract ruinous debts, mortgage 
the revenues beyond the safety line, and lay enormous burdens on 
the shoulders of the people. The Spanish system of administration, 
whatever faults ruay be charged against it, kept the cities out of debt 
very generally. Its motto seems to have been, "Pay as you go, and 
contract no obligations beyond the possibilities of the revenues." 
Bonded debts were few, and were in every instance authorized by the 
provincial government. As the secretary of state, under the Spanish 
system, had superintendence of municipal administration, it would 
be wise to place a reasonable measure of control in his hands under 
the Territorial plan. 

DEPARTMENTS AND SALARIES. 

As the executive power of the Governor- General of Porto Rico was 
exercised through four regular departments, as the people are familiar 
with that division of duties, and as the volume of business to be trans- 
acted is large, the commissioner suggests that similar departments be 
provided for in the legislation by Congress, as follows : State, treasury, 
and interior departments, with an attorney-general as legal adviser of 
the government, and also to have supervision over the fiscals or dis- 
trict attorneys. The treasury would be charged with receiving and 
paying out provincial funds, and also with disbursing, perhaps, so 
much of the receipts from customs and internal revenue as may be 
required to pay the salaries which may be made a charge upon the 



63 

United States Treasury. The interior department should be charged 
with control over public works, public instruction, agriculture, com- 
merce, and industry, etc. 

In fixing the salaries of governor-general, heads of departments, 
and justices, some regard must be had to what custom requires of 
these officials, in the maintenance of dignity of position and in liberal 
social entertainment. The Governor-General received a salary of 
$20,000, under Spanish domination, with liberal appropriations for 
expenses at the palace, visitation of the cities of the island, etc. The 
secretaries received $6,000 each, the judges of the supreme court from 
$3,500 to $4,500, the judges of the criminal courts $3,500 and $3,750, 
and the district judges, $1,700 to $2,250. This was in Porto Rican 
x money. With the exception of the pay of the Governor-General, the 
salaries were not excessive. The extravagance in the salary accounts 
of former budgets was not in the amounts of individual salaries, but 
in the multiplication of official positions. The government clerks were 
in general very poorly paid, receiving from $300, in the fifth class, to 
$700 in the first class. There were a great many useless positions, 
as the ex-secretary of justice, Seiior Herminio Diaz, has pointed out 
elsewhere. In American money the salaries of the secretaries would 
be about $3,600, and those of the judges of the supreme court from 
$2,100 to $2,700. Rents and living are high in San Juan, compared 
with other parts of the island. A salary of $3,600 American, is not 
too much for the secretaries, nor $2,500 to $3,000 too much for judges 
of the supreme court. That of the Governor-General might be reduced 
from $12,000, American, to $8,000, with reasonable allowances for 
clerical help and' maintenance of the palace. 

The commissioner calls attention to the testimony taken in Porto 
Rico at public hearings in alcaldias or city halls, to the statements, 
memorials, and resolutions presented to him, to the statistics of the 
census of 1897, of the finances, commerce, crops, births, deaths, and 
marriages, and much other information given in the appendix to this 
report, and begs to conclude with the following recommendations : 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

(1) That the Constitution and laws of the United States be extended 
to Porto Rico; that all citizens of that province who do not, under 
the terms of the treaty of Paris, announce their intention to maintain 
their allegiance to Spain be declared citizens of the United States, 
and that all male citizens above the age of 21 years residents of said 
province at the time of American occupation shall be entitled to vote 
at the first election. 

(2) That a Territorial form of government, similar to that estab- 
lished in Oklahoma, be provided for Porto Rico, with an executive 
department consisting of a governor-general, an assistant governor- 
general who shall serve as seeretarj^ of state, a secretary of treasury, a 
secretary of interior, and an attorney-general, all to be nominated by 
the President and to hold office for a term of four years ; a legislative 
branch, consisting of the governor-general, and a senate and assembly 
to be elected by the people — the senate to consist of 14 members, 2 to 
be chosen in each of the seven departments of administration, known 
as San Juan, Arecibo, Aguadilla, Mayaguez, Ponce, Guayama, and 
Humacao ; the assembly to consist of members apportioned to the popu- 
lation on the basis of 1 member to every 25,000 inhabitants; a judicial 
department, embracing a supreme court, district courts, and municipal 



64 

courts, or justices of the peace, the supreme court to consist of a 
chief justice and 4 associate justices, and the district courts, of which 
there shall be eleven, as provided under the former government, of 
3 judges each. 

(3) That the legislative power shall extend to all rightful subjects 
of legislation consistent with the Constitution of the United States, 
including regulations for the exercise of the elective franchise and 
the division of the province into municipal, administrative, judicial, 
and legislative districts. 

(4) That no bill passed by the legislative branch shall become a law 
if the governor-general refuse to sign it, except by a two-thirds vote 
of each house. 

(5) That the legal voters of the island be permitted to elect a Dele- 
gate to Congress. 

(6) That the penal, civil, and commercial codes be continued in force, 
in so far as they are consistent with the Constitution of the United 
States, until a commission, to be appointed by the President, shall 
consider, revise, and amend them, and Congress shall have approved 
such revision. 

(7) That a commission of five persons, three of whom shall be na- 
tives of thie island and two of the United States, shall be appointed 
by the President to revise and, if necessary, recast the codes. 

(8) That provision be made for trial of criminal cases before juries; 
also, of certain classes of civil suits. 

(9) That the Federal banking laws and the laws relating to patents 
for inventions and designs and the registration of trade-marks, prints, 
and copyrights be extended to Porto Rico. 

(10) That provision be made for the appointment of a commission 
of three persons who shall constitute a court of claims to sit in Porto 
Rico and hear and adjudicate all claims to property, ecclesiastical and 
secular, arising under the terms of the treaty of Paris. 

(11) That the mortgage law be so amended as to permit edifices 
constructed and used for public worship to be inscribed by registra- 
dores (registrars), the same as any other property, on presentation of 
proofs of title. 

(12) That congregations using church edifices for public worship 
shall not be disturbed in the use thereof until the question of legal 
title thereto is settled. 

(13) That for the period of five years after the installation of the 
new civil government the receipts of the custom-houses and internal- 
revenue office in the island, after the expenses of collection and the 
salaries of the governor-general and other Territorial officers and 
other expenses made payable from it have been met, shall be appro- 
priated as a school fund for said Territory- to be used in providing 
suitable buildings and apparatus for the schools of the island. 

(14) That the establishment of counties, upon the American plan, 
with cities, towns, villages, and townships as subordinate divisions, 
be referred to the governor-general and legislature of Porto Rico, to 
be provided for at such time and in such manner as they may deem 
best. 

(15) That the people of the several municipal districts be allowed to 
continue to elect their councilmen ; that the right to elect the alcalde, 
or mayor, be conceded to them, and that the revision of the system of 
municipal government be intrusted to the governor-general and 
legislature of Porto Rico. 



65 

(16) That municipalities which own and maintain public ceme- 
teries be required to provide burial places for all persons, with no dis- 
crimination for or against any in respect to suitability or eligibility of 
burial places or in the care of the grounds, and that the general prac- 
tice of exhumation of bodies be forbidden, so that perpetual graves 
shall be provided for all. 

(17) That the amendments respecting civil marriage adopted by the 
military government be continued in force until the civil code is 
revised. 

(18) That in view of the disastrous hurricane of August 8, 1899, 
which brought ruin upon the agricultural interests of the island, the 
law of foreclosure of mortgages on agricultural property and machinery 
be further suspended until January 1, 1901. 

(19) That the codes, the laws of the Territorial legislature, and official 
acts of the governor-general shall be published both in Spanish and 
in English ; that the courts shall be provided with interpreters of the 
English language, and that all papers in cases of appeal to the Supreme 
Court of the United States shall be in English. 

(20) That provision be made for the retirement of the silver coins 
of Porto Rico, known as the peso, the 40, 20, 10, and 5 centavo pieces, 
and the copper centavo and 2-centavo coins, and their recoinage in 
the mints of the United States as United States coins. 

(21) That the governor-general and legislature of Porto Rico be 
required to make provision for universal and obligatory education in 
a system of free public schools, in which the English language shall 
be taught. 

(22) That the lottery be prohibited ; also the issuing of licenses by 
municipalities permitting begging and prostitution. 

(23) That a survey be made of the coast of Porto Rico; also of the 
harbors and roadsteads, with a view to their improvement. 

(24) That an agricultural experiment station be established in 
Porto Rico, and the publications of the Department of Agriculture be 
made available to the planters in their own language; also, that the 
Territory share in the Department's distribution of seeds. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Henry K. Carroll, 

Commissioner. 
1125 5 



APPENDIX. 



TESTIMONY, STATEMENTS, AND STATISTICS, INCLUDING STENOGRAPHIC REPORTS OF 
HEARINGS HELD IN PORTO RICO BY THE COMMISSIONER, STATEMENTS AND PETI- 
TIONS PRESENTED TO HIM, AND STATISTICAL TABLES GATHERED FROM OFFICIAL 
SOURCES. 



By Henry K. Carroll, Commissioner. 



AGRICULTURE— SOILS, CROPS, METHODS, RESOURCES. 

CANE AND SUGAR. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 31, 1898. 

Ricaedo Nadal, of Mayaguez, interpreter to General Henry : 

Mr. Nadal. I was first a civil engineer and then later started a firm 
in New York under the name of Nadal & Cuebas, which was known 
at Mayaguez as Nadal & Co. I later came to Porto Rico, and event- 
ually went into the sugar business, and that is the business our firm 
has now, our plantation being near Mayaguez and known as the Alta 
Gracia. , 

Dr. Carroll. Do you manufacture your own sugar? 

Mr. Nadal. Yes; everything. We also buy cane from the neighbor- 
ing country, which we grind in our mill. The cane is brought there, 
and we pay 6 per cent on the weight of the cane, according to the 
market prices of muscovado sugar. In reference to the matter of 
sugar refinery, the only one in Porto Rico was owned by my family 
in Mayaguez, where they have now a tannery building on the same 
property. We kept the refinery going from 1858 to 1867, when work 
was stopped because we found that it did not pay to refine sugar 
here, and we could not export it to the United States owing to the 
duty on refined sugar there. The machinery was, therefore, sold out, 
and the buildings also. We don't own it now — not even the land. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you produce refined sugar at all? 

Mr. Nadal. We produce what is called centrifugal sugar. We 
send to the United States what are known as first, second, and third 
centrifugals, and the residuum, after passing through the last opera- 
tion, goes into the still to be manufactured into rum. In order to 
make refined sugar these centrifugals are afterwards converted into a 
kind of molasses, called "molasse." This process takes place in the 
United States and they use the centrifugal sugar of this island. 



68 

Dr. Carroll. Is the brown sugar used here at the hotel produced 
here iu that state? 

Mr. Nadal. Yes. What you have at the hotel is a centrifugal sugar 
of the kind probably called first, and it is manufactured generally in 
the central factories, as they are called, by the Jamaica method ; that 
is, by the open kettle method. Most of this sugar is sent to Spain 
and not to the United States on account of the difference in the duties. 

Dr. Carroll. If that grade of sugar were sent to the United States 
what duty would you have to pay on it? 

Mr. Nadal. We pay duty according to its polarization. It' is rated 
from 75 degrees up to 88 degrees, and we pay a certain proportion a 
pound. The sugar used in the hotel is about 96 degrees; beyond 88 
degrees the rate of duty increases in a rapid ratio. 

Dr. Carroll. How large is your plantation? 

Mr. Nadal. We have about 700 acres of land. We now produce 
about 5,000 bags. Our plantation, however, is mostly ruined. We 
have a plantation only in name, and if we were to pay what we owe 
on it we would have nothing — indeed, we would be even in debt, x 

Dr. Carroll. How niany months are required for a crop? 

Mr. Nadal. The sugar cane requires from twelve to fourteen 
months before it can be cut. We have a petty culture and a larger 
culture. In petty culture the land is sowed in February or March 
and cut in February of the following year, and in the larger culture 
we sow in October, and within about fifteen months later we cut the 
cane. That gives a better product. After the first crop we get what 
is called the rattoon, which may give a second crop the following 
year, according to the fertility of the soil, and we have had crops 
repeated for as many as twenty years. The difficulty here has been 
that we have been extracting from the soil all the time and not giving 
to it; that is, we do not utilize manure to any great extent. The 
soil is very rich. You can find land here where the humus is 16 
inches in depth. On our plantation the production never went below 
65 hundredweight of sugar. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have modern machinery here for sugar 
manufacturing? 

Mr. Nadal. There are only about two factories in the island. 

Dr. Carroll. What does a modern plant cost? 

Mr. Nadal. A modern plant with all the latest appliances would 
produce something like 35,000 bags, and would cost about $400,000 of 
our currency. 

Dr. Carroll. How manj^ pounds to the bag? 

Mr. Nadal. Generally they weigh 100 kilograms. I am not posi- 
tive, however, about that. 

Dr. Carroll. About how many sugar plantations are there in the 
island? 

Mr. Nadal. I do not know. Some of our people engaged in the 

I sugar business here use oxen, just as they did three hundred years 

■ ago. Of late the plantations have been getting into the hands of a 

few planters. The large planters have gradually been absorbing the 

smaller ones. 

Dr. Carroll. With modern apparatus much more sugar could be 
produced? 

Mr. Nadal. If we had here in the island the diffusion battery 
system we could produce five times as much sugar as we produce 
to-day. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the land generalty all in use? 



69 

Mr. Nadal. Much of our land is going to waste ; that is, they are 
using it for grazing purposes. We call that abandoning the land, 
although it is a paying business in some districts. In Mayaguez, how- 
ever, the cattle business does not pay, because it is too wet there. 
In other parts of the island, however, it is a paying business, and the 
ranch owners are better off than the sugar planters. They had smaller 
taxes because the government did not seem to understand the money 
they were making in the business. 

Dr. Carroll. Where do the cattle come from? 

Mr. Nadal. I think from Africa. We lost a good deal of money 
on cattle. I had some Jersey heifers brought here, but we did not 
succeed with the business and gave it up. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the cows give much milk? 

Mr. Nadal. Well, a good cow would give 10 quarts of milk a day, 
whereas a good cow in the United States will give as high as 16 quarts. 
In the country they give more than they do elsewhere because the 
matter of having to milk the cow early in the morning in order to have 
the milk in the city at an early hour causes the amount to drop off. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a consumption tax on milk taken into the 
city? 

Mr. Nadal. No. Referring again to the sugar industry here — this 
has been the determining point in favor of annexation to the United 
States. That is the certainty in the minds of Porto Ricans that their 
sugar would not have to pay any duty on going into the United States, 
knowing that such a duty would amount to a bounty on their product, 
and this view of the matter has done much to arouse interest in Porto 
Rico in favor of annexation. The same thing may be said of all other 
_ articles of production which are imported into the United States. 
/ 7<The planters are perfectly aware of the advantages to be obtained by 
improving their apparatus, the introduction of modern appliances, 
etc., but they had not the means to do this. There have been no 
banking houses of sufficient means in the island to supply the funds, 
and besides the agricultural class thus far has been practically 
squeezed to death by the business community. Central factories are 
those where all modern appliances are introduced — like vacuum pans, 
double and triple effect, etc. The Jamaica system consists of the 
open-kettle system of evaporating juice instead of evaporating with 
the double and triple effect apparatus as we do in the central factories. 
Both processes are used here, but mostly the Jamaica train is used. 
We started with the oxen mills, then later we had the Jamaica train, 
and finally the central factories, which have the most modern appli- 
ances that we are able to introduce. In the central factories besides 
grinding the cane^that is produced on the property belonging to the 
plantation, they grind also whatever amount of cane neighbors are 
^ willing to sell.- The staple product of the island of Porto Rico to-day is 
coffee, as sugar used to be the most important article of export ten years 
ago. The export is something like 500,000 quintals (100 pounds) every 
year. The greater part of this goes to Europe — to such ports as 
Havre, Bremen, and Hamburg, and ports in Spain, and the balance 
mostly to the island of Cuba — very little of it ever going to the United 
States on account of the better prices ruling in the other markets, the 
quality of the Porto Rico coffee not being known in the markets- of 
the United States. The quality of our coffee is equal to the best 
Costa Rica and Savanilla coffee. Some of the planters have already 
modern machinery — mounted drying apparatus — so as not to be 
obliged to dry the berry in the sun; and the residences of the planters 



70 

are good buildings of brick, where they live comfortably. The labor- 
ers on the large plantations live in small frame houses, which are 
allotted to them by families, and out of crop time they generally are 
allowed to have a small piece of land which they cultivate for their 
own account in small country produce, like bananas, beans, corn, 
sweet potatoes, yams, etc. We grow here also rice. One of the great 
drawbacks to the further development of the coffee industry is the 
lack of proper facilities for transportation from the interior into the 
seaport towns, such roads as there are being almost impassable dur- 
ing the rainy season. Coffee is mostly carried into the seaport towns 
on mule back, or in carts, when it is possible to do so. The greatest 
coffee-growing district in the island is the southwest section, includ- 
ing Adjuntas, Utuado, Yauco, Lares, IVlaricao, San Sebastian, Las 
Marias, Mayaguez, Aguadilla, and Arecibo. The principal ports of 
export of coffee are Arecibo, San Juan, Aguadilla, Mayaguez, and 
Ponce. 



THE CHARACTER OF THE SOILS. 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1898. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Mr. Francisco T. Sabat, deputy collector of customs at San Juan : 

Dr. Carroll. Will you please state the character and condition of 
the soils of the island of Porto Rico. 

Mr. Sabat. In my opinion, based upon the experience I have had, 
the soil can be classed into four kinds: The soil of the coast, called 
here, technically, vegas de primera clase, or alluvial soils, which pro- 
duce the best food for cattle, and on which are situated the best sugar 
estates. Then come soils called sobre vega, which are situated at a 
little higher elevation than the coast lands, on the foothills, and are 
also used for cattle raising and sugar cane, but are not of such good 
quality, possessing less alluvial soil. Then we have the mountain 
lands, which contain coffee plantations, some grazing ground for cattle, 
and produce small fruits. These lands could be made more pro- 
ductive by fertilizers, but in some districts they are of very poor 
quality. Lastly, there are the lands of the mountain tops, which are 
covered with timber useful for building and decorative purposes, but 
are entirely uncultivated. I should add that on the coast there is 
much land in the form of jungles which could be reclaimed from the 
sea, that is to say, they are subject to the action of the tides, being 
covered and uncovered with the flow and ebb. These lands, when 
once removed from the action of the sea, will become very valuable 
agricultural lands. There are also sandy and clayey soils which pro- 
duce nothing but cocoa palms, and are useless for other purposes. 

Dr. Carroll. To whom do the lands belong which you say could 
be reclaimed — to private parties or to the government? 

Mr. Sabat. Some belong to the government under an old law which 
grants the government so many yards inland from the tidal line, and 
others belong to individuals who have acquired them from the 
government. 

Dr. Carroll. What crops besides those of sugar, coffee, and tobacco 
are raised here? 

Mr. Sabat. Rice, but not sufficient for export nor sufficient for 
consumption, nor of a quality that can compete with Hamburg rice; 



71 

cocoanuts, which are exported chiefly to England just as they are taken 
from the palms; corn, which has been produced this year in consider- 
able quantities and has been exported to Cuba; oranges, and all kinds 
of tropical fruits, such as nisperos (a tropical plum), pineapples, agua- 
cates, guavas, etc.; malagueta, from which bay rum is made; the 
castor-oil plant; pease, beans, plantains, bananas, patchoulis, and 
many other kinds of vegetables and fruits. Cotton also can be grown. 



CROPS AND MARKETS. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arecibo, P. R., January 14, 1899. 

Mr. Antonio Figaros, representing the firm of Rosas & Co., one 
of the largest mercantile houses of Porto Rico: 

Dr. Carroll. What is your line of business? 

Mr. Figaros. We are general merchants. 

Dr. Carroll. We are here to investigate everything concerning the 
well being of the island, and would be glad to receive any information 
of that kind that you can give. 

Mr. Figaros. I will confine myself to matters in the business line, 
because we are foreigners now in the island. What I wish for is the 
abolition of all export duties. 

Dr. Carroll. That has already been done. 

Mr. Figaros. Will there be a new impost placed on tobacco? 

Dr. Carroll. Probably an internal-revenue tax. 

Mr. Figaros. On manufactured tobacco? 

Dr. Carroll. Probably on the production of the leaf tobacco also, 
as in the United States. 

Mr. Figaros. You have to take into account the fact that the prime 
value is very small. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to have a full representation on this 
point, because I have been asked by the Secretary of the Treasury to 
get information. 

Mr. Figaros. It would not be advisable to put any tax on the pro- 
duction of the article. It would be proper to do so on the manufacture 
and consumption of it. The greater part of the tobacco produced in 
Porto Rico is of the ordinary class, called bolichi. The greater part 
of it is inferior to the grade of tobacco called "fillers." It is exported 
to Spain and Germany, and does not bring in to the agriculturists 
more than 4 or 5 pesos a hundredweight at the point of delivery, on a 
basis of 50 per cent premium of exchange. If Porto Rico were to pro- 
duce another class of tobacco the amount produced would be much 
smaller. This class of tobacco, which has a good market in Spain and 
Germany, can be grown readily all around the coast. It is a tobacco 
which does not burn well. As the tobacco industry in Spain is a Gov- 
ernment monopoly, they can force the public to accept any class of 
tobacco they want to, but the purchasers of the monopoly want to get 
the cheapest kind of tobacco they can. This monopoly is farmed out 
there. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States an internal-revenue tax is levied 
on the manufacture of tobacco, and then the retail dealers have to 



72 

pay a certain sum per year. Do you think that system could be 
introduced here? 

Mr. Figaros. Yes; but it is important to have the export free. 
The question you raise, though, ought to be carefully considered, 
because of its importance to many poor families who are employed in 
the tobacco industry. 
-^Dr. Carroll. There are a good many small planters'? 

Mr. Figaros. Yes; because anybody can plant a small patch of 
ground with tobacco, but coffee and sugar require larger estates. 
When the exchange of the money system is put into force here, duty 
should be taken off of sugar in the United States. >' If the gold basis 
is introduced and the duty is not removed Porto Rico will be ruined. 
I think there should be a cutting down in the duty of at least 75 per 
cent, if it can not be taken off altogether. It costs, in native money, 
something like $2.40 a hundredweight to make sugar, and there is a 
constant outgo of money during the time it is being produced and up 
to the time it is sold. Another difficulty here now is the tendency of 
the peons to demand better wages. I think it would be a sufficient 
concession to them if they were paid in gold what they are now paid 
in silver. 

A Planter. Whatever we pay in silver we would have to pay in 
gold after the exchange of the currency. We had gold currency here 
in 1868, and we had to pay our laborers then 50 cents gold just as we 
now pay them 50 cents silver. 

Mr. Figaros. In addition to sugar, I wish to make some remarks 
on other crops. Coffee, I know, is admitted free into the United 
States, but I consider it important for the coffee industry that the 
United States, which to-day has an influence over the Cuban govern- 
ment, should see if it can not procure for Porto Rican coffee a prefer- 
ence in the Cuban market, or rather an advantageous tariff. Porto 
Rico has lost two important markets — the Spanish and the Cuban. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do you say that it has lost the Spanish market? 

Mr. Figaros. We had an advantage in the Spanish tariff. 

Dr. Carroll. But you had to pay a duty on your coffee as well as 
on your sugar. Has the duty been increased? 

Mr. Figaros. It has been increased considerably. Since the Ameri- 
can occupation, the products of Porto Rico have been and will be 
considered as foreign when imported into Spain. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you know what the rate is? 

Mr. Figaros. One hundred and seventy pesetas for every 100 kilo- 
grams of coffee is the present rate; that is to say, $2 more than is 
charged on coffee from nations which have favorable treaties. 

Dr. Carroll. Perhaps we shall be able after the treaty of peace is 
ratified to arrange a reciprocity treaty. What did you pay formerly 
in Spain? 

Mr. Figaros. Sixty-six pesetas. We have only one market now, 
the European market, for our best grade. We have no market for 
our lower grades. The best grades comprise about 80 per cent of the 
production, because coffee is well prepared here. We make three 
kinds, and they all go to Europe and are readity sold. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get good prices? 

Mr. Figaros. There is no market in the United States. They do 
not know Porto Rican coffee there. Drinkers of coffee in the United 
States do not see the natural coffee. Grocers and dealers make them 
drink whatever they like. 



73 

Dr. Carroll. No; the majority of people buy the coffee in the 
bean and grind it themselves. 

Mr. Figaros. But not most coffee drinkers. 

Dr. Carroll. Of course very much coffee is ground and put up in 
packages by the dealers, but only the poorer people buy that. 

Mr. Figaros. I understand the best drinkers use Mocha and Java 
mixed. 

Dr. Carroll. I drink a coffee called Java and Mocha mixed in the 
proportion of two and one, and I pay from 32 to 34 cents a pound for it 
in the bean, roasted. 

Mr. Figaros. But it has lost already a large amount of weight. 

Mr. Alfred Solomon (interpreter). They "do not drink Porto Rican 
coffee in the United States because it is too strong. 

Dr. Carroll. They grind coffee coarser in the United States than 
they do here. 

Mr. Solomon. The dealers in the United States would have made 
a market for Porto Rican coffee if the Porto Ricans had not insisted 
on coloring it. I had that from the lips of a coffee dealer. 

Mr. Figaros. We have here one of the largest plants in Porto Rico. 
We polish 300 quintals per day, and it is a beautiful operation. We 
make a thorough classification of it, and the coffee is not tinted. It 
is polished. 

Mr. Solomon. The people of the United States want their coffee 
without any foreign substance whatever, and in polishing it, do you 
not use some coloring matter? 

Mr. Figaros. Yes, but it is only a gram of this indigo for every 
quintal. 

Mr. Solomon. The amount does not matter. The people there do 
not want coffee with any foreign matter in it. I went to a coffee 
broker in New York and asked why he could not sell Porto Rican 
coffee there. He said because the Porto Ricans will not send it here 
as we want it; that it would be possible to sell it to the French and 
Austrians if the indigo were left out. 

Mr. Figaros. The outer shell is polished and all the bad beans 
taken out and classified. 

Dr. Carroll. How do you prepare your best grade which you send 
to Russia and France? 

Mr. Figaros. We polish it. The price of the best coffee now in 
Porto Rico is about 15 pesos; the last year it was 25 pesos for raw 
coffee. The coffee planters are a little behind in their debts and are 
pretty badly off. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there anything else you wish to speak of? 

Mr. Figaros. About the exchange of money. I would recommend 
a rate of 50 per cent premium on gold, the same as a bank at Ponce 
and the merchants of Mayaguez. That should be the meeting point 
between agriculture and commerce on the money question. If they 
make the rate lower than that, it will be very hard. For some time 
we have not seen such a rate, but taking a five years' basis you will 
find that the average premium is about 50 per cent. 
■-"^Mr. Adolf Bahr. I wish to say something about our need here of 
! agricultural experts. We have not any here, and it is very important 

that Porto Rico should have them. 
J Dr. Carroll. For what purpose? 

Mr. Bahr. To advise the agriculturists in their cultivation of the 
various soils here; to tell them the nature of the soils and what crops 
they are best adapted for. Those are things we do not know here; 



74 

we go ahead blindly, without any scientific knowledge, in agricultural 
matters. 

Dr. Carroll. That is not a government matter, is it? 

Mr. Bahr. No; but I think such engineers or experts would find 
work here. 



CONDITIONS IN THE VALLEY OF SAN GERMAN. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner. J 

San German, P. R. , January 26, 1899. 

Don Joaquin Cervbra and Mr. Santiago Marl 

Dr. Carroll. What is the present state of the sugar industry? 

Mr. Cervera. Deplorable. 

Dr. Carroll. What has brought it to that condition? 

Mr. Cervera. Many reasons. It is a very complex question, which 
embraces many, aspects. In the first place, poverty on the part of the 
owners — Want of ready money; in the second place, the impoverish- 
ment of the soil, which does not produce as it used to, this impover- 
ishment being due to the want of irrigation and a lack of fertilizers. 

Dr. Carroll. This is not true, I believe, of all portions of the island 
in which cane is produced. 

Mr. Cervera. Nearly all the island is the same in this respect. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not possible to use fertilizers more extensively? 

Mr. Cervera. It would be if we had money with which to buy 
them. 

Dr. Carroll. Hava not the sugar men been making money in the 
last ten years? 

Mr. Cervera. They have not even covered their expenditures, for 
which reason the agricultural industry is in a state of complete ruin. 
Formerly planters were opulent ; to-day they are poor. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that due to the decrease in price or to the gradual 
decrease of the crop? 

Mr. Cervera. Owing to several causes — the land does not produce 
so much, prices are lower uniformly, and the planters have to pay for 
the labor, whereas formerly they had. slave labor. 

Dr. Carroll. Has there been any increase of expense owing to 
high interest on borrowed money ? 

Mr. Cervera. Yes; that is another cause. That is the chief reason 
of the ruin of the agriculturist. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that the interest on money is from 9 
to 18 and even 24 per cent. What was it formerly? 

Mr. Cervera. There was hardly any need of borrowing money in 
the old days, as the estates paid well and gave sufficient returns for their 
cultivation without the planters having to borrow money. Formerly, 
not having to pay for labor, the soil being virgin and the prices being 
high, the business used to be lucrative. We used to obtain $5 or $6 
a quintal, but to-daj^ we hardlv obtain $3. 

Dr. Carroll. What rate of wages do you have to pay ? 

Mr. Cervera. One-half a dollar, provincial money, for the ordinary 
laborers; the skilled laborers obtain higher wages. 

Dr. Carroll. What methods are pursued in the culture of cane? 
Is it the same throughout the island ? 



75 

Mr. Cervera. With very slight differences the method is uniform 
all throughout the island. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they give the land a rest after raising cane on it? 

Mr. Cervera. Those owning large properties are able to do so; 
those owning small properties have to reap the crop every year. 

Dr. Carroll. In that case can they not give the land rest by alter- 
nating crops? 

Mr. Cervera. They do that. They have to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be a good thing to have fewer mills and 
adopt the central system of Cuba? 

Mr. Cervera. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the sugar planters ever formed an association 
or society for the promotion of their mutual interests? 

Mr. Cervera. There was an attempt at it, but it has never suc- 
ceeded. 

>^ Dr. Carroll. It would seem to me to be very necessary, if sugar 
industry is in a bad condition at present, that such a society should be 
formed with a view to investigating and ascertaining, for example, 
whether another kind of cane could not be introduced — another kind 
that has not the disease that I understand attacks most of the cane — 
and whether new processes of culture could not be adopted with 
advantage; as to whether central establishments might be put up, 
how many there should be, and the introduction of new and improved 
machinery; with the object also of determining whether the acreage 
given to cane should be increased or diminished in any given year, 
based on the condition of the sugar crop in other countries; with the 
object also of helping one another in getting loans at a lower rate 
of interest, and perhaps in finding better and more remunerative 
markets. 

Mr. Cervera. Although we feel the spirit of cooperation it has 
never given any result in this country. 

Dr. Carroll. Can it not, in your judgment, under present condi- 
tions be made a success? 

Mr. Cervera. If we had money it could. That is what we need. 
We can not undertake anything because we have not any money. 

Dr. Carroll. But when many come together, some having no 
money, some having little money, and some having more, it is possi- 
ble to do a great many things in concert which could not be under- 
taken individually. 

Mr. Cervera. It is not possible. Fifty or one hundred people 
would get together, and they could not get enough money together to 
form their society. 

Dr. Carroll. They might begin such a society without very much 
money and gradually go from one thing to another until they had 
formed a society which should take under its superintendence the 
entire production of cane in the island. 

Mr. Cervera. That could be done in a country where the spirit of 
association is more general. Out of one hundred planters here per- 
haps only six or eight would come in. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States the competition is so sharp that 
association is literally compelled by the condition of things. The 
self-interest of individual producers compels association. It may 
be the sugar industry of Porto Rico has not arrived at a sufficiently 
desperate situation to force it to act. 

Mr. Cervera. In former attempts at cooperation, whether due to 
bad management or not, these organizations have always failed, and 



76 

to-day persons are not willing to enter into such arrangements, fear 
ing, perhaps, that the results would be the same. Perhaps, inasmuch 
as the want of success in former attempts at cooperation has been due 
to bad administration, a man of intelligence taking hold of the thing 
and administering it to-day might meet with different results. 

Dr. Carroll. There is one important point in which it seems to me 
that such an organization might be of advantage to all sugar owners, 
and that is in the influence that might be brought to bear in behalf 
of the sugar owners to mitigate circumstances which they feel bear 
with undue weight upon them; in other words, to make representa- 
tions with more force to the municipal and insular governments than 
could be made by one man. 

Mr. Cervera. I think with you in that matter. I wish you to 
understand that the country is in an agonizing condition and we want 
immediate assistance. 

Dr. Carroll. I understood, when I made a visit to Utuado, that 
unless something were done to prevent the foreclosure of mortgages 
the country would be ruined. Therefore I changed the course of my 
visit and went back to San Juan and besought General Henry to sus- 
pend foreclosure of mortgages for a year, and he did me the honor to 
request me to draw the order. I only state this to show that the 
interest of the agricultural industry, which is the paramount indus- 
try of the island, is on the heart of those who are in power. 

Mr. Santiago Marl That has helped us to a certain extent, but it 
has caused the suspension of credit. The coffee crop has been only 
half what it ought to be. The price has fallen to a very low figure, 
and we have no possible way of getting advances to attend to next 
year's crop. 

Dr. Carroll. There are certain things the Government can do 
and certain things the Government can not do. The recent action 
was taken on the understanding that the debtors required a little 
longer time in which to seek for money in other channels, and espe- 
cially to seek for money at lower rates of interest, and to prevent the 
sale of their property at a time when it was realized that it would not 
bring more than 25 per cent of its value. Now, the Government can 
do this : It can protect the large class of its people who, in the stress 
of the results of war, are likely to lose their property; but the Gov- 
ernment can not supply the capital; the Government itself can not 
lend the money; it can only mitigate the conditions, and possibly 
bring about conditions under which the debtor can borrow money at 
lower rates of interest, but it can not give him money. 

Mr. Marl As none of the bankers at present will lend money, and 
there is no assui*ance of any new banks coming here, credit will be 
stopped altogether. 

Dr. Carroll. One difficulty about your borrowing money is the 
impending change of money system. As soon as the change comes 
the monej^ that has been put in chests will come out, so that those 
who have good credit can borrow money, because there will be money 
to lend. One of the largest capitalists in the island told me yester- 
day that there was money in the island, but that it was in the chests 
of the island waiting for the exchange rate to be fixed. Now that 
the rate has been fixed, and now that the Goveimment has taken this 
action in favor of the debtor, the debtor ought, as far as he can, pay 
his debts. 

Mr. Marl The debtor with bad faith can sell his estate to-day and 
cheat his creditor. 



77 

Dr. Carroll. It is still subject to the mortgage. 

Mr. Marl We have three classes of persons here : Those who pay 
their debts from pride, those who pay their debts from honest motives, 
and those who pay their debts from fear of the law. Most of them 
pay from fear of the law. 

Dr. Carroll. That is a bad name to give the debtors of the island. 

A gentleman present. Mr. Mari is a Frenchman. He is not a 
Porto Rican. 

Dr. Carroll (to Mr. Mari). Plow do you expect to get your money, 
if that is the case? 

Mr. Marl Only those will get credit who have something to offer 
as a guaranty. As long as this order is not what I understand it to 
be, I have nothing further to say about it. Coffee is, next to sugar, 
the most important crop of the island, especially because so many 
poor raise it. We have to wait five years to get a crop, and if it is 
worth nothing, then there is a great loss. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that an organization such as I sug- 
gested for the sugar planters would be good. Such an association 
could find out the needs of the market in the United States and seek 
to introduce that kind of coffee. 

Mr. Cervera. At least coffee can go in free, and we poor sugar 
planters are out in the cold. 

Mr. Marl What will save the country is plenty of money on long 
terms and cheap rates of interest. 

Dr. Carroll. In order to be able to borrow money on a low rate of 
interest, the people must cause confidence to be established by show- 
ing their willingness to pay. It is not true that borrowing money 
depends absolutely upon the security, because any security may fail, 
but the person is always a factor. 

Mr. Marl If we have good laws, good faith makes no difference. 

Dr. Carroll. That may be, but if a large number do not pay, cap- 
ital will not come. That is the first thing to establish. You must 
have the people of the United States believe that the majority of the 
people here who want to borrow money pay what they borrow, and pay 
it if it be their whole fortune. 

Mr. Marl As soon as money comes in, a man who has an estate 
worth $10,000 and borrows 15,000 on it naturally becomes a good 
payer; but if he finds anybody foolish enough to lend him $10,000, the 
lender makes him a dishonest man. 

Dr. Carroll. The principle of honesty is something from within 
and not something from without, and such a man would be dishonest 
anyway. 

Mr. Marl Countries in which there are poverty and misery are 
never honest. 

Dr. Carroll. That is an entirely cynical view. That takes the 
view that people are not honest unless force makes them such. I 
have seen much of the world, and that is not my observation of it. 
But this is not matter bearing on my investigation. I don't want to 
take away from Porto Rico the idea that the people here are only 
honest from force of circumstances. 



78 



THE SUGAR CROP IN AGUAD1LLA. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aguadilla, P. R., January 26, 1899. 
Fkancisco Estebes, sugar planter : 

Mr. Estebes. In the months of November and December, when the 
north winds blow, the seas beat up very heavily. The land around 
this part of the island is used land, and does not produce good crops. 
The average crop is 3 hogsheads of 15 quintals to each cuerda. Some 
of the planters use fertilizers, generally phosphates and fish manure 
brought in from Boston. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there not a great deal of the phosphate in the 
mountains that could be gotten out and made available? 

Mr. Estebes. There are many phosphate deposits here, but not one 
of them is being worked. 



PLANTERS AND THE MONEY QUESTION. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Fajardo, P. R., January 31, 1899. 
Mr. George Bird, ex-consul of the United States at Fajardo : 

Mr. Bird. The planters are almost ruined in this locality. I can 
speak for them, because they have been urging their needs upon me. 

Their situation is very critical on account of the low price of sugar. 
These planters who own great properties, some valued at 1200,000, 
can not get together $200. 'The doors of the banking institutions 
are practically closed, and some of the planters have been refused 
small amounts of money on properties of large value, with first-class 
mortgage receipts, at 8 per cent interest. Those are actual cases. 

Dr. Carroll. One difficulty has been that, pending the settlement 
of the money question, people have hoarded money; but with the 
monetary question settled I think money will be easier to obtain, so 
that the situation will be relieved somewhat in that respect. 

Mr. Bird. Has the money question been solved ? 

Dr. Carroll. It has been so announced. The rate of exchange has 
been fixed. The details of the system have not come from the United 
States yet. 

Mr. Bird. The planters regard the situation as so difficult that if it 
is prolonged for a year they don't think they will be able to get out 
of it. Some of them are just beginning to plant their crops, and are 
having difficulty in paying their taxes and their laborers. 

Dr. Carroll. I think in a short time money will be easier and 
more plentiful, because people don't want to keep it in their chests 
when they can get 9 or 10 per cent for it. 

Mr. Bird. I understood you to tell me that the President can do 
nothing for the sugar interests, and that the present Congress will 
not be able to take the matter up. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes. 

Mr. Bird. We had a kind of a bounty which was given us directly 
by the exchange. Now, if our money is turned into gold, I don't 
think we can even grind our cane. We can not sell sugar at less than 
$3, and that is all we sret now. 



79 

Dr. Veve. Our present need is money. 

Dr. Carroll. The Government can not deal out money to the 
planters. It is willing to do all it can to relieve the situation. 

Dr. Veve. We will have to pay our laborers the same as before. 
The reduced rates will not benefit the people. The merchant will 
get it all. 

Dr. Carroll. You can not make me believe that. He may get 
more than his share, but he is bound to reduce prices. 



THE PRODUCTS OF VIEQUES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Island of Vieques, P. R., January 31, 1899. 

Mr. Leopoldo Venegas Jacome. The principal source of wealth 
of this island is sugar, and the sugar interests are anxious to obtain a 
free market in the United States. If that can not be granted, they 
want at least a bonus, which, so far as they are concerned, would accom- 
plish the same end. The present money system is an indirect bonus 
on sugar, but once the change is decreed the complete ruin of this 
island will follow, unless we get some sort of relief. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't you think the laboring men would accept an 
amount in gold corresponding to what they now receive in silver? 

Mr. Jacome. I don't think we would have much difficulty with the 
people. I believe it would be possible to harmonize the interests of 
the employer with those of the peon. 

Dr. Carroll. Would not that solve your difficulty, then? 

Mr. Jacome. The price of sugar to-day in the United States, added 
to the duty which it pays there, does not allow sugar planters even to 
cover their expenses. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you raise anything here besides sugar? 

Mr. Jacome. Cattle. 

Dr. Carroll. No tobacco? 

Mr. Jacome. No, and no coffee. We might raise coffee on a small 
scale, but sugar and cattle are the only industries. 

Mr. L. F. Wolfe. We had an offer here from the house of Bartron 
Brothers, who are now established in Santa Cruz. The3 7 came here 
and stated that they were perfectly willing to put up a central factory, 
but that all depended upon the free entry of sugar; they could not do 
so otherwise. Our sister colony of the Danish Government had also 
large amount of duty to pay on sugar in home ports, but they have 
taken it off, and the island is going to prosper. 

Dr. Carroll. How much sugar do you produce here? 

Mr. Wolfe. We produce now from 30,000 to 40,000 bags, and the 
island can easily yield 100,000 more. We have three centrifugal 
machines here. This proposition that was made by Bartron was 
based on the fact that many here would be able to raise sugar if 
there was a central factory who are unable to do so to-day, because 
they can not afford to put up the necessary machinery. 

Dr. Carroll. There are too many poor mills also on the main island. 

A Planter. We have four central mills now, but one is not running. 

Dr. Carlos Gaspar. One of the most urgent needs of the island 
for the benefit of agriculture, which is the basis of its wealth, is the 
creation of agricultural experiment stations and experimental culture 



80 

fields. A wide diffusion of agricultural knowledge is necessary for 
the country, because without it the country can not flourish under 
any circumstances. Under the law of the United States I understand 
that each State and Territory is entitled to $15,000 for this object from 
the Federal Treasury. This place is neither a State nor a Territory 
at present, but the sum being so small, I don't see why it could not be 
donated immediately for so worthy an object. 

Dr. Carroll. Has any attempt been made to have an association 
of planters here? 

Dr. Gaspar. One did exist, but it went to pieces little by little, as 
everything else did under Spanish domination. 

Dr. Carroll. Perhaps publications of the Agricultural Depart- 
ment, if translated into Spanish and circulated here, would be of great 
value. 

Dr. Gaspar. Such books would supply the theoretical part and the 
professors of agricultural schools would illustrate the practical part, 
showing the people how to make use of what they learn from the 
books. It will be necessary to give the people ocular demonstration. 

Mr. Mouraille. There is a tax now of $20 per man brought here 
for laboring purposes, and I think that could be taken off. I import 
one hundred or more. If I had not done so I could not have har- 
vested my crops. 

Dr. Carroll. Where do such laborers come from?. 

Mr. Mouraille.. From the Windward Islands and about there. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand much complaint has been made in 
Porto Rico about the importation of laborers. 

Mr. Mouraille. Yes; I have heard of it. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do you pay per day? 

Mr. Mouraille. From 60 to 75 cents. 

Mr. Wolfe. Living here is very high. 

The Mayor. We could have brought in Porto Rican laborers, but 
this gentleman (Mr. Mouraille) has always fought against Porto Rican 
laborers and would never employ them. 

Dr. Gaspar. Will sugar be granted free entry this year? 

Dr. Carroll. No. 

Mr. Gaspar. With the gold standard and without free trade it will 
be very hard. 

Dr. Carroll. That is what all the sugar planters say, but it is a 
situation that can not be helped. 

Dr. Gaspar. The rate of exchange is what has held the planters. 

Dr. Carroll. But on the other hand there were many who said 
that if the money question were not settled business would stop. It 
has injured the sugar planters — I understand that — but it is not possi- 
ble to admit sugar free into the United States until Congress can take 
the matter up. 



SOILS AND CROPS IN HUMACAO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Humacao, P. R., February 1, 1899. 

Mr. Miguel Argues©, a planter; Mr. Antonio Roig, merchant 
and owner of a sugar mill; Mr. Joaquin Masferrer, mayor of 
Humacao, and others :. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you state the general character of the soil in 
this district? 



81 

Mr. Roig. It is a sandy soil, generally speaking, though we have 
some meadows. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much humus in the soil? 

Mr. Roig. Not a great deal. 

Dr. Carroll. Then it is a poor soil generally? 

Mr. Roig. Yes; I think so. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it sandy on the plains and on the mountains, or is 
there a difference between the soil of the plains and that of the 
mountains? There must be a great deal of humus in the valleys. 

Mr. Roig. There is more humus in the valleys, and there is a kind 
of clay in the mountains. 

Dr. Carroll. This soil of the mountains is specially adapted to 
what crops? 

Mr. Roig. The lower parts are good for cane — say, halfway up — 
and above that, good for grass. They don't plant any coffee here. 

Dr. Carroll. What crops do they raise here in a small way, in 
addition to the sugar? 

Mr. Roig. They raise some corn, some beans, yucca, very few pota- 
toes, some cabbage, and other vegetables. We have a few oranges; 
also a few lemons, but only enough for our own use. Oranges are 
produced here easily. 

Dr. Carroll. Why don't you raise larger quantities of oranges? 

Mr. Roig. Because no one has thought of doing so. I think there 
is more money in planting cane. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you raise rice here? 

Mr. RoiG. Very little; it flourishes, but it comes cheaper from 
outside. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it any trouble to raise it? 

Mr. Roig. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Why, then, do you import it? You have to paj^ cash 
for what you imj)ort. 

Mr. Roig. All the rice here is raised by the poor people. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they raise all they need? 

Mr. Roig. No; we have to import it. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you raise many bananas? 

Mr. Roig. Only for home consumption. 

Dr. Carroll. Why don't you raise them for export? 

Mr. Roig. I am unable to say. 

Dr. Carroll. I think I can tell why. Your roads are so bad you 
can not get them into market. San Juan has few good oranges. If 
you could get your oranges into San Juan you would get a good mar- 
ket there. What other crops are raised? 

Mr. RoiG. Cocoanuts. 

Dr. Carroll. They cost nothing to raise ? 

Mr. Roig. Yes; they do cost something. We have to pay, in the 
first place, 25 cents for the plant. Then care must be taken of the 
plant or the cattle will come and eat it. 

Dr. Carroll. But after it is a tree it take cares of itself, does it not ? 

Mr. Roig. No; the leaves have to be washed and the dead leaves 
cut away. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you raise many cocoanuts for export? 

Mr. Roig. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. You have plenty of land on which you could grow 
more for export, have you not ? 7 

Mr. Roig. Yes; we come to what we said before. 

1125 6 



82 

Dr. Carroll. Is there anything else you raise here? 

Mr. RoiG. We raise annatto. That is a dye stuff. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you ever put fertilizers on land for the raising of 
cane? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes; sometimes a Porto Rican fertilizer, and sometimes 
one that comes from Boston. The native fertilizer comes from Cabo 
Rojo. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you raise pineapples ? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much labor required in the raising of a crop ? 

Mr. RoiG. No. 

Dr. Carroll. You don't export any? 

Mr. RoiG. No ; or at least very few. 

Mr. Argueso. Mayaguez exports more. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you raise many cattle? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes, and it is a paying business; there is money in it. 
There is always a demand for oxen. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is that? 

Mr. RoiG. Because in other West Indian islands they come to buy 
their cattle here. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't you sell a great many here in the island? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes; we even supply Ponce and Mayaguez. 

Dr. Carroll. If your roads were in good condition you would not 
need so many oxen, would you? 

Mr. RoiG. No; and a yoke of oxen would last longer on good roads. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any industries here in the way of hat 
making, for instance, or tobacco manufacturing, or anything of that 
kind? 

Mr. RoiG. A few cigars are made here, but very few. We raise very 
little tobacco. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't you think it would be better to have a larger 
variety of crops, so that when sugar is low you would have something 
to fall back on? It is considered bad policy in the United States to 
put all your money into one crop. 

Mr. RoiG. We have an insect here that eats plants, such as beans 
and tobacco. 

Dr. Carroll. You can exterminate that. We have an insect in the 
United States that preys upon potatoes and tomatoes, and they have 
experimented and have found the best means of destroying it. 

Mr. RoiG. The insects here even eat the new canes, so that some- 
times they have to plant the cane twice. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you use the manure that your oxen and cattle 
make? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you use the ashes from your furnace? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. In one large mill on the other side of the island they 
had a large pile of ashes, and I asked what they did with it. I was 
told they threw it on the dump. The proprietor did not know that it 
was good for manure. 

Mr. Masferrer. I want to rectify an assertion of Mr. Roig con- 
cerning the character of the soils in this district. Mr. Roig considers 
them to be sandy; I consider them to be silicate-clay soils. Sandy 
soil is found chiefly on the coast ; as soon as you get inland the silicate- 
clay prevails. 



83 

Dr. Carroll. A sandy soil will allow rain water to pass off; silicate- 
clay soils will hold the water. Is the soil inland damp? 

Mr. Masferrer. The soils are not completely siliceous. They only 
hold enough water for the purpose of growing vegetation, but they 
don't hold the water altogether. The soil is not spongy. There are 
marshy lands to-day which, if they were drained, would be cultivable 
lands of excellent quality. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be difficult to drain them? 

Mr. Masferrer. No; it would be a simple matter. We could drain 
bhem into the river. That is where all should be drained, as we are 
below the level of the sea. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they used, now as pasture lands? 

Mr. Masferrer. They can only be used in a prolonged dry season. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't they produce grass in the wet season? 

Mr. Masferrer. They produce grass, but there are many leeches 
in it, and they attack and damage the cattle. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the mountain soils? 

Mr. Masferrer. Siliceous clay soils. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they adapted to crops? 

Mr. Masferrer. Yes; to small crops. There are some also that 
will produce cane. 

Dr. Carroll. Do planters here observe rotation of crops — that is, 
put the land into other crops, or let it lie fallow? 

Mr. Masferrer. They use an infamous system of agriculture here. 
They sow the cane, cut the cane, plow the land, sow the cane, cut the 
cane, year after year, and give the land no rest whatever. The 
planter calculates the product of his crop by the cuerda — so many 
barrels of sugar to the cuerda — without taking into consideration that 
a less number of cuerdas, well attended to, give better results than a 
larger number, badly attended to. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any exceptions to that rule in this* district? 

Mr. Masferrer. The plan I speak of is general. Planters know 
nothing of agriculture. For instance, when they use manure, they 
don't know what they are using it for, and sometimes do the land, 
more harm than good. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well for the Agricultural Depart- 
ment to send down books in Spanish, explaining the best methods of 
raising cane and how to conserve the soil? 

Mr. Masferrer. They would be very useful, as scientific knowl- 
edge with regard to lands here is absolutely wanting. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they use the same seed year after year without 
trying to get plants from other countries to improve the character of 
the cane? 

Mr. Masferrer. They don't try to improve the cane. They use 
the same seed year after year, and it is usually bad seed. 

Dr. Carroll. I should think it would be necessary, in order to 
avoid certain diseases which are apt to come to cane which is used 
from one stock year after year, that the stock should be changed. 

Mr. Masferrer. There is one thing you 'must take into considera- 
tion : The planter, for want of money, can not plant what and how 
he likes; he must plant what and how he can. 

Dr. Carroll. The alcalde of Mayaguez showed me a number of 
canes in which there was evidence of a certain disease, which appeared 
almost as though a worm had gone through the length of the cane. I 
asked him to what cause he attribiited it, and he could not tell. I sug- 



84 

gested to him that it might be clue to the fact that one stock of cane 
had been used many years and had deteriorated, and that it might be 
well to get another stock of cane. He thought such a change might 
be well. 

Mr. Masferrer. It appears to me to be the only possible remedy, 
whenever they have a diseased plant, to remove it and to use fresh 
stock; but it is not the custom here to do such things. 

Dr. Carroll. General Henry told me that he had cabled to the De- 
partment of Agriculture to furnish him with a quantity of seeds for 
use among the people of the island; not of cane, but of vegetables. 
What class of seeds, in your judgment, would be most useful to the 
planters in this district? 

Mr. Masferrer. There is a certain difficulty to be taken into ac- 
count. Nobody cares to give attention to these small crops, because 
they don't give the same commensurate profit as tobacco, coffee, or 
sugar, owing to the bad state of the roads. 

Dr. Carroll. But they could get enough for home consumption by 
dedicating a very small amount of land to the cultivation of these 
crops. 

Mr. Masferrer. Those persons who give their attention to small 
crops do it only as a secondary matter, and leave the growth of these 
crops entirely to the favor of nature — that is, if the wind is favorable 
and the rain comes at the right time, well and good ; but they don't 
give them any attention. 

Dr. Carroll. My visits to the various market places of the island 
confirm me in that opinion. Tomatoes, such as are offered here, 
would not be accepted in the United States at any price. They raise 
very large and luscious tomatoes there, and it is the same with all 
other vegetables. It seems to me that with the soil here you could 
take the place of the Bermudas, and supply the New York market, 
which is the best market in the world, with these vegetables. It is 
well known that these small crops are very remunerative. If you have 
a variety in your crops, you will have larger returns and more certain 
returns. Bermuda potatoes sometimes bring $2 a bushel in New York, 
when there is an insufficient supply there, and, at times, even more. 

Mr. Masferrer. Potatoes can not be grown here well because of 
that insect which has been referred to. It attacks the potato at all of 
its stages. I once sowed 30 quintals and was able to harvest only 4. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States we have a potato beetle which 
is a dangerous insect and multiplies with great rapidity, but they 
found finally something to kill it — something that it liked — and they 
fed that to it. We have in connection with our Department of Agri- 
culture, in Washington, an experiment division in which questions of 
insectology are studied, and the Department publishes from time to 
time the best specifics for killing certain insects and getting rid of 
these pests. 

Mr. Masferrer. They established a similar station here once. It 
cost the province immense sums of money, but gave no results. 

Dr. Carroll. If you will send specimens of these insects to the 
Department of Agriculture, with a statement of the damage they do 
here, I am sure you will receive directions how to exterminate them. 

Mr. Masferrer. That would be a very good idea. 

Dr. Carroll. If you choose to do that, I will be glad to forward 
them to the Secretary of Agriculture with such representations as you 
may wish to make. Tell me when it appears, what crops it attacks 



85 

and how it attacks them, and give me some specimens of it, and I will 
ask the Secretary of Agriculture to take the matter up. 

Mr. Masferrer. This insect was brought in from Peru in some 
guano. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any laws for the inspection of imports, to 
prevent the bringing in of such insects? 

Mr. Masferrer. "No. 



ENEMIES OF THE SUGAR CANE. 

Yabucoa, P. R., February 2, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. I have come here chiefly to get information and not 
to impart information ; therefore I would like to ask a few questions 
about agriculture here. I understand that your chief crop is sugar; 
that you also raise some tobacco. 

. A Planter. Yes. Cattle raising is also a profitable industry. 
^ Dr. Carroll. Is the sugar cane you raise affected with any disease? 

A Planter. The cane suffers most from the ravages of an insect 
which attacks it; so much so that sometimes we have to sow three 
and four times. The result is that the cane first sowed comes to 
maturity before that which is sowed later, and, as we have to cut it 
all together, some of the cane is lacking in saccharine matter. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you endeavored to introduce new varieties of 
cane? 

A Planter. We have written and spoken about it, but it ended 
there. However, this would not affect the insect. 

Dr. Carroll. But cane that is continued year after year deterio- 
rates, and it would, perhaps, be well if you could get a fresh stock of 
seed occasionally. 

A Planter. We want agricultural experts here. The fertilizers 
they sell us are worthless, because, for want of scientific knowledge, 
\ we are unable to judge of them. 

Dr. Carroll. I promised the people of Humacao, with reference 
to this insect that is making great ravages in the cane there and else- 
where, that if they would furnish me with specimens of it, I would 
send it to Washington and ask the Department of Agriculture to pre- 
scribe some specific by which they could kill it off and get rid of 
the pest. 

Note. — Dr. Carroll then referred to the publications of the Agri- 
cultural Department, and stated that, if it was the wish of planters 
in the island, he would ask the Department to furnish them copies, 
in Spanish, of some of its publications. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me very important that the planters of 
Porto Rico, in the various localities, should associate themselves 
together for the study of their industry, for the mutual protection of 
their interests, and for the advancement of the cause which they have 
at heart. 

A Planter. There was a society formed for that purpose some time 
ago, with its headquarters in San Juan, and with agents in every 
town, but, under the old government, apathy and indifference seemed 
to hold sway, so that nothing came of the movement. Perhaps with 
the change of nationality, the people may change in this respect. 
Everybody understands the necessity of association, without having 
it demonstrated. 



86 



FARMING IN ARROYO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arroyo, P. R., February 3, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What crops do you raise? 

Mr. Gautier, planter. Only cane. I have a plantation in Patillo, 
another in Maunabo, and one here in the district of Arroyo. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the character of the soil in this valley? 

Mr. Gautier. I don't know much about that; I should say between 
a siliceous and a sandy soil. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it a naturally rich soil? 

Mr. Gautier. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have to apply fertilizers? 

Mr. Gautier. The cultivation of cane was abandoned for some 
years, and we are just taking it up again. We have never used fer- 
tilizers up to the present, but we think we will have to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the crop now a smaller and less important one 
than it used to be? 

Mr. Gautier. About the same ; but there is far less cane sown to-day 
than formerly. 

Dr. Carroll. If it produces the same quantity as before, why do 
you propose to use fertilizers? 

Mr. Gautier. Because the land tires with each successive crop. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the planters practice rotation of crops? 

Mr. Gautier. No, they plant cane only. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not understood that the raising of one crop con- 
tinually on the same land, year after year, will impoverish the land 
of elements that that crop requires, while leaving other elements in 
large quantity? 

Mr. Gautier. Thej^ let the ground rest, and then sow it after the 
lapse of a year. No farmer has under cultivation at one time the 
whole of his estate. 

Dr. Carroll. It is an axiom among the farmers in the United 
States that by rotation of crops — the sowing of different kinds of 
crops — the soil is rested. 

A Planter. That can not be done here ; we have too much money 
invested in machinery for sugar making. You must also consider that 
sugar not only gives one crop, but several successive crops. 

Dr. Carroll. I do not mean that you should abandon sugar, but 
have other crops growing simultaneously with it. When we let land 
lie fallow, it runs to grass, and that rests it. .We put cattle on it, and 
that fertilizes. What is the average production of sugar per cuerda? 

Mr. Gautier. About 28 quintals, on an average. In some years, 
when there is a drought, there is hardly any production. 

Dr. Carroll. What other crops is the soil specially suited for? 

Mr. Gautier. Platanos,corn, pineapples, yucca, annatto, achiote — 
all small crops. Almost anything will grow on the lowlands of 
Arroyo. 

Dr. Carroll. Will rice grow here? 

Mr. Gautier. That is not raised here. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you raise tobacco? 

Mr. Gautier. Yes; but it is not a profitable crop, on account of 
the drought. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand you are considering the "question of 
irrigation for this portion of the island. 



•.. 



87 

Mr. Gautier. Yes, we are. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you sufficient supply of water for irrigation? 

Mr. Gautier. That is the question now occupying the attention of 
the engineers; they propose to bring the water from Patillo. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that higher ground? 

Mr. Gautier. The town of Patillo is not, but the place from which 
they expect to bring the water is. 

Dr. Carroll. Does Maunabo get all the rain it needs, as Yabucoa 
does? 

Mr. Gautier. Maunabo used to have plenty of water, but it is also 
beginning to suffer from drought. A drought was never known there 
in former years. 

Dr. Carroll. Would the publications of the Agricultural Depart- 
ment in Spanish with reference to the raising of various crops that 
you have here be of any great value to planters? The Department is 
constantly issuing publications giving results of experiments for the 
purpose of disseminating agricultural information. Would treatises 
on the culture of cane and tobacco be of value? 

Mr. Verges. They should be; I hardly hope that they will be. 

Dr. Carroll. Of course I would not ask them to send their publica- 
tions here unless the planters desired them and would make use of 
them. There are many things that the Department does in our coun- 
try. It studies, for example, insectology and prescribes remedies 
both as regards insects and diseases which attack crops. It has 
scientific men who make a study of those things. These results will 
be valuable to the Porto Rican farmers, if they desire them. 

Mr. Verges. I think it would be ve^ desirable to have them. 
There are many diseases in the cane to-day that we know nothing 
about. There is not a man here who can classify lands. I once sent 
samples of soil to Mayaguez to be classified, and they said they were 
all the same, although I knew that they were entirely different. So 
I don't think there are people here who know how to analyze lands, 
and naturally an agricultural station here would be a very good thing 
for the island. A matter of great interest to Porto Rico is the study- 
ing of the different kinds of cane and their diseases. 

Dr. Carroll. That has all been studied in the United States, be- 
cause we have extensive cane plantations there. Mr. Mayor, are there 
any industries here, in either a large way or small way — any manu- 
factures? 

Mr. Virella, vice-alcalde. We have a cooper shop, but we import 
our staves from Portland, Me. We make bay rum for export in small 
quantities. We get the malagueta leaves here in the mountains. 

Dr. Carroll. Is cacao raised here? 

Mr. Virella. Yes, but in very small quantities. It is an industry 
which could be developed. 

Dr. Carroll. It grows in the mountains, does it not? 

Mr. Virella. Yes. 

A Planter. But it requires moist land. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it pay to raise it? 

Mr. Virella. The people here have never devoted themselves to it. 

Dr. Carroll. Your chocolate makers have been in the habit of 
importing from Venezuela? 

Mr. Virella. Yes; the three great industries here are those of 
cane, coffee, and cattle. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any centrals here? 

Mr. Virella. No. 



Dr. Carroll. How many mills are there? 

Mr. Virella. Only one. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any centrals in other districts in this part 
of the island ? 

Mr. Virella. No; from here to Ponce you will not find any. In 
Ponce you will find one or two. 

Dr. Carroll. Would not the planters save a good deal of money 
if, instead of having mills of inferior quality, they were to join 
together and have a good one ? 

Mr. Virella. Yes ; it would be a great saving of time and expense. 

Dr. Carroll. I have found all over the island old-fashioned machin- 
ery — wooden cylinders, for example — and they lose one-third of the 
value of the cane. 

Mr. Virella. There is very little spirit of union here. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me if you formed an association of plant- 
ers you could create such a spirit, and it would be much better. You 
would be able, then, to use a united influence to accomplish things 
necessary to your industry. 



SUGAR CANE AND IRRIGATION. 

[Hearing before the "United States Commissioner.] 

Guayama, P. R. , February 3, 1899. 
City Hall, evening session: 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask some planter a few questions. 
What crops are raised in the municipal district of Guayama? 

Mr. Bird. Coffee, cane, tobacco, and small crops, such as bananas 
and beans. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the most important crop here? 

Mr. Bird. Sugar; after that, coffee; after that, tobacco. Cattle 
raising is also an important industry here. I am speaking also for 
Salinas. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the principal small crops ? 

Mr. Bird. Plantains, sweet potatoes, corn, a small quantity of rice, 
beans, and malanga (a species of farinaceous root). The last two are 
the most important of the small crops. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the character of the soils here ? 

Mr. Bird. They are very good. We can raise more sugar to the 
acre here than can be raised in any other part of the island; but, 
owing to the want of rain, crops are sometimes lost. 

Dr. Carroll. What quantity of sugar can you raise here per acre ? 

Mr. Bird. With all the drawbacks caused by the want of rain, we 
can not count on more than 2 hogsheads; whereas, if we could count 
on steady rains, we could produce 6 hogsheads. 

Dr. Carroll. Has anything been done for the project of securing 
irrigation for these lands ? 

Mr. Bird. Yes; General Stone was here and got property owners 
to vest in him the right to represent them to secure irrigation, but we 
have heard nothing further about it. 

Dr. Carroll. This matter of irrigation has been studied for many 
years in the United States, because we have a large arid portion in 
the western part of the United States; and we have much literature 
on the subject, which I think I could obtain for you in the Spanish 
language. 



89 

Mr. Bird. Anything- that improves our minds in any direction must 
be useful; we don't lose anything by reading. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any special disease to which your cane is 
subject? Is it subject to the ravages of any particular insect? 

Mr. Bird. Whatever they may say in other parts of the island, 
what we suffer from most here is the lack of water. As soon as we 
have a period of drought, cane on my estate begins to suffer. 

Dr. Carroll. They showed me, in the western portion of the island, 
cane that was suffering from a certain kind of disease. In Yabucoa 
they showed me cane that had been injured by the changa. 

Mr. Bird. This insect does eat the tender roots of the cane, but 
there is a remedy for that. If they would sow the seed on the surface 
of the land instead of underneath the land, the trouble would be 
avoided, because this insect only attacks the plant underneath. I 
have a friend who adopted that system of sowing, and he is never 
troubled by the changa. The changa also attacks tobacco when the 
plant is small, and to prevent this they transplant it in a wrapping 
of maguey so that the changa can not attack the roots. The manager 
of the Carmen estate told me that he had gotten rid of them almost 
entirely by introducing the mongoose, and I think it must be that 
they are being exterminated in the island in that way, because on my 
own estate I had many of them formerty, but now they do not bother 
it at all. 

Dr. Carroll. It is a good remedy if the mongoose itself, in turn, 
does not become a plague. 

Mr. Bird. It eats chicken and eggs, but on the other hand it kills 
the rats. Before I brought it here I used to pay $8 and $10 a week in 
killing rats, and now the mongoose does it for me. 

Dr. Carroll. How many sugar mills are there in this section; that 
is, in this district and that of Salinas? 

Mr. Bird. There are eleven altogether, nine in Guayama and two 
in Salinas. My cane is in Patillas, bnt I am competent to speak of it 
here, as I live in Guayama. If you go to Juana Diaz it would be well 
for you to look at a large estate there where in spite of arid lands you 
will see what fine cane it produces. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the mills here provided with modern machinery? 

Mr. Bird. None at all. There is no vacuum machinery here. 



THE AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES OF YAUCO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yauco, P. R., March 6, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. I desire to take up the subject of agriculture, and I 
think we ought to begin with Mr. Mejia. I would like him to make a 
statement of the conditions and need of agriculture, endeavoring to 
give me statements in a concrete form. I want the, facts rather than 
the philosophy of the situation, having special reference to the agricul- 
tural condition of Yauco. 

Mr. Francis Mejia. The agriculture of this district is very much 
damaged by drought, and a thorny question arises with regard to want 
of work for the laborers. The estates are abandoning work, and their 
employees will find themselves without employment. For that reason 
we ask that sums of money should be spent in the construction of roads 



90 

to give these laborers work. The small proprietor is in a worse posi- 
tion than any other because he has no money to work his own farm, nor 
can he leave his farm and go to seek work elsewhere. With reference 
to the order issued by the secretary of finance, imposing a tax of $1.50 
to 25 cents on the various classes of land, some proprietors will find 
themselves in a bad position, because their lands are not of equal value. 
I understand that a proper appraisement ought and will be made 
of their value. As you already know, agriculture is the source of 
wealth of the whole island, and especially of the district of Yaueo, 
and all these gentlemen here are agriculturists, and they can tell you 
how things are in the various barrios in which they live. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is it that so many of the peons will be out of 
work shortly? Is it that the planters have determined not to plant as 
much as they did last year? 

Mr. Mejia. Because credit has been suspended, and no one advances 
money for the working of the estates. 

Dr. Carroll. This is due, I suppose, to the great scarcity of money 
in circulation. 

Mr. Mejia. That is one of the reasons. Another, that so many 
estate owners having suffered from drought have not been able to meet 
their obligations, and, consequently, as merchants have not been able 
to collect for outstanding debts they are not in a rjosition to continue 
advances. 

Dr. Carroll. Has not this district raised as much coffee and sugar 
as before? 

Mr. Mejia. Yes, but the prices have fallen considerably and no one 
is buying coffee to-day. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you getting no returns at all for your crops of 
sugar and coffee? Now is the time you ought to be getting returns 
from them. 

Mr. Mejia. No; nobody is buying coffee. 

Mr. Dario Francheschi. I have not sold any sugar so far. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the difficulty? Is there no market for it? 

Mr. Francheschi. The prices are very low, and nobody is offering 
anything for sugar at all. 

Dr. Carroll. What prices did you get a year ago for sugar? 

Mr. Francheschi. An average of $4; this year $3 a quintal. This 
was for muscovado. Coffee has fallen $8 and $10 a quintal. Last 
year we got on the average 25 pesos a quintal, and this year onhy 15. 

Dr. Carroll. According to estimates made by coffee planters of 
Cayey and Caguas, there seems to be a margin on coffee at 11 and 15 
pesos; not much, but some profit for the planter. 

Mr. Torres. That may be so in Cayey, because they do not cultivate 
there so much coffee as we do here. 

Dr. Carroll. They said in Cayey that it costs from $8 to $9 to get 
coffee ready -for market. What does it cost here? 

Mr. Torres. In this district, calculating the interest sunk on the 
estate in machinery, I have paid about 15 pesos per quintal. 

Dr. Carroll. Leaving out the interest and counting only the cost 
of cultivating, picking, etc., what does it cost? 

Mr. Torres. From 10 to 12 pesos, depending on the particular 
plantation. 

Mr. Mejia. I think the calculation that Mr. Torres makes is a cor- 
rect one. It must be taken into account that Yauco lands have to be 
manured and Cayey lands do not have to be. 

Mr. Antonio Rodriguez. Lands close together differ very greatly, 



91 

and it is absolutely impossible to make uniform calculations. Some 
land produces more than others, and the abundance of the crop brings 
the average up or down. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that you planters ought to endeavor 
to have your coffee introduced into the United States, studying the 
kinds of coffee desired there and catering to the taste of the people. 

Mr. Rodriguez. We are considering that matter now. Up to the 
present Yauco coffee has been in great demand, but at present our 
warehouses are full and our creditors are trying to buy the coffee at 
the actual cost to us. 

Mr. Torres. Another circumstance which makes coffee cost a great 
deal of money is that the best estates are 5 miles from here, and it 
costs a dollar and a quarter to bring a quintal of coffee here, and very 
much to take provisions to the estates. 

Dr. Carroll. If you had a port at Guanica would you be able to 
ship your coffee to better advantage? 

Mr. Torres. Yes; we have to-day to sell our coffee to merchants in 
Ponce, who try to obtain it for as little as possible. If we had a port 
at Guanica we would be able to save the profit made by the middlemen. 

Mr. Rodriguez. One of the chief causes of our trouble is that the 
wholesale merchants are afraid to let their capital out, by reason of 
disorders that have taken place in the island. They have restricted 
credit absolutely, and do not trust even their best customers. Men 
like myself, who are merchants and agriculturists, who stand in an 
intermediary position and deal directly with the small agriculturists, 
have not been able to collect what is owing to them, and consequently 
can not go on advancing money out of their own pockets, because they 
can not themselves get credit from the wholesale merchants. 

Dr. Carroll. Then all credit has stopped? 

Mr. Santiago ViValdi. Even the alto comercio has no credit in 
Europe. 

Mr. Rodriguez. This year a coffee crop is earning no profit what- 
ever, because we have had to buy our provisions at such high prices. 

Dr. Carroll. Cane is raised here by irrigation chiefly, I understand? 

Mr. Francheschi. In some parts without irrigation it does not give 
results. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have to pay very much for the water? 

Mr. Francheschi. At the present time we are not able to irrigate 
our lands because the viver has no water in it. 

Dr. Carroll. When the river has water what does it cost you per 
cuerda to irrigate? 

Mr. Francheschi. We pay the laborer who attends to the ditching 
25 cents per cuerda. The water costs us nothing. 

Dr. Carroll. How long do you keep that up? 

Mr. Francheschi. Every week Ave have to let the water in. 

Dr. Carroll. How long does the dry season continue? 

Mr. Francheschi. That varies. Sometimes we have no drought, 
and some years we have a drought of six or eight months. 

Dr. Carroll. You ought to have been spared the drought this 
year considering the various other visitations you have had. When 
you have plenty of rain you raise very fine cane, do you not ? 

Mr. Francheschi. Yes, very fine. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any margin in sugar this year, at $3? 

Mr. Francheschi. Last year we sold our sugar at about $5, which 
left us some profit. This year we will lose, as has been the case, with 
the exception of last year, for several years past. We count on no 



92 

other salvation than the free introduction of our sugar into the United 
States market, and while that is being obtained the only thing that 
can save us will be the establishment of banks here letting us have 
money at low rates of interest. 

Dr. Carroll. It will be a somewhat difficult matter to bring in 
capital, because capital in the United States is conservative like cap- 
ital in Europe and other countries, and the fact that you are in dis- 
tress down here would make capital hesitate to come here for invest- 
ment. 

Mr. Torres. The one thing is the cause of the other. The mere 
fact of not having capital is the reason of our bad position. If we had 
been able to get capital in time we would not be at the mercy of 
speculators. 

Dr. Carroll. But under the order of General Henry none of you 
who have mortgages on your lands will have to pay more than 12 per 
cent. 

Mr. Torres. The order of General Henry was made with the best 
of intentions, but it is one of the reasons credit has been paralyzed 
here, because those who have faithfully paid their interest are suffer- 
ing on account of those who have not. 

Dr. Carroll. As to those who have not paid their interest the order 
provides that mortgages may be foreclosed. The order is only for the 
benefit of those who keep the interest paid. 

Mr. Torres. The order would have been splendid if capital had 
flowed behind it. 

Dr. Carroll. Suppose the order 'had not been issued at all; what 
then? Would it have been better? 

Mr. Torres. If the order had not been issued a great many estate 
owners would have lost their estates, but credit would not have been' 
paralyzed and those who keep up with their obligations would have 
credit. 

Dr. Carroll. If it is bad, perhaps General Henry would be willing 
to recall the order. 

Note. — To this suggestion there was prompt dissent. 

Mr. RoiG. Credits were paralyzed here before the order was issued. 

Mr. Rodriguez. I think the reason that banks do not come and 
establish here is because they do not know the status of Porto Rico, 
and that is one reason why the territorial question should be settled 
as soon as possible. In regard to Porto Rico 'paying its expenses, I 
would mention that once we had a surplus of a million and a half, 
and sometimes more than that. 

Dr. Carroll. You have contributed to the war in Cuba? 

Mr. Rodriguez. Yes ; Porto Rico has always been paying, but has 
never received anything, owing to the burnings and lawlessness in 
every part of the island. Some capital has been reduced to ashes, and 
those who can get their money in are doing so and are not likely to let 
out money when they know they are liable to suffer the same result. 

Dr. Carroll. What other kinds of crops are raised here besides 
coffee and cane? 

Mr. Vivaldi. The tobacco crop here is important. 

Dr. Carroll. Does tobacco pay well ? ' 

Mr. Vivaldi. Yes, it does, and it is one of the most important in- 
dustries, because it gives employment to a great many people. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you raising this year more or less than last year? 

Mr. Vivaldi. A great deal less, because no one is advancing any 
money to enable the small planters to sow. 



93 

Dr. Carroll. Have you sold all of last year's crop? 

Mr. Vivaldi. No; the greater part of it is still in the island. 

Dr. Carroll. How are the prices now as compared with those of 
last year? 

Mr. Vivaldi. This year they are very low; in the northern part of 
the island they sold tobacco as low as $2 a quintal, and after sending 
it to Germany have had to send money behind it to pay expenses. I 
have tobacco, and I would not dare to send it to the United States, 
because I don't know what prices I would get for it. 

Dr. Carroll. You don't send any tobacco to Cuba now? 

Mr. Vivaldi. No. 

Mr. Torres. That is one of the chief reasons tobacco has fallen in 
price. 

Dr. Carroll. On the other hand you don't import from there ciga- 
rettes and cigars. That is a benefit. 

Mr. Vivaldi. There is not sufficient consumption for the tobacco 
raised in the island. 

Dr. Carroll. But it is a good thing to have your own market. 

Mr. Vivaldi. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you tried to see whether you could get your 
tobacco into the United States? 

Mr. Vivaldi. No ; nobody has. I have spoken to export merchants 
here, and they have always told me that it was impossible to send any 
there. We want free entry, so as to get our tobacco into the States. 

Dr. Carroll. The only criticism that I have heard of Porto Rican 
cigars is that the tobacco is too green. 

Mr. Vivaldi. I have cigars three years old. If they are not dry 
now they never will be. 

Dr. Carroll. What other crops are there? 

Mr. Mejia. Small crops, such as corn, for local use. The principal 
crops are coffee and tobacco. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to know what the small crops consist of. 

Mr. Mejia. Beans, corn, rice, plantains, potatoes, but very few. 

Dr. Carroll. Is any attention paid to the cultivation of these small 
crops? 

Mr. Vivaldi. Very little. 

Mr. Mejia. We produce sufficient for local consumption. We can 
not produce large quantities, because of the drought. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you not use irrigation for these small crops the 
same as you do for cane? 

Mr. Vivaldi. Yes ; but there is not sufficient water. 

Dr. Carroll. What kinds of fruit are grown? 

Mr. Mejia. Oranges, pineapples, bitter oranges, cacao, mangoes, 
nisperos, small bananas, aguacates (alligator pears), mamey, and 
guavas. We could raise more if we had good roads. We raise, also, 
pepinos (cucumbers). T have a great many oranges on my estate, but 
the cost of freighting them down to the wharf would be more than I 
could get for them. 

Dr. Carroll. The chinas (sweet oranges) are as good as any raised 
in the United States, and if you could get them to New York you 
would have a market for all of them. 

Mr. Vivaldi. Many are sent from Mayaguez to New York; also 
pineapples are sent from there. Only those that are produced near 
the coast, however, are exported. The others would not stand the 
expense of the rough roads. The great bulk of the orange crop is in 
the mountains. 



94 

Dr. Carroll. If the oranges were known in the United States you 
could sell your entire crop there at good prices. 

Mr. Mejia. I spent $350 in bringing fruits from the United States, 
and trying to acclimate them here, but they all died. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you tried to introduce your oranges in the 
United States? 

Mr. Mejia. No ; there is no road by which I can get them down. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it cost very much to raise pineapples? Are 
they raised without much labor and expense? 

Mr. Mejia. No; it does not cost much, and a great quantity are 
produced in San German, but then here they cost a great deal, because 
of the expense of bringing them in. They sell here in Yauco at from 
10 to 20 cents each. 



THE CROPS AND THE DRY SEASON. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 



Coamo, P. R., February 6, 1899. 

Mr. Francisco Fernandez, coffee planter, and others: 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any planters here who can give me some 
idea about the soil of this district and what crops are raised, and the 
advantages and disadvantages that are experienced by planters in 
raising their crops and getting them to market? 

Mr. Fernandez. The principal crop of this district is coffee. 

Dr. Carroll. What other crops are raised? 

Mr. Fernandez. Tobacco, a small amount of cane, and small fruits 
and vegetables. We also have cattle. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the fruits that are raised here? 

Mr. Fernandez. Oranges, pineapples, mangoes, guanavinos, mamey, 
nisperos, guavas, and others. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many pineapples raised? 

Mr. Fernandez. None of these are raised; they all grow wild. 
They are a beautiful fruit, but they are left to rot in the fields. This 
might become the most important crop of the district. 

Dr. Carroll. Why are they not cultivated? 

Mr. Fernandez. For the want of local markets, and the difficulty 
of getting them to distant markets. 

Dr. Carroll. You have a good road here, both to Ponce and to San 
Juan, at all times of the year. 

Mr. Fernandez. The difficulty is to get them from the center to 
this road. 

Dr. Carroll. Where are they grown? 

Mr. Fernandez. In the mountain lands, 600 meters above the sea 
level. To bring them down from there would" cost more than they are 
worth. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you tried bringing them down on ponies? 

Mr. Fernandez. Yes. 

Colonel Santiago. Pineapples grow splendidly everywhere, and 
better with irrigation ; but here in the countiy there is no demand for 
them, and they don't export them owing to the difficulties they have 
passed through of having communication. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there no demand for them in San Juan and Ponce? 

Mr. Fernandez. They are too far away. It is too expensive to get 
them there. 



95 

Colonel Santiago. We have never sown them; that is, we have 
never gone into the business regularly. 

A Planter. The amount of the duty on coffee is more than the value 
of the coffee itself in the ports of the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. No; it has been free for many years. 

A Planter. We want tobacco also to be free. 

Dr. Carroll. That is another question. You will have to wait 
until Porto Rico becomes a Territory of the United States. 

A Planter. If at the ports of the United States you could charge a 
duty on coffee coining from other countries, it would be a benefit to 
Porto Rico. 

Dr. Carroll. You must remember that the merchants of the United 
States who export to Porto Rico pay the same duties as the merchants 
of Spain or any other country. While that state of things continues 
you must expect to pay duties on things that go into the United States. 
It would be hardly fair to charge a duty on seven-eighths of the coffee 
the people of the United States consume to benefit Porto Rico when 
we have no free market here. How many months of dry weather do 
you have? 

A Planter. The dry season continues six months. We have rain 
from August to December and in the month of May. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there no possibility of irrigating any of the lands? 

A Planter. With very little outlay we could bring the river Bar- 
ranquitas here and use it for irrigation purposes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you ever had a competent engineer to examine 
into the matter? 

A Planter. We don't need an engineer for that; anybody can see 
at a glance that we can get water from the north shore down here. The 
greater part of the water running through Barranquitas could be 
brought here. 

Dr. Carroll. Still, you would not want to undertake any extensive 
irrigation works without having the opinion of a competent engineer 
and plans by a competent engineer? 

A Planter. The country is too poor to attend to irrigation works 
itself, but in Guayama they paid $25,000 to some English engineers to 
study the subject. These engineers have left and the people have 
nothing to show for their money. 

Dr. Carroll. Have they no plans to show for it? 

A Planter. I consider it lost until capital comes here to attend to 
it. They have the plans, though. 

Dr. Carroll. Does coffee suffer any from the dry season? 

A Planter. Not on the high lands, but it suffers on the low lands. 
Coffee sown at a lower altitude than 500 meters suffers from the dry 
season, but above that altitude it does not. 

Dr. Carroll. Why does it not suffer above that altitude? 

A Planter. On account of the dew above that altitude, the air is 
much more humid. Coffee is sown on the lowlands, but in some dry 
seasons it dies altogether. 



96 

. COFFEE RAISING. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.! 

Aibonito, P. R., February 6, 1899. 
Mr. Manuel Caballer, mayor of Aibonito, Mr. Jose E. Santiago, 
coffee planter; also Mr. Tomas Sifonte and Mr. Theodore Gonzales, 
coffee planters. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any manufactures of any kind in Aibonito? 

Mr. Caballer. None whatever, so far as I know. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any planters here who can tell me about 
agriculture in the district of Aibonito? 

Mr. Santiago. I am a coffee planter and can probably give you the 
information you want. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the chief crop of this district? 

Mr. Santiago. Coffee. 

Dr. Carroll. What other crops are raised? 

Mr. .Santiago. The next most important crop is tobacco, besides 
which there are small crops not worth taking into consideration. 

Dr. Carroll. What about oranges, bananas, cocoanuts, and fruits? 

Mr. Santiago. They don't cultivate them. 

Dr. Carroll. Would they grow here well, if cultivated? 

Mr. Santiago. Yes, they would; but I don't think to any great 
extent. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the weather too cold for them? 

Mr. Santiago. The climate is good for fruit. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much dry weather? 

Mr. Santiago. Droughts have occurred, but they are not usual. 
The ground, however, is worn-out and is naturally poor. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you use fertilizers on it? 

Mr. Santiago. Up to the present, no. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the ordinary crop of coffee per cuerda? 

Mr. Santiago. From 2 to 3 quintals on the best lands. There are 
some lands which don't give more than l-J. Coffee is not a productive 
crop here, and there are heavy expenses connected with it. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the coffee you grow of the ordinary class? 

Mr. Santiago. No; it is very fine cofiee. In the exposition at 
Paris I got a prize for the coffee" I exhibited. What we are in need of 
is machinery to work it better. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost to have the coffee picked, per 
cuerda? 

Mr. Santiago. It costs $6 per cuerda. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the other expenses of getting coffee ready 
for market? 

Mr. Santiago. We have to pass it through the machinery. We 
have to dry it; in fact, a long process has to be gone through. 

Dr. Carroll. I want to get at the expense of it. 

Mr. Santiago. We don't prepare it for exportation. 

Dr. Carroll. Well, what does it cost for drying it? 

Mr. Santiago. It costs about 50 cents a quintal for hulling and 
drying. 

Dr. Carroll. Where do you send it? 

Mr. Santiago. To Ponce. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost to e-et it to Ponce from here? 



97 

Mr. Santiago. It costs 30 or 40 cents, according to whether the 
carts are plentiful or not. 
Dr. Carroll. What do you get for it at Ponce? 
Mr. Santiago. This year from 14 to 15 pesos a quintal. 

Mr. Sifonte appeared before the commissioner and was questioned 
as follows : 

Dr. Carroll. What is the general character of the soil in this 
district? Is it washed and quite thin on the top of the mountain? 

Mr. Sifonte. The land is not regular at all. In some parts the 
soil is deep, and in other parts it is thin. You will find it in veins of 
varying quantity. 

Dr. Carroll. If a man wanted to plant a coffee farm how would 
he proceed, having an open field to begin with? 

Mr. Sifonte. First he would clean the ground and then plant shade 
trees. 

Dr. Carroll. How do you clean the ground? 

Mr. Sifonte. By cutting off the surface with a machete. 

Dr. Carroll. What kind of trees do you plant for shade? 

Mr. Sifonte. Plantains and guava. 

Dr. Carroll. How long does it take to get those trees ready to 
furnish the proper amount of shade? 

Mr. Sifonte. The guava trees require five years, but the other tree 
gives a shade at the end of a year, and meanwhile gives fruit. 

Dr. Carroll. And when do they plant the coffee trees? 

Mr. Sifonte. In October. 

Dr. Carroll. At the end of the first or second year, or immediately 
after planting the shade trees? 

Mr. Sifonte. A year afterwards. 

Dr. Carroll. How long is it before the coffee trees begin to bear? 

Mr. Sifonte. Five years. 

Dr. Carroll. When do your trees bear their best crops? 

Mr. Sifonte. When they are 7 years old. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they then decrease in the amount they yield? 

Mr. Sifonte. Our climate sustains the coffee tree in full bearing 
for many years; even up to fifty years. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you pay any taxes on land that is newty planted 
in coffee trees? 

Mr. Sifonte. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the law allow you five years in which to get 
your plantation ready for bearing before imposing a tax? 

Mr. Sifonte. No; two years only have been allowed. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you agree with the gentleman who has just testi- 
fied as to the cost of picking the coffee, of hulling it, and getting it to 
Ponce to market? 

Mr. Sifonte. I am of the same opinion; and I would say that our 
coffee, put down in the market, costs us $10 per quintal, everything 
counted, including the planting, the cleaning, the picking, the condi- 
tioning, the sacking, and the carrying to market. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the margin of profit for the planter is not very 
much, if he only gets 14 or 15 pesos per quintal? 

Mr. Sifonte. This year, at present prices, our coffee costs us almost 
as much as we get for it. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many merchants here who buy coffee from 
you? 

Mr. Sifonte. There are, on a small scale. 
1125 7 



98 

Mr. Theodore Gonzales was then questioned by the commissioner, 
as follows : 

Dr. Carroll. What is the average size of a coffee farm, in cuerdas, 
in this neighborhood? 

Mr. Gonzales. From 80 to 100 cuerdas. 

Dr. Carroll. You have heard the questions asked these other gen- 
tlemen. Do you agree with them in their answers? 

Mr. Gonzales. Yes. 



NEED OF FERTILIZERS. 

[Hearing before the United States Comniissioner.] 

Caguas, P. R., February 27, 1899. 
Mr. Vicente Munoz, ex-mayor of Caguas : 

Dr. Carroll. You are a planter? 

Mr. Munoz. Yes ; but not, of cane. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you plant? 

Mr. Munoz. Tobacco, coffee, a small amount of plantains, and 
small fruits in general. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the general character of the soil in this 
valley; is it rich? 

Mr. Munoz. Within a small radius it is fairly good, but the rest of 
it is not of much value. Everything is grown, but everything grows 
very sickly. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the cause of that ; haven't you rain enough 
here? 

Mr. Munoz. It is owing to the want of technical knowledge of how 
to use the soil, to the want of money, and to the rude methods we 
have always employed. 

Dr. Carroll. What crops are best produced here by this soil — 
coffee and tobacco? 

Mr. Munoz. In one part cane, in another coffee, in another small 
district tobacco, and in still another forage. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many cattle raised here? 

Mr. Munoz. Very few. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the planters ever use fertilizers on the soil? 

Mr. Munoz. No; for want of money. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the island not produce fertilizers? 

Mr. Munoz. On the island proper there is none, but the island of 
Mona produces fertilizer. Owing to the cost of getting it here the 
price is prohibitive. The agriculturist is in a worse position than the 
laborer here, because at the end of the day or week the laborer gets 
his pay, but the agriculturist gets no pay, and if he does not get some 
one to help him out he is in a bad way. 

Dr. Carroll. You are in a better j)osition than the agriculturists 
of some other districts, because you have good roads and communi- 
cation with Ponce and San Juan. 

Mr. Munoz. It is of small account to have good veins if you have 
no blood to course through them. We need cash and credit very much 
here. Owing to the late happenings in the island, men who sustained 
the agriculturists by credit have retired their credits altogether. 

Dr. Carroll. Isn't it a fact that agriculturists have to j3ay too 
high a rate of interest to allow of much profit on their crops? 



99 

« 

Mr. Munoz. Agriculturists here, unless they have a most extraor- 
dinary- crop, can never pay what they owe, and each year they get 
deeper and deeper into debt, and after eight or ten years they have 
to give up their estates and become workmen themselves. 

Dr. Carroll. Did the order of General Henry, suspending execu- 
tions on agricultural property, afford any relief here? 

Mr. Munoz. Those who were hopelessly in debt were benefited, 
but those who had not got to that condition were not greatly benefited. 
The order preventing the collection of the consumption tax appeared 
at first a very beneficent one, but it was really quite the other thing. 
We are buying bread and meat at the same prices we were before, 
and instead of the people of the city, who consume the bread and meat, 
paying the tax the extra taxation has been put on us. 

Dr. Carroll. It has been put on the liquor dealers? 

Mr. Munoz. The agriculturists pay it indirectlv. 

Dr. Carroll. The tariff has relieved the agriculturist somewhat? 

Mr. Munoz. The price of food stuffs has not come down here. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you pay for bread? 

Mr. Munoz. Six cents in town; I pay 7 cents in the country. 

Dr. Carroll. How much was it before? 

Mr. Munoz. It was 8 cents for a pound, light; now they sell a full 
pound for 6 cents. 

Dr. Carroll. It was 8 cents in San Juan, and now it is 4 cents. 

Mr. Munoz. But the agricultural laborers do not eat either bread 
or meat. 



COFFEE AND TOBACCO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cayey, P. R., February 28, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the chief crops raised here? 

Mayor Munoz. Coffee and tobacco. 

Dr. Carroll. Some corn? 

Mayor Munoz. A small quantity, only, for local consumption. 

Dr. Carroll. Is any cane raised here? 

Mayor Munoz. There was only one sugar grower here and he gave 
it up. 

Dr. Carroll. Does not cane grow well here? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes; it is very fine land for cane. 

Dr. Carroll. • Then is it more profitable to raise coffee and tobacco? 
•Mayor Munoz. Naturally; cane requires a great deal more capital' 
than coffee and tobacco. 

Dr. Carroll. What kind of soil is found here? 

Mr. M. Planellas, president of agricultural society. The northern 
and eastern parts of the district are clayey. There is also humus 
soil, and under that there is a layer of pyrites. In another part of 
the district there is volcanic soil; that is found especially in the 
southern part. We harvest 30,000 quintals of coffee here and 5,000 
quintals of tobacco. Less has been sown this year than last. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the number of workmen, approximately, on 
coffee and tobacco estates? 

Mr. Planellas. I estimate that about 4,000 people are given work 
in the country districts of this municipality. The minimum salaiy is 
37 cents and the maximum 50 cents a day. Most of the agriculturists 



100 

pay in cash, and any peon of good character can live on the estate 
and have a house bnilt for him by the owner. 

Dr. Carroll. There is an agricultural society here. What is its 
object? 

Mr. Planellas. The society was formed last year, with a view of 
trying to obtain annexation and get into a position to take advantage 
of the benefits of it. This is the first society that has ever been formed ; 
this is absolutely the first step that has been taken. One of the points 
which our programme includes is the betterment of the peon class. 
One object of the society has been to prepare the ground for the intro- 
duction of our coffee into the United States. We are thinking of 
sending an agent there to work the field and get a market, but we 
have been laboring under the idea that coffee paid a duty there. The 
danger of the situation is that if the agriculturist does not soon find 
a market for his produce he will have to shut down, and that will 
throw many out of work. 

Dr. Carroll. What is your port for the shipment of coffee? 

Mr. Planellas. San Juan, principally. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost to get your coffee there? 

Mr. Planellas. Forty cents a quintal. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it nearer to San Juan than to Ponce? 

Mr. Planellas. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the planters sell the coffee here or in San Juan? 

Mr. Planellas. They sell it here. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do you get for it here? 

Mr. Planellas. Ten pesos per quintal for current classes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that with the shell on it? 

Mr. Planellas. No; all prepared. 

Dr. Carroll. How much for the fine? 

Mr. Planellas. Fourteen pesos. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much margin for the producer? 

Mr. Planellas. Very little ; at 10 pesos it hardly covers the expense, 
of production. Last year coffee brought as high as 35 pesos a quintal. 

Dr. Carroll. Is 14 pesos now the highest? 

Mr. Planellas. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Why should there be such a shrinkage for the best 
coffee? As I understand they never send the best coffee to the United 
States or to Cuba or Spain, but to Germany and France. 

Mr. Planellas. We send the best coffee to Spain and France. 
France consumes only a little, however; the chief part was consumed 
in Spain. The reason we sent most of it to Spain was that the exchange 
on Spain gave us a larger return. 

Dr. Carroll. They raise coffee in Cuba, do they not? 

Mr. Planellas. Very little. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, if they raise only a little, they must import 
coffee. 

Mayor Munoz. The Brazilian coffee, which is much cheaper, will be 
brought in, as the poor people use it. Our inferior coffees are better 
than the Brazilian first-class coffee. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you not produce them as cheaply as they produce 
them in Brazil? 

Mr. Planellas. No; in Brazil they don't have to use shade trees; 
they can plant them out in the open, and here the expense of raising- 
coffee is in the protection of the coffee. 

Dr. Carroll. The freights are cheaper from here to Cuba than 
from Brazil to Cuba, are they not? 



101 

Mr. Planellas. Somewhat cheaper, but that would not make up 
for it. Fifty years ago, when coffee paid no taxes, when munici- 
palities hardly existed, and we had slave labor, we could compete 
with Brazil, but to-day we can not compete with Brazil, which has 
cheaper labor. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost to get coffee ready for market. 

A Planter present. From 8 to 9 pesos per' quintal. 

Another Planter. The most important point to the agriculturist 
has not been mentioned ; that is, that the agriculturists have no money 
and no bank. They have to obtain their money through merchants 
who exact payment in crops; these crops are subject to fluctuation, 
according to the demand from outside, which causes fluctuations in 
San Juan. So that really the agriculturist is Bt the mercy of the mer- 
chants, and until he gets better facilities for getting money it will 
always be so. 

Dr. Carroll. Under the present laws the agriculturist may be an 
exporter. 

A Planter. We can not do it because we havn't commercial rela- 
tions with Europe and the United States. We wouldn't know how 
to proceed, and have to deal with the merchants anyway. The very 
richest of the agriculturists have seen themselves on the brink of 
ruin. They have had no outlet for their crops, and could get no 
money to attend to the working of their estates. Without exception, 
they are in a very difficult position. 

Dr. Carroll. If you think the merchants are charging you too 
much, you should form an association and have an agent and find 
your own markets. What one man can not do a great many men 
can do. 

A Gentleman present. As the agriculturist nearly always owes 
the merchant he has to meet the debts with coffee. The fault is with 
the merchants of the capital. The merchants here can not offer a 
higher price than they are authorized to offer by the merchants there. 

Mayor Munoz. I think the real reason for the condition of affairs 
which exists at present is the transitory state through which we are 
passing. It is not a question of merchants or prices, but of an upset con- 
dition of affairs. When we find our neAv markets we will settle down 
upon a satisfactory basis. We want your assistance and that of the' 
United States to the end that Porto Rican coffee shall be protected as 
a national product against Brazilian and others. 

Dr. Carroll. That is, you want the United States to impose a 
duty on coffee from other countries'? 

A § Planter. In any form. 

Dr. Carroll. By bounty? That ought to come out of your own 
treasury. 

Mayor Munoz. I think a duty ought to be imposed on othercoffee. 
* Dr. Carroll. Would that be fair to the 70, 0000, 000 consumers in the 
United States'? It seems to me that one trouble with the planters 
here is that you go too much on the credit basis and not enough on 
the cash basis; in other words, you pay out what would be your prof- 
its in interest, which, I understand, runs as high as 18 per cent, and 
it would seem to me better to pass through a starvation period, if 
necessary, for a year or two in order to get on the cash basis. 

A Planter. I think that as soon as American capitalists come in 
to take the place of Spanish capital that has been withdrawn the 
country will get on a better footing. 

Dr. Carroll. The more money you borrow the worse you are off. 



102 

A Planter. No, it will give the agriculturists breathing time in 
which to wait for better prices. 

Dr. Carroll. Suppose the better prices vou wait for do not come? 
What then? 

A Planter. We would have money at lower interest than we now 
pay, and, at least, would have the benefit of the time for waiting. 

Dr. Carroll. What inducement have you to offer to capitalists to 
lend money at a less rate of interest than you have been paying? 
You say that the prices are so low that you can not make expenses. 

A Planter. We would give our property as a guaranty. 



IRRIGATION. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 3, 1899. 
Mr. Robert Graham: 

Mr. Graham. I have been here thirty-eight 3 T ears. My business is 
engineering, and I know the island pretty well. There are very con- 
siderable openings here for capital from outside. There are large 
claims lying uncultivated which could be made very valuable by 
bringing water to them. There is no difficulty in bringing the water 
to them, except the difficulty of the money necessary to do it. Gen- 
eral Stone went into this question of irrigation very closely. He 
traveled all over the district and we traveled a great deal together. 
He was delighted with the whole thing, and he was quite certain he 
was going to do big things; that firms in the United States would go 
in for it right off, and I have been surprised to find that he has been 
disappointed altogether. His disappointment, however, is no reason 
why we should not try to secure irrigation here. 

Dr. Carroll. I had a talk at Guayama at the alcaldia. There were 
a number of planters there, also at Arroyo. Thej^ have plans at 
Arroyo, but no plans at Guayama with respect to irrigation. It seems 
to me important in order to bring this question properly before capi- 
talists in the United States that there should be plans, with estimates, 
so that the people can judge somewhat with regard to it. 

Mr. Graham. That is so, and the plans have been all worked out in 
first-class style and copies of them remain in the office of the depart- 
ment of public works in San Juan. Estimates also have been made 
and copies have been supplied to different people. It is not easy to 
sn PPty copies, except of superficial plans, but the matter has *been 
brought so plainly before a number of people that it seems surprising 
that it has not been taken up. A little more than a year ago the 
scheme was nearly taken up by a London syndicate of capitalists.* 
The American war came on and they said, "We will wait and see what 
will happen." After the war they were ready to come. I told them 
they were too late. I had been speaking with General Stone, and 
naturally considered that Americans would go into it and give us 
Englishmen no chance, and I wrote to that effect. An enterprise of 
this sort requires capitalists to send out capable men to look into it 
and finally get the concession good for the whole ground, make their 
own plans, and make such calculations as modern ideas and experi- 
ence may suggest. 

Dr. Carroll. You have a system of irrigation in this district? 



103 

Mr. Graham. Yes; we have irrigation in the Ponce district and it 
is a pretty complete system. We take the water from various rivers. 

Dr. Carroll. Does that water ever fail in rivers? 

Mr. Graham. Yes; when we have long spells of dry weather it gets 
scarce; but the districts of Guayama, Arroyo, and Salinas have no irri- 
gation at all to speak of. The matter has been worked out and looked 
into by different engineers and all have found it perfectly feasible, and 
there could be no doubt about the success of it, because landed pro- 
prietors are willing to bind themselves in advance, to pay so much per 
acre for the use of the water. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the sj^stem that you have here? 

Mr. Graham. It is just gravitation. They take the water high up 
in the river, dam it slightly, build brick conduits, and bring the water 
to the estates. 

Dr. Carroll. How is it distributed on the estates? 

Mr. Graham. By a main ditch which runs along the high part of 
the field and smaller ditches or furrows so arranged that the water 
runs along the furrows. The furrows are from 3 to 4 feet from each 
other. The cane is planted in a hill and the water runs over the roots 
of the cane. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that system costly? 

Mr. Graham. The first cost is considerable, but after it is once 
established the system is not a costly one. 

Dr. Carroll. For a field of 100 cuerdas, say, what would it cost 
the owner per annum? 

Mr. Graham. You would have to keep two men constantly employed 
and that would cost about 60 cents a day, gold. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the water pumped from the river? 

Mr. Graham. No. They take the water up higher than their own 
property. For Guayama and Salinas the water would be taken up in 
the hills and a reservoir made. The original scheme would cost 
$700,000, but the water that has to be brought down would give 1,600 
horsepower for electric lighting. That would light all the lights 
around the coast here. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it turn all the sugar mills? 

Mr. Graham. No, but it would haul all the cane. The mills require 
heavy power; but they will have plenty of power for their purposes. 
The electric-light scheme was not included in the original irrigation 
scheme. It is only lately that this scheme has been thought of at all. 
Connected with this scheme is the central factory. 

Dr. Carroll. That would be a matter of economy also for the 
planters, because their present system is-a costly one. 

Mr. Graham. They are losing when they are grinding just one- 
third of the whole crop. It is equivalent to one-half of what they 
make. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes; that is evident to a passer-by. 

Mr. Graham. The bankers have gone into a little speculation in 
this district. They bought a thousand acres the other day and are 
going to put up a factory. 

Dr. Carroll. Where is that? 

Mr. Graham. Between Guayama and Salinas. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they expect to irrigate it? 

Mr. Graham. Yes, and I think they are expecting that one day the 
general irrigation scheme will be introduced. 

Dr. Carroll. Has it always been as dry in these southern districts 
as it is now? 



104 

Mr. Graham. Not quite. Twenty-five or thirty years ago we did 
not suffer so much from dry weather. 

Dr. Carroll. The mountains have been denuded, I suppose? 

Mr. Graham. Yes, and the cutting down of the timber has done a 
great deal of harm. 

Dr. Carroll. Can not that be remedied by planting forests? 

Mr. Graham. Very slowly, because the land is the property of pri- 
vate owners and they would not plant lands from which they would 
derive no benefit. 

Dr. Carroll. That would be of benefit to the whole district, and 
possibly you would have a natural supply of moisture. 

Mr. Graham. We may have rains in April, but we may not get them 
in that month. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you plenty of rain in the summer? 

Mr. Graham. No, not plenty. We may get showers from now on 
to July, sometimes later, but we can not count on the weather from 
January to September. Sometimes we get rain in that period and 
sometimes we don't. The estates that don't have irrigation can not 
make anything in this sort of weather. 



AVERAGE CROPS OF SUGAR AND COFFEE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Plainfield, N. J., May 26, 1899. 

Senor Lucas Amadeo, a coffee planter of Utuado, P. R. : 

Dr. Carroll. I should like to ask a few questions as to coffee and 
sugar.- I have been unable to get the average production per acre or 
cuerda of coffee and sugar. 

Senor Amadeo. The production of sugar there varies according to 
the location of the plantation and according to the method of cultiva- 
tion. Along the coast there are some places where the ground bein<>- 
well watered, will produce from 3% to 4 hogsheads per cuerda 

Dr. Carroll. From 1,400 to 1,800 pounds per hogshead? 

Seiior Amadeo. Yes. The average production will fall as low as 
2 hogsheads m other localities, where the ground, perhaps, is not as 
good and the methods of culture are not adequate. 

Dr. Carroll. Much depends, 1 suppose, also on the character of 
the mills. 

Senor Amadeo. I believe that with modern mills and modern 
methods the production on good lands would be from 5 to 6 hogs- 
heads per cuerda. On the plantation of my father I have, even with 
the crude method of oxen, obtained sometimes 5 hogsheads per 
cuerda. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the average for the land under culti- 
vation is 2 hogsheads per cuerda? 

Senor Amadeo. That is about the most they will give, taking into 
consideration the manner in which it is cultivated now; it must be 
borne in mmd that present methods of culture in the island are inad- 
equate to produce what the same farms might yield if riahtlv culti- 
vated. ft J 

_ Dr. Carroll. What would probably be the value of the residue or 
juice or molasses to the hogshead left over after the sugar has been 



105 

made? I want to get at the value of a cuerda in cane, made up into 
sugar, molasses, and rum. 

Senor Amadeo. Calculating that the cuerda will give 2 hogsheads 
of sugar, it will then give 30 per cent molasses and 10 per cent rum ; 
the sugar represents 60 per cent. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the 2 hogsheads include the molasses and rum? 

Senor Amadeo. No. 

Dr. Carroll. I ask these questions because Judge Curtis, of the 
colonial commission, made a statement to the effect that the sugar 
growers of Porto Rico were not' so nearly had off as they made out. 
He said they could easily make $120 gold per acre. 

Senor Amadeo. I don't see where Mr. Curtis gets his authority from 
upon which to base that statement, because you must take into account 
the cost of production. 

Dr. Carroll. Would a cuerda produce $120 worth without regard 
to the cost ? 

Senor Amadeo. No. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't see how it is possible. 

Senor Amadeo. As long as the production per cuerda is 2% hogs- 
heads or less there is no profit. The profit really commences when 
the production is from 3 hogsheads up. The plantations spend a 
great deal of money. I know of plantations near Ponce which pro- 
duce 800 hogsheads and spend from $35,000 to $40,000 a year in the 
production of the crop. 

Dr. Carroll. Now, with regard to the ordinary production of coffee 
per acre, I think you have stated to me that the most liberal estimate 
is from 35 to 40 quintals an acre. 

Senor Amadeo. The amount you mention was produced under 
exceptional conditions on one of my pieces of land, and I have other 
pieces which sometimes produce about the same; but taking a gen- 
eral average, and taking into consideration that the cultivation is so 
poorly undertaken there in that respect, we get about 4 quintals per 
cuerda. There have been years in which the production has exceeded 
6 quintals on an average. Last year the production was poor. 

Dr. Carroll. That includes all classes? 

Senor Amadeo. In years like the present you might calculate, per- 
haps, 4 quintals upon all the grounds, but in past years it has been 
lower than that. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the classes or grades produced? What are 
they called? 

Senor Amadeo. It is divided into about three grades. The first 
and the best is produced on the large plantations, where they have 
their own mills and where they undertake the whole operation. 

Dr. Carroll. What is that called — caracolillo? 

Senor Amadeo. It is called haciendo coffee. Caracolillo coffee is 
picked out from that. They are the round beans. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes, and I understand they grow on the higher 
branches. 

Senor Amadeo. No; it grows indiscriminately. 

Dr. Carroll. It consists of one berry in the cascara? 

Senor Amadeo. Yes. The second grade is that produced by the 
different commission merchants that buy up the different crops and 
take them into the city and sort them ; and the third grade is that pro- 
duced on small properties, where the}'" dry their coffee crudely, and 
where the whole process, in fact, is crude. 

Dr. Carroll. What classes are polished for the European markets? 



106 

Senor Amadeo. The first two grades. 

Dr. Carroll. What will you do now with your third-class coffee? 
You used to send much of it to Cuba. 

Senor Amadeo. We don't know where to send it; it is at its lowest 
price there. 

Dr. Carroll. It really makes good coffee,, does it not? The beans 
are irregular and broken, but I understand it makes good coffee. 

Senor Amadeo. It is only a question of looks. Very often the cof- 
fee that is dried in its own bean, as is done in the case of the third- 
class coffee, tastes even better than the other grades. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it better than the cheap grade produced in Brazil, 
called Rio? 

Senor Amadeo. Yes, much better. 



THE NEEDS OF AGRICULTURE. 

[Memorial of Mayaguez planters submitted to the Commissioner.] 

We, the undersigned property holders and agriculturists in the de- 
partment of Mayaguez, being desirous of cooperating as far as our 
scanty forces allow for the welfare of this island, beg to state: That 
the coffee growers of Mayaguez, Las Marias, and Maricao some years 
ago began their work anew, arising out of the prostration to which the 
industiy had been for some time subjected. At this date the planta- 
tions are in very good condition, owing to the fertility of the soil and 
the careful work which has been bestowed on them; but as the mer- 
chants of Mayaguez have absolutely cut off credits, the only source on 
which we count for the development of agriculture, the day may 
arrive (and it is not far off) when the coffee industry may die for lack 
of funds with which to attend to its needs. As the poor classes live 
on the work given by the agriculturist, if that work be suspended they 
will be reduced to the utmost misery. For a year this condition has 
been threatening, and cases of starvation have already occurred, and 
will occur frequently, for want of work. To save the situation, a sad 
one for both owner and workman, to combat the tyranny of the specu- 
lator and usurer, to place the coffee industry on a footing of progress, 
to free the laborer from his condition of anaemia, and enable him to 
earn enough to buy food with the wages of his honest labor, and to 
lift the agriculturist from the penury which overwhelms him, and 
enable him to meet his obligations and his social duties, there is urgent 
need — 

First. That the money question be settled, giving the peso a value 
of 50 cents. 

Second. That agricultural banks be established by American corpo- 
rations to loan money at low rates and for long terms on mortgages. 

Third. That full freedom be given for Americans, our fellow-country- 
men, to establish themselves so as to introduce competition and put 
an end to Spanish and German monopoly, which, owing to lack of com- 
petition, sells its merchandise dear, and scourges agriculture by the 
low prices paid for produce. The merchants are interested only in 
sending their capital to their respective countries, leaving our country 
bare, greatly to our prejudice. 

Fourth. That lawyers, notaries, and court clerks' fees be limited to 
rates made generally known by a published tariff. 



107 

Sixth. That every citizen be allowed to conduct his own litigation 
without obligatory reeom'se to procurators, as these, together with 
" shysters," whose only idea is to draw the agriculturists into litiga- 
tion with or without reason, cause great prejudice to agriculturists. 
Sixth. That agricultural tools and machinery be exempted from all 
duties. 

Seventh. That the so-called " cuota imponible"be annulled for a 
number of years, owing to the onerous state of present conditions. 

Eighth. That the ayuntamiento of this city, together with General 
Henry, work for the annexation to the district of the neighboring ones 
of Maricao and Las Marias, as those districts impose heavy taxation to 
meet the salaries of their unnecessary employees, ,to the exclusion of 
important work, such as roads and education; and that preference be 
given to these branches so completely neglected. 

Knowing your good wishes and the good wishes of the President of 
the great Republic, we await with faith and enthusiasm the speedy 
change of the situation to one of prosperity for Pofto Rico, which, 
once the traces of the fatal Spanish domination are wiped out, will 
be, like Kentucky, the American paradise and the garden of America. 
Julio P. Beauchamp, Marcelino Beauehamp, Alades Beau- 
champ, Adolfo Fenellas, Francisco Linares, M. Rodri- 
guez Perez, Manuel Frabal, Juan N. Aran, Tomas 
Per,ez, Antonio Rivera, Juan Rivera, Sandalio Rivera, 
Julio Vincenty, Pr. Victor M. Rivera, Adolfo Gonzales, 
Jose G. Rivera, Jose Ignacio Rivera, Juan de Mata 
Rivera, Maximino Lacour, G. Torrella, Pablo Beau- 
champ, Ernesto Surra, Pedro Paoli, Jose G. Rivera, 
Gregorio Castillo, Francisco Cepaller, Jose Luis Ortiz 
Rentes, Joaquim Vincenty, Amego de P. Tandredo 
Hernandez, A. Ortiz, Alcedes Beauchamp, Artuco To- 
rrella, Carlos M. Beauchamp, Domingo Rivera, Jose A. 
Rivera, Cipriani Rivera, A. Luego de Julio Tratar, 
Juan Torrella, Amego de D. Teodoso, Agapito Journet, 
Venancio Gonzalez, Francisco Aran, Zine Lapetegin, 
V. Forestier, Ricardo Rivera, Julio C. Rivera, Luis 
Esteva. 



DEPREDATIONS OF THE CHANG A. 

Eustaquio Milland, resident of Yabucoa, property owner and town 
councillor, respectfully states that no study is more worthy of consid- 
eration than that of the method of extirpating the pest called changa, 
the cause of ruin to our crops and decay of agriculture in this district. 

Agriculturists are interested in (taking advantage of) your visit, 
placing under the scalpel of a scientific commission of the savior 
Republic the insect known as Grillo talpa (mole cricket) and finding 
a means of extirpating it, all steps taken by the experts named by 
the Spanish Government having failed. It is quite impossible for the 
agriculturist to sustain the struggle caused by this enemy of labor, 
who to evade persecution burrows under the ground down to one-half 
meter depth and makes its nest, producing its young by thousands 
and feeding on the first shoots until the plantation succumbs to its 
attacks. 

The mamey leaf used because of its toughness and bitter flavor to 



108 

wrap around the young tobacco shoot, to protect it from the ravages 
of the pest, prevents the full growth of the plant and affects its qual- 
ity, thus defeating its object. It also attacks cane, rice, garden stuff, 
and everything green. 

Note.— The field laborers of this district earn 50 cents Porto 
Rican daily, and are paid in provisions from the store of the estate, 
at prices much above those charged at retail in the towns. Can noth- 
ing be done for these unfortunates? 



THREE NEEDS. 
STATEMENT OF SENOK J. COLON. 

We are in need of roads. The want of them makes it difficult 
at times for even carts to move. Our port, which does not allow the 
entrance of ships of large draft, could easily be deepened, as its bot- 
tom is chalky. Our countrymen, who are peasants, should be grouped 
m villages, so that. efforts for their education shall not be without 
result. The cultivation of our fields is made difficult by the lack of 
modern implements and an insect called "changa," which destroys 
the greater part of the sowing. Up to the present time we have not 
been able to find any method of destroying this troublesome animal. 



ENLARGEMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

Patillas, P. R., March, 1899. 
Senor Jose Amadeo, M. D. : 

The economic future of our fertile island will depend on a greater 
extension being given to the cultivation of cane, coffee, and cacao in 
the mountain zone, where there is still a great quantity of land fit for 
these crops. Tobacco will also play a part as one of the most valuable 
products, as already in both London and other places in Europe cigars 
made at Comerio, Cayey, Juana Diaz, Patillas, and other districts of 
the island have been well received. In the whole of the granite region, 
from the famous district of Mamey toward the east until arriving at 
Manaubo and Yabucoa, magnificent meadows, uplands, and crests 
are found which produce this plant in fine quality. It constitutes a 
branch of no despicable value, as time will show. 

It is also important to increase the cultivation of minor crops, such 
as rice, corn, beans, plantains, sweet potatoes, and other tubers, 
which will serve our growing poorer classes as cheap and abundant 
food, and will free us from the ruinous importation of cereals 
and other articles from foreign lands, thus saving money for the 
increase of our own wealth. To arrive at this result it is necessary to 
stimulate the small producer in every possible way, among these by 
equitable taxation. Legislation will help powerfully toward agricul- 
tural progress. The extinction of feudal laws favorable to concen- 
tration gave rise to the spread of agriculture in Europe. In China, 
where property is well divided and intense cultivation is practiced as 
m no other part, nobody can neglect his piece of land, but has to pro- 
duce something. Above all, the rights of proprietors are the rights 
of society in general. 



109 

The arbitrary destruction of forests has converted much of our land 
into waste, and fuel and building wood are already scarce. It is indis- 
pensable that forests should be planted with indigenous trees and 
suitable ones brought from other climates. This would increase wealth 
and modify the temperature of hot zones to the benefit of public 
health in general. The cocoanut alone, which grows so easily on our 
coasts, offers a hope. By the lands of the maritime zone and the 
small islands lying around, Porto Rico should be covered by this 
beautiful and generous tree. Jamaica and Cuba export yearly mil- 
lions of dollars' worth of cocoanuts, bananas, pines, oranges, lemons, 
tomatoes, and other fruits, which we can also produce in abundance. 

The cultivation of flowers, particularly of the orchid family, of 
which there are many indigenous and exotic examples, attended to 
with care, would be a remunerative industry. By increasing yearly 
the area of our coffee plantations, the fruit of which has acquired fame 
as one of the finest in the world, by the production on our mountain 
sides of cacao, equal in quality to any of the South American, as can 
be seen by visiting any of the magnificent plantations existing in this 
district, there would be no reason why this country should perish if a 
friendly hand were held out to help it. 

Few regions of the globe in this latitude and of the same area pro- 
duce so many kinds of valuable fruits, without counting the numerous 
alimentary substances, as does Porto Rico. 



THE VARIOUS CROPS. 

, Guayama, P. R., January — , 1899. 

STATEMENT OF MAYOR CELESTINO DOMINGUEZ. 

The agriculture of this country consists of the planting of sugar, 
which is still done in the manner observed by our grandfathers, 
science not yet having taken a hand in the work. Unscientific and 
irrational systems are still in vogue, and the work is intrusted to over- 
seers, who have no further knowledge than that acquired by many 
years of practice. 

Coffee, to-day the principal crop of the island, worth perhaps about 
10,000,000 pesos per annum, also suffers from the lack of scientific 
cultivation. Our coffee is reputed to be the best in the world. The 
principal coffee districts are Yauco, Mayaguez, Las Marias, Maricao, 
Lares, and Utuado. The ports of export are San Juan, Ponce, and 
Mayaguez. Most of it goes to Cuba, Germany, and France. Free 
coasting trade will create a great demand for it in the States, as the 
Americans, who are used to Brazilian coffee, do not know ours, and 
consequently can not appreciate its fine qualities. 

Cacao. — There are a few plantations of this tree in the island. The 
quality is excellent, of second class, like Guayaquil cacao. It can be 
grown anywhere in Porto Rico, and its extension would be beneficial. 

Tobacco — Is produced in large quantities and of excellent quality, 
being equal to Cuban leaf. The principal producing districts are 
Comerio, Cayey, San Lorenzo, Caguas, and Patillas. About 3,000,000 
pesos is the annual value of the crop. 

Minor crops. — Plantains of several kinds, names, corn, yauticas, 
rice, beans, gandules, etc., are grown all over, and form the princi- 
pal foods of our peasants (jibaros). 



110 

Other products. — Building and cabinet woods, in great variety and 
of excellent qualities, form a source of wealth. 

Roads. — There is a central road, starting from Ponce and passing 
through Aibonito, Coamo, Cayey, Caguas, and Rio Piedras, leading to 
the capital. It is 134 kilometers long. Another, from Guayania, 88 
kilometers long, joins the central road at Cayey. Both are well built 
and are not inferior to roads in any country. There a/re also several 
roads around the coast, which, for want of attention, become impassa- 
ble in the rainy season. As to roads in the interior, they are few and 
bad. 

For cane the lands are prepared by plowing with the primitive 
system of oxen; then the land is banked up, leaving furrows between. 
When the planting season arrives, usually March and April, the seeds 
are placed in the furrows and covered by the earth removed before- 
hand. This operation is called minor cultivation, and there is another, 
called major cultivation, practiced in the months of September and 
October, the cane not being ready for grinding until about twelve to 
eighteen months after planting. The irregularity of the rains in this 
district do not allow of a fixed time for harvesting, we haying had 
droughts lasting as long as twenty months. The farmers live with 
their eyes turned skyward, to find out if they are to be favored by 
rains. Their position, always one of uncertainty, is at times a des- 
perate one. A plan of irrigation was made in 1865 by an English 
engineer, Mr. Whebben, the cost of which was to be about 1,000,000 
pesos, and which was never fostered by the Spanish Government. If 
the American Government would protect the project and push it to 
completion it would be the salvation of this part of the island, which 
would become prosperous and flourishing, giving far larger returns of 
sugar and benefiting the inhabitants. 

Coffee is a mountain plant, sown on high lands. It requires mois- 
ture and shade for its proper growth. The old routine and primitive 
methods are still in vogue. The land is cleared of weeds, and in holes 
of about the depth of a hand the seeds are sown. As this plan requires 
some months for the coffee to appear, it is rarely used, being substi- 
tuted by that of transplantation from nurseries, in which the plant 
has grown to about one-half yard in height. The plants are placed in 
the ground at distances of three yards from each other. I have seen 
large trees bearing fruit thus transplanted. The first crop is given at 
the fourth year. It is always weakly and scarce. 

The rdanting of tobacco is a delicate operation and is usually per- 
formed on the lands skirting the rivers. It can, however, be grown 
anywhere. The land needs little preparation — a turning over and weed- 
ing superficially — and then transplantation from the seed nurseries. 
The seed is usually sown in August, the transplanting being done in 
November, December, and January. 

Technical sugar schools. — Porto Rico, during the year 1897, has 
exported 57,648,851 kilograms of sugar, including muscovado and cen- 
trifugal. Calculating the consumption in the island itself to be the 
tenth part of that exported, we have a total production of 65,413j736 
kilograms during the year. For the manufacture of such an impor- 
tant quantity of sugar there is not in the whole island an individual 
who can claim the title of a chemical expert. Owing to the want of 
a technical school in Porto Rico, those who devote themselves to the 
preparation of this product have no further knowledge of the matter 
than that acquired by routine, and for this reason, and owing also to 
the fact that they have not the slightest scientific knowledge, they do 



Ill 

not obtain all the results which the sugar industry should give, as they 
allow a large portion of the saccharine matter to go to waste. 

According to the memorandum issued by the assessors at the begin- 
ning of last year in the island, 25,090 hectares of cane (a hectare being- 
equal to 2.471 acres) are under cultivation. The districts which pro- 
duce the most are the following, in the order given : 

Hectares, i Hectares. 

Ponce 2.618 | Yabucoa 922 

Juana Diaz 1, 718 j Maunabo 762 

Vieques _. 1,398 Yauco ... 681 

Arecibo 1, 391 I Humacao 658 

San German ■ 1,093 j Pati lias 648 

Fajardo 973 j Cabo Rojo 621 

This gives a total of 13,483 hectares (33,316 acres'), which represent 
more than 53 per cent of the total cultivation of sugar cane in the 
island. 

In 1888, according to statistics of well-known veracity, there were 
at work in the island: 

Estates with steam vacuum sugar machinery ". . 20 

Estates with ordinary machines worked by steam 140 

Estates with ordinary machines worked by oxen 286 

In 1898 the proportion was altered in the following manner: 

Estates with steam vacuum sugar machinery 50 

Estates with ordinary machines worked by steam 100 

Estates with ordinary machines worked by oxen . _ 100 

It is an absolute necessity that there should be established here 
such a school as already mentioned on the same principles as those 
conducted in the United States. 



AGRICULTURAL DECADENCE. 
STATEMENT OF SENOR P. SANTISTEBAN Y CHARIVARI, SPANISH MERCHANT. 

San Juan, P. R. , October 28, 1898. 

Agriculture. — Calls for special study on the part of the Government 
in order to better its condition. 

In spite of the fact that the country has paid 17,000,000 pesos for 
the liberation of the slaves, who were almost exclusively the property 
of the agriculturists, and the fact that the island — and principally com- 
merce — has been kept down since 1879 by the circulation first of Mex- 
ican silver and later of colonial silver — in spite of this unfortunate 
condition of affairs generally, agricultural products have usually 
obtained high prices in the world's markets. But agriculture to-day 
is perhaps poorer than in the year 1879, and commerce is obliged to 
advance money to it to carry it on and to prevent its disappearance 
altogether. 

It is difficult to explain the different causes which could have pro- 
duced this agricultural decadence, but I think it can be attributed to 
a great extent to the lack of an economic system among the agricul- 
turists themselves. They have become accustomed to routine. They 
lack necessary implements for good and cheap cultivation ; they do 
not make use of the necessary fertilizers for worn-out lands; they 
have no system of irrigation to replace the want of rainfall, and they 



112 

do not employ measures for reclaiming productive lands which are 
under water. In general, our agriculturists are not possessed even 
of the rudiments of horticulture and have not even the good sense to 
choose the best seeds for planting. 



THE NEEDS OF AGRICULTURE. 
STATEMENT BY SENOR LUIS CENAL. 

Fajardo, P. R., November 6, 1898. 

,We lack entirely the mechanical improvements necessary to enable 
the industrial branch of sugar producing to prepare the sugar in the 
form required by the market consuming it. Our machinery can only 
produce raw and muscovado sugar, and it is well known that the article 
in this state does not enjoy a staple value sufficient to encourage its 
production. This district is rich and extensive, lending "itself favor- 
ably to the establishment of central mills with a margin of profit, and 
thus dividing the industry into its two natural parts — the agricultural 
and manufacturing — and giving hope to the agriculturists and mutual 
benefit to state, province, and locality. In this district there are 
twenty-six sugar-cane estates, of which fourteen are idle owing to the 
financial crisis we are passing through. Besides these, there are a 
large number of properties fit for this class of crop, which could be 
converted into an important and profitable nucleus of the industry. 

The abandoned cane estates are run to pasture, but as this is not 
making proper use of the lands, it can be calculated that 75 per cent 
of the district is, properly speaking, unproductive. 

We have to sell our crude sugars to local commission agents, whose 
expenses and commissions greatly reduce the value of the article. 

I think that the district could support two central mills of the first 
order, which would divide the production among them. 

There is also a lack of capital in the district, which fact should 
receive due attention, as well as the cultivation of minor crops, for 
which excellent land exists and which have not been taken into account 
in speaking of the special fitness of the district for sugar cultivation. 

The installation of the two mills would make the district a flourish- 
ing one both agriculturally and commercially, as we possess one of 
the best ports of the island. 

Owing to the connection between commerce and agriculture, the 
former can be said to be decaying also. 

Speaking of the general needs of the island, that of treaties is of 
great importance, taking into consideration that one day the opening 
of the Panama Canal will make this port of great maritime importance 
commercially. 

As regards manufacturing there is great opportunity for the estab- 
lishment of fibrous textile, paper, beer, and chemical factories, and 
of the working of the numerous minerals that the country produces. 

As regards roads, without in any way deprecating the construction 
of a belt line of railroad, there is great need of cart roads over which 
our produce could pass from the interior to the principal markets of 
the island without the expense of transport being greater than the 
profits, as at present is the case. 



113 

THE SMALL FARMER. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR ETTSTAQUIO TORRES. 

Guayanilla, P. R., November 7, 1898. 

Agriculture, which has been languishing and is impoverished, is 
overwhelmed by enormous tributes, wanting facilities afforded by an 
agricultural bank, and fighting an unequal fight with the merchants, 
owing to the fact that the difficulties of the money system closes to it 
foreign and national markets. 

From this cause originates the general depression of the country, 
especially of the laboring class. This class do not earn enough to 
buy food, and their ranks are being swelled enormously by small pro- 
prietors who, wanting in means to till their small farms, are obliged to 
sell them. This is the reason why public wealth is concentrating in 
the hands of a few capitalists in each town ; and also why so many 
uncultivated lands are seen, their owners, owing to their great extent, 
not being able to give them attention. 

Solve as soon as possible the money question; protect, instead of 
limiting, the free establishment of banks; open free markets for 
the export of our agricultural products, and it will soon be seen how 
our agriculturists will prosper and flourish. 



AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES. 
[Extract from report of Jose C. Barbosa, M. D. , as commissioner for the Philadelphia exposition. ] 

My principal efforts have been directed toward obtaining the great- 
est possible variety of samples of coffee and tobacco, and we shall 
therefore be able to present 300 of the first and 200 of the latter, not- 
withstanding that the period is but little favorable for the obtaining 
of samples of coffee, owing to the time of harvesting of the last crop 
being passed and the new crop not being ready until about the same 
date that the exposition will be inaugurated. 

In spite of this, my efforts being seconded by the good will of the 
agriculturists, we shall be able to present a large variety of samples 
of coffee of superior quality. The same holds good with regard to 
tobacco, of which, a greater part being in store, owing to the complete 
paralyzation of its sale, we have been able to obtain the very best and 
finest selected samples. 

The sugar industry has been suffering for a long time in Porto Rico 
owing to low sale prices. The want of capital has been the cause of 
the generally imperfect development which the good quality of the 
soil should have led us to expect. This has brought with it the dis- 
couragement of those persons making a business of this industry 
and has caused a great number of sugar plantations to be abandoned 
and the land Used for other classes of products. 

Nevertheless, the ninety samples which will be presented are suffi- 
cient to show the immense advantages which could be obtained by the 
introduction of machinery, the investment of capital in this direction, 
and of the necessary protection for the complete development of this 
industry, thus opening a future for sugar growers in Porto Rico. 

We shall have sixty samples of different classes of textile materials. 
These form a branch of wealth which to-day is not exploited, owing to 
1125 8 



114 

want of capital. Textile materials are found here in great quantities 
and varieties, but abandoned and uncultivated and without use for this 
reason. It is advisable to show them in the exposition in order to 
allow manufacturers in the United States to appreciate the advantages 
which they could obtain by a cultivation of these rare materials, and 
their use in factories, which would give labor to many, would cheapen 
the cost of living, and would bring us foreign capital by the establish- 
ment of manufacturing centers which contribute so largely to the 
wealth and prosperity of a country. 

The superior quality of our achiote, which grows wild, can be greatly 
improved. I have, thought it convenient to call the attention of 
farmers to the importance of this product, which obtains the price of 
12 pesos a hundredweight, and can be collected almost without any 
expense. A number of samples will be presented in the exposition, 
so that its quality shall be known and a good market for it be opened 
up. . 

Our rice, as will be seen by the samples shown, is of fine qualit} 7 , and 
competes advantageously with the imported article. This product, of 
which there is an enormous consumption in the country (the importa- 
tion of which extended in the years 1897-98 to 8,662,682 kilograms — 
value, 606, 387 pesos) , can be here grown in sufficient quantities for home 
consumption, with immense advantage to the country and to those who 
wish to undertake the cultivation of the article. 

The samples of our corn are of better quality than the imported. This 
article gives three crops a year and requires only a small amount of 
capital for its cultivation. The precarious condition of our farmers 
has caused its cultivation to be almost abandoned. 

I have taken care to collect samples of beans, chick peas, Mexican 
beans, gandules, etc. — articles which, without special cultivation, can 
compete with those of the better class which are imported into our 
markets, and which have the advantage of being easy to raise in the 
poorest class of land and of giving two or three crops a year. 

I have asked for several samples of cotton, which once constituted 
one of the principal sources of wealth of our country. My object was 
to allow its fine qualities to become known, so that its cultivation and 
exploitation could again be undertaken. 

I have obtained forty-two samples of the different classes of starch 
produced in the island by the crude and primitive processes yet 
employed. Such is the richness of the plants that even with these" 
methods a large quantity of starch is obtained, and it can compete in 
every way with similar classes manufactured in foreign countries. 

The tabonuco is a resinous gum which, if worked properly, will 
give a large quantity of trementine and camphor. Of the hedionda 
seed (substitute for chicory), 1,117 kilograms were exported to Cuba 
in the year of 1897. We show a number of samples of this in order 
to open up a market for them. 

I have insisted on the advantage to be obtained from the cultiva- 
tion of the malagueta (used for bay rum), which is already well 
known outside of the country, and the essence of which is quoted at 
a high price in the New York market. We have obtained a large 
number of the samples of the article. 

Several collections of the woods of the country, both for cabinet 
and building purposes, have been obtained, and they compare favor- 
ably in quality, beauty, and variety with those of many other coun- 
tries, and are abundant in our forests. Up to the present their 
usefulness has been simply meager, owing to the want of commu- 



115 

nication between the larger towns and the excessive expense of trans- 
portation which bad roads necessitate. Once known, they will become 
appreciated immediately, and their working will be made easy by the 
opening of proper roads. 

The mineral wealth of Porto Rico is duly represented by the ten 
collections which will be shown in the exposition. The several classes 
of mineral which they contain and the constant demand for mining 
rights are the best proof that a rich subsoil exists and that granite, 
coal, iron, copper, silver, gold, etc., form a source of immense wealth 
unknown until to-day, and which at no very distant day will exercise 
considerable influence in the future of our island. 

A great many samples of articles which can be used in new indus- 
tries have been forthcoming. These have not been used up to the 
present time, not owing to want of knowledge of their utility and 
advantage of cultivating them, but purely for want of capital. In a 
country like ours, where up to a short time ago the rate of interest 
was from 18 per cent per annum upward, and through whose custom- 
houses a half of the circulating medium passes in a year, it was 
impossible to set on foot any industry even when the prime material 
was on hand in abundance. 

We should, therefore, make known the few manufacturing indus- 
tries which we possess, such as that of matches, distilleries, hat 
weaving, dyeing, soap making, etc. , in order to show that willingness 
has been there and industry has not been wanting, and at the same 
time to stimulate the introduction of capital in the form of banks, 
societies, companies, etc. , which, when they see the material which 
we have on hand and the thriftiness of our people, will find a stimulus 
and guaranty for the undertaking of new enterprises, bringing the 
one factor which is necessary for our prosperity, namely, capital. 

We have nothing to desire in the direction of a fertile country and 
an honest and laborious population. 



Returns for farms and cattle in forty-five municipal districts. 

[Prepared for Henry K. Carroll, commissioner, by bureau of agriculture of Porto Rico, 

July, 1899.] 





Sugar-cane 
estates. 


Coffee 
estates 
with or 
without 

ma- 
chinery. 


Tobacco 
planta- 
tions 
(hec- 
tares 1 ). 


Small- 
crop 

farms 
(hec- 
tares 1 ). 


Cattle 
farms. 


Number 


Municipal districts. 


In culti- 
vation. 


Not in 
cultiva- 
tion. 


of head 
of cattle. 




11 
2 

9 
4 
8 
7 
2 
3 
2 

8 
1 
6 
1 
5 
3 
4 
9 
6 
11 


9 
1 
1 
1 
5 






446 
620 
756 
231 
600 
200 
1,606 
3,340 


3 
46 
14 
20 

7 
20 


1,200 
500 




35 
13 
6 
1 

14 

39 

4 


192 
90 

189 

150 
41 

145 

846 
78 
99 
17 

100 
10 

176 
95 
70 




5,300 




3,109 
17,000 






6,000 
1,257 
4,183 








1 
5 
1 
6 
1 
1 


23 




3,000 
1,050 


Yauco 


104 

5 

81 

32 

3 

35 

378 

117 

3 

43 

148 

30 


2,043 
300 

2,000 
200 
650 
710 

1,500 
54 

2,190 
500 

1,600 

1,389 


5 
5 
26 
15 
35 
7 
3 


Arroyo 


800 


Gruayanilla 


4,500 




1,910 


Juncos . 


3,180 


Gurabo . 




2,354 


Utuado 


4 
1 
1 
3 


3,000 


Aguada 


1,745 


Yabucoa 


200 


20 


5,413 


A fiasco 




Aibonito - 


600 




1,000 


Loiza 


1 


7 


7 


3.200 



116 

Returns for farms and cattle in forty-five municipal districts — Continued. 



Municipal districts. 



Sugar-cane 

estates. 



In culti- 
vation. 



Not in 
cultiva- 
tion. 



Coffee 
estates 
with or 
without 

ma- 
chinery. 



Tobacco 
planta- 
tions 
(hec- 
tares 1 ). 



Small- 
crop 

farms 
(hec- 
tares 1 ). 



Cattle 
farms. 



N umber 
of head 
of cattle. 



Patillas 

Cayey 

Lares 

San German 

Rio Grande 

Piedras 

Maunabo 

Sabana Grande . 

dales 

Penuelas.. 

Rincon 

Arecibo 

Las Marias 

Fajardo 

Coamo .... 

Caguas 

Manati 

Barceloneta 

Toa Alta: 

Naguabo 

Bayamon 

Camuy 

Aguas Buenas . . 
Ponce 



Total. 



37 

60 
545 

75 
27 



105 
300 



1,934 

2,000 
2,247 



110 

42 



79 

68 

491 

50 

185 



59d 

7 



233 
6 
56 



16 



2 

10 

31 

70 

112 



560 

18 

137 

80 

232 

365 

813 

128 

82 

89 

192 

77 

220 



577 

786 

1,202 

4,779 

380 

3,380 

2,000 

1,370 

628 

1,215 

460 

352 

586 

243 

600 

393 

1,034 

418 

740 

5,815 



209 



80 



3,177 



54,074 



11 



12 



18 

128 

4 

4 

14 
1 
9 

40 



600 



3,300 



2,500 
5,833 
12,180 



1,140 

1,200 

6,468 

700 

8,930 

800 

7,495 

15,000 

12,128 

3,930 

5,400 

2,700 

14,000 

14,600 

8,287 

681 

4,000 



199,973 



1 Hectare = 2.471 acres. 



Note by the Director of Agriculture. — The data given in these tables con- 
cerning the principal crops and cattle breeding in the forty-five towns noted, if 
not thorough and accurate, notwithstanding the efforts of the agricultural bureau 
to make them so, are as near the truth as possible. 

Until now this class of statistical data has been asked for only for the purpose 
of burdening the public wealth with new imposts. For this reason it has been 
almost a traditional custom to conceal the truth from fear of imposts. 

The data from the twenty-seven towns which are not embraced in this table are 
excluded because they are not well authenticated. 

As to the number of sugar lands, not under cultivation, it must be borne in 
mind that the bureau has not given attention to the multitude of Jamacia trains 
and small estates which exist only in good times, but only to sugar mills of large 
and superior character, and to extensive and fertile lands. 

In relation to farms which are being worked, excepting those which produce 
centrifugal sugar, the rest which produce muscavados, the price of which in the 
markets is very low, only have under cultivation a very small area in comparison 
with the number of hectares which they possess, a circumstance which aroused 
the enthusiasm for the cultivation of coffee, triplicating the production in less than 
ten years. 



117 



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120 



Live stock in 1896 — Returns to the provincial board of assessment. 



Departments. 


Horses. 


Mules. 


Asses. 


Cattle. 


Sheep. 


Goats. 


Swine. 


Total 
head. 




11,861 
13, 202 
5,216 
8,624 
16,468 
3,780 
5,441 
1,159 


254 

694 

551 

748 

2,143 

73 

4 


66 

108 

102 

175 

211 

29 

25 

1 


86,535 
49, 595 
19,578 
39,531 

46,879 

12, 779 

40,777 

7,938 


324 

72 

12 
934 
346 

97 
217 

53 


775 
423 
191 
1,667 
1,585 
448 
473 
217 


3,531 
2,620 

733 
2,121 
2,201 

793 
1,287 

125 


103,346 
66,714 
26,383 
53,800 


Arecibo 

Aguadilla .. 




69,833 




17,999 


Humacao 


48,224 
9,493 








Total 


65,751 


4,467 


717 


303, 612 


2,055 


5,779 


13,411 


395, 792 







Intended uses of the live stock. 





Agricultu- 
ral .work. 


Reproduc- 
tion. 


Consump- 
tion. 


In harness 
and trans- 
portation. 


Motive 
power for 
machinery. 




19,626 

2,107 

255 

65,281 


28,739 

793 

352 

170,979 

1,407 

4,051 

7,455 




17,253 

1,533 

110 

13,941 


133 


Mules 




34 








Cattle. 


52,077 

648 

1,728 

5,956 


1,334 






























Total 


87,269 


213,776 


60,409 


32,837 


1,501 







Acreage of various products in 1862. 

Acres. 

Minor crops.. 88,678 

Coffee 33,626 

Tobacco 4,761 

Sugar. 55,382 

Cotton 1,344 

PRODUCTS IN THE PERIOD 1828-1864. 

The production of sugar had risen to 18,782,675 pounds in 1828 
and there was a steady increase for the next twenty years. In 1848 
101,298,754 pounds were produced, the highest point down to 1864 
being reached in 1861, when 131,035,471 pounds were reported. 

The coffee crop of 1828 was 11,160,950 pounds, rising in 1830 to 
16,911,925 pounds, with a marked decrease between 1835 and 1840 to 
5,277,250 pounds in 1836. There was a steady increase between 1850 
and 1864. 

Of cotton 479,150 pounds were produced in 1828; in 1837 it reached 
5,003,779 pounds, falling in 1859 to 47,251 pounds. 

The tobacco crop in 1828 was 2,406,100 pounds. In 1862 it rose to 
8,950, 725 pounds; the lowest point in the period was reached in 1837, 
when 2,104,215 pounds were produced. 



Products in 1776. 

Estates ..' 5,815 

Sugar 1 pounds.. 273,725 

Cotton do.... 111,875 

Coffee do.... 1,126,225 

Rice _.._> do 2,009,650 

Corn do 1,550.600 

Tobacco do.... 702,050 



Not including molasses. 



121 

Live stock in 1776. 

Cattle .- 78,884 

Mules 13,614 

Horses... 4,334 

Sheep 952 

Goats 31,758 

INDUSTRIES. 

INDUSTRIES KILLED BY SPANISH TARIFF. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 29, 1899. 
, Dr. Carbonell, secretary of the interior. There is absolutely no 
industrial life here in the sense of manufacture. The only thing 
which my department has to do in connection with that branch is to 
register trade-marks, patents, and copyrights which come from other 
parts of the world. 

Dr. Carroll. There is no inventive genius, then, among this people? 

Dr. Carbonell. The Government has discouraged always the insti- 
tution of any industries here, so as to preserve to the merchants in 
Spain the monopoly of sending their goods here. For example, it 
has never been possible to put up a flour-milling establishment here 
because the Spanish Government placed on wheat in the grain the 
same rate of duty as was placed on the ground flour, for the purpose 
of allowing merchants in Spain to take wheat from the United States, 
grind it in Spain, and then send it to Porto Rico. Also the industry 
of making soup paste was killed in the same way. They put on such 
an exorbitant duty that they were unable here to compete with the 
Spaniards in Spain. 

Dr. Carroll. We understand that Spanish monopoly is now at an 
end. 

Dr. Carbonell. Unfortunately, it has not terminated yet, because 
the same laws are in force now as formerly. If the United States 
had only allowed this to become part of the Union with respect to the 
tariff — that is, without custom-house duties on articles coining from 
the United States — it would have done an immense amount of good to 
the country. 

Dr. Carroll. The duties imposed on goods from Spain are the 
same as those from the United States, so that Spain has no longer the 
advantage which she formerly had over other countries. 

Dr. Carbonell. I consider that goods manufactured in the United 
States should come in free, and goods from Porto Rico should go to the 
United States free. Goods that went from here to Spain paid a pro- 
hibitive duty, but those which came from Spain here paid 10 per cent 
ad valorem. Coffee in Spain paid $12 a hundredweight. 

Dr. Carroll. They do not seem to like Porto Rico coffee in Spain. 

Dr. Carbonell. That can not be so, because one of their songs 
says the best coffee in the world is the coffee of Porto Rico. 

Dr. Carroll. They seem to have preferred to roast the people of 
Porto Rico instead of their coffee. What is the commerce over which 
this department has control ? 

Dr. Carbonell. None, in spite of the name of the portfolio. 



122 



SUGAR MILLS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the sugar industry nourishing? 

Mr. Antonio RoiGr. It is now^ but not as regards muscovado sugar, 
because each planter has $20,000 or $30,000 invested in machinery, 
which is unnecessary. We will have to establish central factories, 
and all the other plantations sell their cane to these factories. We 
can then afford to have better mills and all the latest improvements. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you consider the best points at which they 
should be established. 

Mr. RoiG. There should be two in each of the departments. 

Dr. Carroll. Are- there no modern sugar-making plants in the 
island ? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes; I have one; there is also the Progresso at Carolina; 
Mr. Finley has one; Mr. Huisi one, called La Esperanza, in Arecibo. 
There is one in Aguadilla, owned by Mr. Amell; one in Anasco, owned 
by Mr. Pagan; another in Mayaguez, owned by Bias Nadal; two in 
Ponce, one of them owned by Mr. Gallard, and two in Yabucoa. The 
capacity of these mills is from 10,000 to about 20,000 bags. I am the 
owner of sugar machinery, but do not raise the cane. I buy the cane 
from the neighboring planters. I sell the sugar here and in the 
United States. I think if some American people come here and go 
into that business either alone or with natives it would be good for 
the island. 



VARIOUS INDUSTRIES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1898. 

Mr. Francisco T. Sabat, deputy collector of customs at San Juan : 

Dr. Carroll. What kind of wood is used in making charcoal? 

Mr. Sabat. Very fine woods in immense quantities. It is not pos- 
sible to name them. There are large tracts of timber on the mountain 
tops. This country sent to the World's Fair at Chicago a piece of 
work containing 240 different woods, all produced in the island. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any fishing industries? 

Mr. Sabat. The fishing industry, as an industry, does not exist, 
but the poor people of the coast towns are accustomed to earning their 
living by fishing, usually with nets, sometimes with hooks, and bring 
their catch to the cities to sell. There is absolutely no organization 
in the industry. Each man is an independent fisherman, and brings 
his fish independently to market. So abundant are the fish on this 
coast that I have frequently seen a surplus of fish thrown into the 
sea for want of purchasers, the market having been glutted. 

Dr. Carroll. Are cattle raised in large numbers on the island? 

Mr. Sabat. Yes;, cattle are raised in large quantities, and this 
industry forms the second source of agricultural income in the island 
of Porto Rico. It is the second source of wealth next to sugar. What 
I mean is that after the agricultural products of sugar, coffee, and 
tobacco, the cattle-raising industry is the most important. We sell 
cattle to the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, and other English and French 



123 

islands of the West Indies, more than half a million dollars' worth 
every year. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they have any means of preserving the meat 
after it is killed? 

Mr. Sabat. .It is exported alive. There are no cold storages in the 
island. Sometimes families salt meat for their own consumption. 

Dr. Carroll. What kinds of meat are consumed here? 

Mr. Sabat. Beef, pork, goat meat; also sheep are raised, but not 
many. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any canning factories on the island. 

Mr. Sabat. In Mayaguez and the capital the industry exists on a 
very small scale, pineapples being the principal fruit canned. 



THINGS MADE IN MAYAGUEZ. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Mayaguez, P. R., January 23, 1899. 

Mr. Badrena, ex-United States consul at Maj^aguez : 

Dr. Carroll. Are you familiar with the industries of Mayaguez? 

Mr. Badrena. Yes. The best and most important is that of matches 
made by M. Grau & Sons. It is not a large factory, but is sufficient 
to supply Mayaguez and other cities, even San Juan. The material 
from which they are made is all imported from Germany. They have 
not machinery to make the sticks here. In San Juan they make the 
whole match. I do not know how many men are employed here. 
Then there is the chocolate mill here. The chocolate is made from 
native cacao, raised in this part of the island, and it is the best on the 
island. We used to send the cacao from here to San Juan to the fac- 
tory there. There are two chocolate factories here, but both of them 
are small. They sell the chocolate here from 16 cents to $1 a pound. 

Dr. Carroll. We would consider that high in the United States. 
We get the best in the United States for 40 cents. But there is some 
cacao imported here from Venezuela, is there not? 

Mr. Badrena. No; unless some one wants it especially and pays 
for it. 

Dr. Carroll. Well, in San Juan when I asked why they charged 
so much, they said because they had to pay such heavy duties. 

Mr. Badrena. Yes; but it is seldom imported. Our cacao is as 
good as that of Caracas. Then we have distilleries for the making of 
rum, bay rum, and wines. 

Dr. Carroll. What would the distillers here think of having the 
United States revenue system introduced? 

Mr. Badrena. They will feel badly about it; and the same thing 
may be said of tobacco. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be better to make rum higher and wines 
cheaper? 

Mr. Badrena. I think wines should be introduced without paying 
any duties. 

Dr. Carroll. We propose to admit them at 3 cents instead of 30. 

Mr. Badrena. The people here all drink wine. They never get 
drunk on it. I have tasted California wines, and they are as good as 
French clarets, and they can be brought here very cheaply. I believe 
they can compete with Spanish wines. That depends on the quality. 



124 

Dr. Carroll. I have statistics as to the production of the distill- 
eries — as to the number of gallons they produce, and so forth. Is 
there much tobacco manufactured here? 

Mr. Badrena. There are many private shops for the making of 
cigars and cigarettes — not in large quantities, but very good. The 
cigarettes are made here by Esteva Hermanos. Before the war we 
used to have Cuban cigarettes, but now they are shut out and this 
factory was started. Confidence will be restored upon the settlement 
of the tariff and the money question, and American capital will come 
here without the intervention of the Government. 



THE CATTLE INDUSTRY. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San German, P. R., January 26, 1899. 
Mr. Lopez, a cattle dealer : 

Dr. Carroll. Have you anything to say about your business — that 
of cattle raising? 

Mr. Lopez. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Shall I consider, then, that everything is going well 
with you ; that all debts are being paid and business is good? 

Mr. Lopez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. How many cattle have you? 

Mr. Lopez. Six or seven hundred. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you keep them for laboring purposes or for beef? 

Mr. Lopez. For both purposes. 

Dr. Carroll. How much does an ordinary yoke of oxen bring, 
generally? 

Mr. Lopez. One hundred dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they then ready for work? 

Mr. Lopez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What is a pair of ponies worth? 

Mr. Lopez. That varies a good deal. Good saddle horses are worth 
up to $400. Good working horses are worth about $80. 

Dr. Carroll. Then a pair of oxen is worth a little more than a 
pair of horses? 

Mr. Lopez. Yes, if the horses are ordinary ones. 

Dr. Carroll. How much milk a day does a good cow give when 
the pasture is good? 

Mr. Lopez. The maximum quantity can be taken as from 8 to 10 
liters. [A liter is a little over a quart. ] 

Dr. Carroll. Are the cows milked twice a day? 

Mr. Lopez. Only once. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States they always milk good cows 
at least twice a day. 

Mr. Lopez. They give more, then. 

Dr. Carroll. They consider that the oftener they milk them there 
the more milk they get in the aggregate. 

Mr. Lopez. Here they have to bring up the calf on its mother's 
milk. They can not feed it satisfactorily as they do in the United 
States. 

Dr. Carroll. In what time do you wean one here? 

Mr. Lopez. A year. 



125 

Dr. Caeroll. They very seldom allow a calf to remain with its 
mother more than from three to six months, and never allow it to 
have all the milk at any time. 

Mr. Lopez. Here they give them nearly all. 

Dr. Carroll. The quality of the milk is not especially rich in 
cream here. 

Mr. Lopez. There is very little cream, owing to the poor quality 
of the pasture. 

Dr. Carroll. You have magnificent cattle here, larger than almost 
any breed I have seen in the United States; hut they don't compare 
with them in milk-giving capacity. Where did you get the breed 
from? 

Mr. Lopez. It is a cross between the cattle of the country and Afri- 
can cattle. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is it that you do not have better pasture? Is it 
on account of the drought or the poorness of the land, or for what 
reason? 

Mr. Lopez. For lack of water, especially in the southern parts of the 
island. Big herds are raised in these districts, and months pass some- 
times without rain. 

Dr. Carroll. In what months does the drought occur? 

Mr. Lopez. Generally from March to August. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any water in the rivers here, which could be 
saved in the rainy season, so that you might have irrigation of your 
lands? 

Mr. Lopez. We have no rivers; only springs to give our cattle water. 

Dr. Carroll. Then there is no way in which the supply of water 
could be gotten here in the rainy season for the purpose of irrigation? 

Mr. Lopez. Some years ago there was a trial made to sink an artesian 
well, but it gave no result, and since' then everybody has been con- 
ducting experiments on his own grounds and endeavoring to get results. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the average rainfall per annum? 

Mr. Lopez. They have never made those calculations here. 

Dr. Carroll. But you do have an immense rainfall here during 
eight months of the year. 

Mr. Lopez. Yes; very much rain. 

Dr. Carroll. If you knew exactly how much, it might be possible to 
arrange a reservoir to save water for the period of drought. 

A Gentleman present. We have never had rain-measuring instru- 
ments here; but in the lowlands, where water comes down in torrents, 
pools form which last for months, sometimes preventing traffic. 

Dr. Carroll. Then if you had a reservoir situated in the proper 
place, with streams leading to it, you might store up water to serve 
in the dry season? 

Mr. Lopez. The topography of the country would prevent that. 
We could only catch water to irrigate the lowlands, but the better 
lands are situated high up. 

Dr. Carroll. Most of the land is low, is it not? 

Mr. Lopez. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Is not your important land the land of the valley? 

Mr. Lopez. We have very fine lands on the mountain, also, which 
would be worth a great deal if we could water them. 

Dr. Carroll. If you can not water all 1 of them I should think it 
would be well if you could water the lands of the valley. 

Mr. Lopez. It would be a very costly plan. It has never been tried. 



126 . 

Dr. Carroll. The first thing necessary would be to have a com- 
petent engineer look over the land and see whether it would be pos- 
sible to have a reservoir or not. 

Mr. Lopez. That would require the cooperation of all the land 
owners. 



INDUSTRIES IN CABO BO JO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cabo Rojo, P. R., January 27, 1899. 

Mr. Pedro Colberg (a druggist). I desire to ask permission to cor- 
rect some mistakes in the statements made by Mr. Ortis. I have heard 
it said that we have no industries here. I wish to say that this city 
has more industries probably than any other city in the island. There 
is the straw-hat industry, which is almost exclusively confined to Cabo 
Rojo. The whole island is supplied from here, and we only need a 
little money to bring it up to a very important place. 

Dr. Carroll. Where do you get the material? 

Mr.. Pagan. We have it here. We could make sufficient, not only 
to supply the whole country, but even for export. Moreover, we have 
the salt industry here, and the richest salt deposit in the island. I am 
one of the owners of it. We have just asked General Henry to get 
the duty in the United States reduced. We have just sent 30,000 
quintals of salt to Boston, but made no profit on it, owing to the duty 
we had to pay. We have sufficient salt to supply Porto Rico, Cuba, 
and perhaps a part of the United States. The present production, 
with the old-fashioned methods of obtaining the salt, is from 300,000 
to 400,000 quintals a year. 

Dr. Carroll. In what form does the salt occur? 

Mr. Pagan. It is artificial salt. We have big flats into which we 
pump sea water and allow it to crystallize by action of the air. At 
present we produce about half a million bushels, but we can raise that 
production to 3,000,000 bushels a year. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that your principal difficulty is that 
your vessels have to clear from Mayaguez; that your port is not now 
. open as it used to be. 

Mr. Pagan. In the name of the town I ask that the port be declared 
an open port. The port of Cabo Rojo is one of the best protected har- 
bors of the island. It is the best port on the western coast of the 
island. 

Dr. Carroll. Would there be any shipment from it, in addition to 
salt, if it were opened? 

Mr. Pagan. We would have big shipments of sugar, cattle, corn, 
and other products. This town has been completely isolated. The 
railroad system, instead of touching at this place, has cut off this 
town and left it without communication of any sort with the rest of 
the island. 

Dr. Carroll. How far is it from here to the port? 

Mr. Pagan. From 2 to 3 kilometers. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the salt marshes very close? 

Mr. Pagan. By sea they are very near, by land they are farther. 

Dr. Carroll. How many bushels of salt have you shipped this 
year? 

Mr. Pagan. Between 4,000 and 5,000 bushels, in spite of the war. 



127 

Dr. Carroll. Was that less than the year before? 

Mr. Pagan. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you ship salt here on coastwise vessels for vari- 
ous ports of the island? 

Mr. Pagan. We ship on these little schooners going around the 
island because we can get cheap rates; but to the United States we 
ship on large schooners. 

Dr. Carroll. For coastwise trade your vessels are not required to 
clear from Mayaguez, are they? 

Mr. Pagan. Yes; even in that case. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you asked General Henry by petition to make 
Cabo Rojo a port of entry? 

Mr. Pagan. We asked General Brooke. 

Dr. Carroll. What did he say? 

Mr. Pagan. He made no reply. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the city of Mayaguez oppose having Cabo Rojo 
made a port of entry? 

Mr. Pagan. Some years ago there was a big fire in Mayaguez and 
the people of Cabo Rojo loaned their port to Mayaguez. As soon as 
Mayaguez itself built up by means of this port the people there 
influenced the government by use of large sums of money to declare 
this port closed again. 

Dr. Carroll. If General Henry should agree to declare Cabo Rojo 
a port of entry, would the municipality or would private citizens agree 
to see that no loss was caused to the government on account of the 
expense. 

Mr. Pagan. We don't wish the port to be used as a custom-house. 
All we want is to have a collector here, and we will attend to that. 

Dr. Carroll. That is a very important point, because ports of 
entry sometimes do not pay expenses, and if you will assure the gov- 
ernment that it will pay expenses it may go a long way toward 
inducing General Henry to open the port. 

Mr. Pagan. Do I understand you correctly that if the entries into 
Cabo Rojo shall not be sufficient to pay the expense of the collector- 
ship that the people of Cabo Rojo will agree to pay the balance? 

Dr. Carroll. Yes. 

Mr. Pagan. All of us here would be pleased to undertake that 
responsibility. 

Dr. Carroll. Returning to the hat industry; can you inform me 
as to the number of hats made here a year? 

Mr. Pagan. At the very least from 50,000 to 60,000 hats annually. 

Dr. Carroll. Is not that number too large? 

Mr. Pagan. No; I don't refer to the best hats, but to all classes. 

Mr. Ortiz. The poor people make them in their houses. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they made usually by the women and children? 

Mr. Pagan. Yes; the poor women make them; not the men. 

Dr. Carroll. How much can the women make in a day at it? 

Mr. Pagan. One of the finest hats sells for $48 a dozen, and each 
hat takes a woman a month to make. They sell cheap hats in quan- 
tities for 6 or 7 cents apiece. 

There is also a cane industry and brick works here. 



128 



BRICKS AND EARTHENWARE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cayey, P. R., February 28, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What industries have you in Cayey? 

Mayor Munoz. Only the tobacco industry and the bakery; they are 
the main industries. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any other industries on a smaller scale 
which might be developed? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes; earthenware pots are made here. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you the clay here for them? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the industry an extensive one. 

Mayor Munoz. No; it is very small. 

Dr. Carroll. You only make for your own use? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. How many men are employed in that industry? 

Mayor Munoz. I think only about three men. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they make only plain earthenware? 

Mayor Munoz. Really, only bricks. 

Dr. Carroll. Where are these earthen pots made? 

Mayor Munoz. In Santurce. 



THE MANUFACTURE OF SOUP PASTES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner. ] • 

Ponce, P. R., March S, 1899. 

Mr. Alfred Casals: 

Mr. Casals. I find that the new tariff does not protect manufac- 
turers as much as the old tariff did. There are many articles neces- 
sary in manufacturing that were treated much better under the old 
than the new schedules. As a basis I will tell you that a great 
many young men who are not able to go into agricultural enterprises 
would go into manufacturing on a small scale, and this would put an 
end to the plague of office seeking that exists at present. Now, as 
regards the tariff and its effects upon my own business, which is the 
making of soup pastes, I don't know whether you are aware of the 
fact or not, but the manufacture of soup pastes was carried on almost 
exclusively in Latin countries, being an article of general consump- 
tion among people of the Latin race. About 100,000 boxes are used 
every year in the island, and Spain had an enormous market here for 
her soup pastes, she being among the first manufacturers of it in the 
world. Spanish flour was good for making soup paste. American 
flour is much better adapted for the purpose, because it is richer in 
gluten. For that reason Spain imposed a tax of $4 on American flour, 
while her soup paste came into the island without paying any duty 
whatever. Consequently the manufacture of pastes here was impos- 
sible. The Spanish pastes, which at the beginning of the invasion 
were paying $2.75 per 100 kilos, under the new tariff pay a low ad 
valorem duty, which is preventing competition by the native manu- 
facturers. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the ad valorem equivalent to in specific duty? 

Mr. Casals. That is just where the disadvantage comes in. Thej^ 
declare to their consul the value of the invoice, but in trading with. 



129 

Spain you can be sure that they never declare over half or quarter of 
the value of the goods. The pastes have different values, according 
to the quality of the material used, and the American consul in Spain 
can not be an expert on that question and must take the values de- 
clared to him. The average price for the poor qualities of paste would 
be $5 for 100 pounds. Even if they had declared their paste at its 
price, they would have to pay only about 80 cents on 100 pounds, be- 
cause the new tariff calls for 1 5 per cent ad valorem, so that even when 
truly stated there is a difference between the duty under the old tariff 
and the duty under the new represented by the difference between 
$2.75 and 80 cents. The result of this will be that the industries of 
the country will be again under the influence of Spanish control. 
There are two factories in Ponce. Between the two they can make 
sufficient for the consumption of the whole island. These factories 
give employment to hundreds of families, and many of the employees 
are women. If these duties are not modified slightly we will have to 
discontinue. 

Dr. Carroll. But you have a great advantage in the reduction of 
flour from $4 to $1. 

Mr. Casals. The reduction of the duty gives us about $1.25 on one 
hundredweight of paste, whereas the difference in duty on imported 
pastes gives Spain $1.95 on one hundredweight of the paste, or a differ- 
ence of 70 cents on one hundredweight. 

Dr. Carroll. What other materials enter into composition of these 
pastes? 

Mr. Casals. Only flour and box shooks. Formerly we paid 2 pesos 
a cubic meter on the shooks, but to-clay we pay 16 cents per $100. 

Dr. Carroll. How do those charges compare? 

Mr. Casals. The present charge works out to about $2. 60 per cubic 
meter. It depends, however, on the quality of the wood, greener 
wood weighing more; but it always costs us more than it did before. 
Consequently our industry, which was exploited always by the Span- 
iards, is even now in the worst condition. 

Dr. Carroll. Do all the imported soup pastes come from Spain? 

Mr. Casals. Seven-eighths of the soup pastes come from there, the 
other eighth being divided between Italy and the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the present price per box in the stores? 

Mr. Casals. Eight pesos and a half per 100 pounds. 

Dr. Carroll. What did you sell it for before? 

Mr. Casals. Seven pesos and a half, with competition from Spain. 
During the last four years our factory has lost more than $4,000. 

Dr. Carroll. What does the imported paste sell for? 

Mr. Casals. The imported pastes sell about 50 cents less, because of 
an inferior quality. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it take the market away because it is less in 
price, notwithstanding that it is inferior in quality? 

Mr. Casals. Yes. At price for price we could command the market, 
though some of the houses in San Juan try hard to hold the market 
for the Spanish pastes out of racial sympathy. 

Dr. Carroll. How much ought the tariff to be raised on the Spanish 
soup paste? 

Mr. Casals. To what it was before, $2.75. Take away the ad 
valorem duty, because they always act in bad faith. 

Dr. Carroll. If it were put at II, American money, would it give 
results? 

1125 9 



130 

Mr. Casals. I think that at 11.50 we would be able to get along. 
Other foreign pastes do not affect competition. 

Dr. Carroll. If the tariff were raised to what it was before, or to 
$1.50 American, then at what price would you sell your soup paste? 

Mr. Casals. We would reduce it immediately a peso per 100 pounds 
and hold the market. It forms an important part of the food used by 
the poor people of the island, who buy it in small quantities. 

Dr. Carroll. As regards the undervaluation, it is easily met by 
your compelling them to prove the value at the custom-house. 

Mr. Casals. That is a good suggestion, but it would be much better 
if the ad valorem duty were changed to a specific one. It would not 
give any chance for fraudulent declarations. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any other industries here suffering from 
the new tariff? 

Mr. Casals. I think that leather is too high and that shoemakers 
are suffering. 

Dr. Carroll. That duty was to protect the tanners. 

Mr. Casals. As there are none here, no protection is needed. 

Dr. Carroll. There is representation in regard to it in the two 
documents I have referred to. 

Mr. Casals. Only as to sole leather. The country is destined to 
have shoe manufacturers here, but the establishment of shoe factories 
depends on cheapening the price of raw materials. 



POSSIBLE INDUSTBIES IN YAUCO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yauco, P. R., March 6, 1899. 

Mr. Cianchini, Mr. Vivaldi, and others : 

Dr. Carroll. What industries, Mr. Mayor, are carried on in this 
district ? 

Mr. Cianchini. Absolutely none. 

Dr. Carroll. Not even on a small scale ? 

Mr. Cianchini. There are shoemakers and hatmakers who work by 
hand, but that is all. The hats come from Cabo Rojo, not here. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you make any brick in this district ? 

Mr. Cianchini. Yes, but by hand. 

Dr. Carroll. Any tiles ? 

Mr. Cianchini. No. Lime is burned here. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they get the limestone from the mountains ? 

Mr. Cianchini. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that lime ever used on the land in the way of fer- 
tilizer ? 

Mr. Cianchini. There is an artificial fertilizer manufactured in Ma- 
yaguez in which they use the lime. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be possible to develop some industry 
here that would be of benefit to the town and townspeople by giving 
employment, and thus help along the prosperity of the municipality? 

Note. — There was a general response in the affirmative. 

Mr. Cianchini. That is absolutely necessary, and one of the first 
things to be attended to. We have a great deal of raw material in the 
country which could be used for manufacturing to the benefit of every- 
body. 



131 

Dr. Carroll. What' kinds of industries could be established here? 

Mr. Cianchini. The manufacture of paper. 

Dr. Carroll. Out of what materials? 

Mr. Cianchini. The bark of several trees, the plantain leaf, corn- 
stalks, and rags, which are at present put to no use. 

A Gentleman. The husk of the cocoanut ? 

Mr. Vivaldi. No ; the husks of the cocoanut are- already exported 
to the United States for manufacture into fiber, which, in turn, is woven 
into mats. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any other substance for the manufacture of 
paper ? 

Mr. Vivaldi. There are several, including those which have been 
referred to. 

Mr. Cianchini. Another industry which could be developed is that 
of rope. This industry would have plenty of raw materials. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the raw materials ? 

Mr. Cianchini. Maguey. 

Dr. Carroll. Does that make good, strong rope ? 

Mr. Cianchini. Yes; it is as good as hemp. 

Dr. Carroll. I saw some rope made of that material, but it was 
evidently made by hand. 

Mr. Cianchini. Everything is made by hand, as we have no 
machinery. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much maguey? 

Mr. Cianchini. There is plenty of it, and more could be sown on 
the poor lands, which are serviceable for that purpose. We could 
make big plantations of maguey on lands which could be used for 
nothing else. It grows without cultivation. 

Dr. Carroll. What other materials have you for rope making ? 

Mr. Cianchini. The pine leaves, and, in fact, there are a number 
of trees here with fibrous materials in them, such as cadillo, guasima, 
malva, jagua, and many others. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much demand for rope? 

Mr. Cianchini. More than we make. We import it from the States. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you clay fit for making pottery ? 

Mr. Cianchini. We have clay suitable both for earthenware and 
rough pottery. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there not pottery or earthenware made 'in the 
island? 

Mr. Cianchini. Yes; it is made at Ponce. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that a large factory? 

Mr. Cianchini. No. Now and then they bring a little to sell here 
in the market place. It is not good work. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any basket making here? 

Mr. Cianchini. Yes; but only in private houses. They are used 
in picking coffee. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well to have here a basket factory? 

Mr. Cianchini. I think so. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you import baskets? 

Mr. Cianchini. A few of a good class, for family use. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that there ought to be a great demand 
here for baskets; you hardly seem to have anything to carry your 
provisions or articles in. 

A Gentleman. There is a species of basket which the horses carry, 
which is made here, and the bakers all have baskets. All of these 
are made in the island. 



132 

Dr. Carroll. I went to the market yesterday and got some oranges, 
and could not find a basket or anything else to carry them away in. 

Mr. Cianchini. They only make enough for August and September 
for the coffee crops, and for personal use. 

Dr. Carroll. You must have materials here from which you could 
make coarse sacking, and you use a great deal of sacking here. 

A Gentleman. Maguey only. 

Dr. Carroll. What other industries could be started here with 
materials which you have in abundance? 

Mr. Cianchini. Soap making. We have all the prime materials for 
that industry, except two articles — turpentine and caustic soda. 

Dr. Carroll. There is a soap factory in Ponce which claims to be 
doing a poor business. 

Mr. Vivaldi. That is because it makes such bad soap. 

Dr. Carroll. They say that you import a worse soap from Spain, 
but are used to it, and will not use other kinds. 

Mr. Vivaldi. The laundries would not use the soap made in the 
country, because it contains too much caustic soda and hurts the hands. 
Before Rocamora soap was used thej' used French soap, but gave that 
np because they found the Rocamora soap better. 

Dr. Carroll. In Ponce they said the tariff ought to be increased 
on foreign soaps to protect the domestic soap. 

Mr. Mejia. The prime material used for soap costs the manufac- 
turers here more than it does over there, and consequently the domestic 
manufacturers are at a disadvantage. I think if the old tariff were 
reimposed the manufacturers in this country could raise their prices 
to any figure they wanted. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the present tariff should be increased? 

(There was a unanimous response in the negative.) 

A Gentleman. I don't think it would be right to tax all the people 
for the sake of a few struggling manufacturers. I know the soap fac- 
tory at Ponce, and it is a very small affair. It can not manufacture 
enough for the supply of the island. If the tariff were increased they 
could raise their prices as high as they wished. 

Dr. Carroll. But they say they will have to stop manufacturing 
unless the tariff is raised a little. 

A Gentleman. It would be an unfortunate thing for them, but it 
would not affect the island generally. We prefer the foreign soaps 
to-day because they are sold at a less price. 

Mr. Torres. I think, in order to assist the establishment of new 
industries, that duties -on crude materials should be decreased. 

A Gentleman. If the duty were taken off of caustic soda, for 
example, other people than the soap makers would be benefited, 
because it is not used exclusively in soap making, and it is not pro- 
duced here. 

Dr. Carroll. The history of industries in the United States shows 
that if you want to establish a new industry, you have to protect it, 
and in order to protect it you have to levy a duty upon the same 
article coming from other countries, which may temporarily raise the 
price of that article. But it is considered so important to add new 
industries that the people very cheerfully bear that additional bur- 
den, which, as I have said, is only temporary, in order that they may 
have a new source of employment and a new source of wealth. And 
it is for the people of Porto Rico to consider whether they want indus- 
tries established in this island in that way. 

Mr. Vivaldi. That is what we want most. 



133 

A Native Druggist. I think if the soap industry — taking that 
industry as a concrete example — could be established in proportion to 
the requirements of the country, it would be very well; but as things 
are at present it would be protecting a small industry that could not 
supply the needs of the island, and thej T would say we will take 
advantage of the limited supply by raising the price. 

Dr. Carroll. If you have most of the materials that are needed to 
make soap here, and need to import only two — turpentine and caustic 
soda — soap could be produced cheaply here, and it would soon be 
found that it could be done at a profit. That would draw capital into 
the industry, and there would perhaps be a dozen factories in dif- 
ferent parts of the island, and experience would teach soap makers 
how to make good soap and make it cheaply. A dozen factories com- 
peting for the markets of the island would bring the price down even 
with or below the price of imported soap. 

(This statement of the commissioner was greeted by applause, 
everyone present at the hearing seeming to participate in it. ) 

Mr. Torres. Turning again to the soap industry, I think the proper 
thing to do would be to charge manufactured soap coming into the 
island with the amount representing the loss to the Government, by 
the removal of duties from the raw materials imported for use by the 
domestic manufacturers, so that the Government should not be the 
loser by the change. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any other industries you could establish 
here? 

A Gentleman. Yes; candle making. 

Dr. Carroll. Where would you get the tallow? 

A Gentleman. There is plenty of tallow and plenty of wax in the 
country. 

Dr. Carroll. What becomes of the tallow? 

A Gentleman. Most of it is exported. 

Dr. Carroll. Candles are very high here; you ought to be able to 
start a factory in the island. 

Mr. Vivaldi. There is no doubt of it. We pay very high for 
candles. 

Dr. Carroll, You could start such a factory in a small way. 

A Gentleman. It has not been done, because nobodj 7 has thought 
of it because of the lack of initiative here. There is no manufacturing 
here because there is no spirit of cooperation. 

Dr. Carroll. This industry of candle making you can begin on a 
small scale and almost without capital. In the TJnited States every 
housewife used to make her own candles. All you need is the tallow 
and the wick. I understand you have plenty of tallow, and the wick 
can be imported at a very small rate. 

Mr. Cianohini. We have cotton here also, and could make our own 
wicks. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you can import candle molds, made of tin, that 
are extremely cheap. 

A Gentleman. I think, in order to stimulate the establishment of 
small industries, duty should be abolished on all raw materials. 

Dr. Carroll. What you call raw materials may be the product of 
some other laborer in the island, and ought, therefore, to have pro- 
tection. For example, suppose you ask that leather shall be brought 
in free. There are producers of hides here and tanners, and you 
would break up their industry. 



134 

Mr. Vivaldi. They haven't exported hides here in large quantities. 
The curing of hides is another industry that could be taken up. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you the bark here for tanning ? 

Mr. Vivaldi. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What bark do they use ? 

Mr. Vivaldi. Mangle. We export a great deal of it to Venezuela 
and Santo Domingo. 

Dr. Carroll. Why don't you start tanneries of your own ? 

Mr. Vivaldi. There is one in Ponce, but they only make sole 
leather. There is, however, more mangle than we could possibly use. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well to bring in a few expert tanners 
to show you how to produce fine grades of leather, so you could pro- 
duce your own leather ? That would be better than to have leather 
introduced free. 

The Druggist. We export a great deal of leather from here. We 
export a far greater quantity than we use in the island. 

Dr. Carroll. I have opened this question, gentlemen, because it 
seems to me extremely important for the future of the island that you 
should diversify your industries. If you desire prosperity, and pros- 
perity in a large measure, you must establish new industries, because 
in establishing new industries you give employment to poor people, 
and as you give employment to the poor people, they get a larger 
income and become larger consumers; they wear more clothes, and 
wear more shoes, and Porto Rico will be one of your best markets. 
That is what we find in the United States; as the condition of the 
poor is improved, we have more demand for manufactured articles, 
and for fruits and vegetables which are produced by the farmer. 

A Gentleman. That has a bearing on what we were talking about 
before. The people are naturally moral, but with the small amount 
they earn, they can not be decent. An indecent state of living is 
produced here for want of means of living decently. The poor people 
have no money for marriage, for example. 

Mr. Torres. The shoes produced here are of better quality than 
the imported ones, but they can not compete with them in price, owing 
chiefly to the fact that shoes are made here by hand by poor people. 
We think we can add to the manufacture of shoes and leather also, 
and work the two in partnership, so to speak, so that we will not have 
to import any shoes at all. The principal reason why factories have 
not been started is that there are no capitalists of importance, and 
those capitalists who have money are certain to obtain from 12 to 18 
per cent, and, therefore, keep to the beaten track in which they know 
their interest is sure, rather than venture into other enterprises. As 
soon as money comes in here and is loaned out at 6 and 7 per cent, 
new industries will be started, because capital will have to seek new 
fields. 



SOAP MAKING. 
STATEMENT OF SENOK MANUEL HEDILLA. 

Ponce, P. P., March 2, 1899. 

During the Spanish domination no soap factory could live, owing to 

the great advantages given to a large factory established in Barcelona, 

named Rocamora. Even American soap, although of better quality, 

could not be sold in this island. Rocamora's soap could be sold at a 



135 

very low price, as it was made from oil residues and white earth and 
was freighted here as ballast, paying* a minimum of freight. It was 
imported here in quantities of 2,500 boxes monthly, which, at $7, 
made $17,500. 

When the American Government took possession, all the local manu- 
facturers thought that the hour had arrived for them to be able to 
compete, especially as coevally with the invasion there was a great 
demand for our soaps, and for the lots of American soaps as they 
arrived; but we find ourselves in the same position as before, with no 
sales, and American soaps equally so. This is owing to the new tariff, 
which only imposes a duty of 50 cents on Rocamora's soap. It should 
at least charge as much as was formerly collected — $1.50 a box; and 
I must tell you that the new tariff, far from helping us, prejudices us 
greatly. 

You will thus see that if the Rocamora product is not obliged to 
pay a duty of $1.50, and caustic soda and rosin allowed free entry into 
Porto Rico, no soap factory can live here, and not a pound of the 
American article will find a sale. 



FACTORIES IN PORTO RICO. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOE CELESTINO EOMINGUEZ. 

Giiayama, P. R., January, 1899. 

The island produces about 60,000 tons of sugar, of which the larger 
part goes to the United States for refining. Our system of prepara- 
tion is still the primitive one, except in a few cases, such as Yabucoa, 
Ponce, Mayaguez, Anasco, Vega Baja, and Loiza, where there are 
central mills. The other estates use old-fashioned machinery which 
does not extract all the juice, which I understand should be 15 per 
cent. The island, with its extensive plains of Arecibo, Mayaguez, 
Guayama, and Yabucoa, could, with effective machinery, produce 
three times the quantity now given, and would doubtless thus become 
happy and prosperous. 

There are here an infinity of small industries, infirm, some for want 
of a field for extension, some for want of protection, some for lack of 
raw material, which has to be imported, and others for want of a mar- 
ket less limited than the island offers. They are : 

Soap factories, which import caustic soda and the larger part of the 
fatty materials. This does not allow them to compete with foreign 
manufacturers. 

Chocolate factories in Ponce, San Juan, and Mayaguez, which, in 
spite of suffering from foreign competition, can be built up, as all the 
raw material is produced in the island. 

Bay-rum factories in Vieques, Cabo Rojo, Patillas, and Guayama. 
This is an exquisite product extracted from the malagueta plant 
{Eugenia pimento), well known in the United States, and used for the 
toilet, bath, and in barber shops. This is the only country in the 
world producing this plant. Owing to prohibitive customs rates 
its importation into the United States is very limited. An open mar- 
ket would raise the industry to a flourishing position. The writer is 
the owner of the best plant in the island for this industry, but is able 
to run it only three months in the year, as there are no buyers for a 
larger quantity. 



136 

Castor-oil factories. — One in San Juan, one in Cayey, and one in 
Guayama, property of the writer; also the oldest and best in the 
country. The seed from which the oil is extracted is grown all over 
the country. The industry can grow to be an important one. 

Shoe factories. — There are none working on a large scale, but small 
establishments are located in every town in the island. Our shoe- 
makers have nothing to learn from those of other parts of the world. 
In elegance, solidity, and finish they compete with the French and 
Spanish goods. This industry labors under the disadvantage of high- 
priced raw materials, and, therefore, can not extend and grow. 

Tanneries. — I know of only one maker of sole leather in Mayaguez. 

Cheese factories, as such, do not exist, but all over the island, espe- 
cially in those parts where cattle are abundant, Cabo Rojo, Salinas, 
Arecibo, Santa Isabel, Guayama, Yauco, excellent cheeses are made, 
but they are not manufactured with a view to keeping, and do not 
keep long. They can be much improved in the manufacturing. 

Preserved fruits. — We know of one only, in Mayaguez, which jDre- 
pares the native fruits in cans. The quantity produced does not suf- 
fice for export. 

Alcohol, rum, and liquors. — As rum and aguardiente are by-prod- 
ucts of sugar, most of the cane estates make them. Besides this, there 
are stills established in several towns which turn out an excellent 
quality. There are also in San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, Guayaina, 
Patillas, and other towns factories of gin, aniseed, and other liquors 
of various qualities. This branch of industry has a great future in 
Porto Rico, as a large quantity of excellent rum can be produced. 

Aerated waters. — There are three in the island — San Juan, Maya- 
guez, and Ponce. They produce but a limited quantity, which is 
consumed in the same towns and their immediate limits. 

Iron and brass foundries and machine s7iops. — I understand that 
there is one in San Juan and another in Ponce, but they can only 
make simple machines and pieces requiring small skill. This indus- 
try can be made a prosperous one. 

Sawmills. — One in Ponce and one in Mayaguez; not very flourishing. 

Pottery. — No real factories. In Santurce, San Lorenzo, Yabucoa, 
and other towns pitchers, jugs, and pots, and other similar articles 
are made. The raw material is excellent and plentiful. 

Petroleum refinery. — One in Cataiio, which is said to bring the oil 
in already refined, and only has to change the lid of the cases — a 
monopoly, fortunately abolished now, which only served to enrich a 
commercial house in San Juan, to the prejudice of the whole country. 

Cigar factories. — This industry is certain to assume large propor- 
tions, as large quantities of the leaf are produced and the quality can 
compete with the best Cuban. There are two large factories in Cayey, 
one the "Bella Rosita," the other of Rucabado Brothers. The prod- 
net of M. Lopez's establishment — the first named — is the standard of 
excellence in Porto Rico and enjoys a good reputation in Europe. 
There are also important factories in Ponce, San Juan, and Mayaguez, 
and in many other towns of the island. 

C igarette factories. — There are only two in the country, one called 
the Colectiva, and another in Ponce, the Internaeional. Their prod- 
uct is excellent and competes with the Cuban. 

Starch factories. — Are really none, but an excellent quality is made 
in many parts of the island. 

Ice factories. — Several in the island, two in San Juan, one in Maya- 
guez, and three in Ponce. The product is consumed in these towns 
and immediate limits. 



137 

Limekilns. — The prime article is so abundant that lime is made in 
many places. 

Fertilizers. — One in Mayaguez only, besides natural fertilizers on 
the Mona Island, in the Mona Passage. 

Hat manufacturers. — One in Ponce only, who uses Italian straw and 
also makes felt hats. 

Cocoanut oil. — No manufactories of this article. There is abun- 
dance of crude material, and a small amount is made in Cabo Rojo. 

Coffee-polishing mills. — Both Ponce and Mayaguez, as well as many 
estate owners, have them. 



FEW INDUSTRIES IN THE ISLAND. 
STATEMENT OF SENOS DE GAZTAMBIDE. 

Yauco, P. R., November 20, 1898. 

Industries in this country are very rare and poor. They should be 
nurtured, giving free entry to all classes of machinery and certain 
articles not produced in the island, constituting the crude material for 
manufactories. The tariff in this respect requires conscientious study, 
so as to facilitate the establishment of factories to-day nonexistent^ 
while not going to the extreme of an exaggerated protection. 

Commerce is suffering the consequences of* a decadent agriculture, 
high exchange, and heavy taxation. Its salvation lies in the modifi- 
cation of the tariffs and the increase in the number of banks, to break 
down the monopoly enjoyed by the Spanish Bank in this direction. 

Agriculture is in decadence, thanks to the dearness of articles of 
prime necessity, the want of capital, and the high rates of interest. 
The situation would be somewhat ameliorated by the establishment 
of coasting trade (cabotaje) with the metropolis and the change of 
currency with a discount of 33 centavos per peso, debts to be liqui- 
dated in equal proportion. Besides this, it is necessary to help the 
establishment of agricultural banks which would lend money at low 
rates and for long periods, seeing that the only establishment of this 
nature can not, by a long waj 7 , fill the needs of the island. 



HOW TO HELP MANUFACTURERS. 
STATEMENT OF SENOR ANTONIO SANCHEZ RUIZ. 

Aguada, P. R. , November 12, 1898. 

I am of opinion that the free importation should be allowed of all 
machinery necessary for the manufacture of the crude materials pro- 
duced in this country, including medicinal plants so necessary to the 
wants of the climate. This would in great measure remove the diffi- 
culties under which manufacturers labor, and would tend to the aggran- 
dizement of this piece of American soil by the positive advantages 
given to our manufactures in foreign markets. 

It is clear that the growth of manufactures would greatly increase 
commercial prosperity, but it is very necessary that food stuffs be sub- 
ject to small imposts only. This would be of great advantage to our 
indigent classes, victims to-day of the high price of food and their 
scanty means of procuring them. In compensation, the loss occasioned 
by this reduction could be made up by the heavier taxation of articles 
of luxury, necessarily paid by the wealthy classes. 



138 

NASCENT INDUSTRIES. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR ETJSTAQTJIO TORRES. 

Guayanilla, P. R., November 7, 1898. 
Industries are in the most lamentable condition. The enormous 
duties levied on the importation of machinery, tools, etc., necessary 
for the use of the most simple manufactures, with the view of pro- 
tecting peninsular industries, smothered at birth all initiative, and 
killed the germ of progress in this important branch. It is necessary, 
therefore, to harmonize insular interests with the legitimate interests 
of the metropolis, facilitating as much as possible the growth of 
nascent industries and of those which under a frank and free protec- 
tion might be begun. 



CAPTAL NEEDED. 
STATEMENT OE SENOR P. SANTISTEBAN Y CHARIVARI, SPANISH MERCHANT. 

San Juan, P. P., October 28, 1898. 
The manufacturing industry of the island is extremely insignificant, 
being reduced to the manufacture of cigars, cigarettes, macaroni, 
chocolate, ice, matched, and the distillation of rum. These indus- 
tries are lacking altogether in vigor, and can only be strengthened 
by the introduction of capital necessary to enable them to compete 
with foreign countries. It is possible to manufacture here paper, 
beer, canned goods (meat and fish as well as fruits), cordage, textile 
fabrics from vegetable fibers, which could be harvested at a small cost, 
and among which can be named the maguey; also cabinet works 
which could use the excellent woods growing on the mountains of this 
island, and there could also be established to advantage smelting 
works to reduce our excellent ores, such as manganese, iron, copper, 
lead, etc. 



LIQUORS AND TOBACCO. 
PRELIMINARY REPORT OE THE COMMISSIONER. 

San Juan, P. P., January 11, 1899. 
The Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: I have the honor to present herewith returns which I have 
gathered with reference to the manufacture and sale of liquors and 
tobacco in the island of Porto Rico. Late in November a circular let- 
ter in Spanish was sent to the alcaldes of each of the seventy-one 
municipal districts, including the island of Vieques. The questions 
asked had reference to the number of distilleries, the annual product 
thereof, the number of bay rum distilleries, with their annual product, 
the number of wholesale liquor dealers, the number of retail liquor 
dealers, the number of manufacturers of cigars, and the number of 
manufacturers of cigarettes. After no little difficulty, I am able to 
present substantially complete returns from all these districts and for 
the various items, estimates taking the places of returns in only six 
instances, namely, the annual product of the two native rum dis- 
tilleries in Mocha, the product of the bay rum distillery in Rio Piedras, 



139 

the product of the two bay rum distilleries in Vieques, and the num- 
ber of retail liquor dealers in Toa Baja, Vega Alta, and Vega Baja. 
Although I have made diligent use of the mails and also of the tele- 
graph, I have failed to secure returns in these few cases. I believe 
the statistics may be taken as quite trustworthy. They are from the 
official head of the municipal district in each case, and the returns 
from which the inclosed statement is compiled bear the stamp of the 
alcaldia or the signature of the alcalde himself. At present there are 
but sixty-nine municipal districts, there having been a consolidation 
in two or three cases. 

It should be understood that the distilleries of alcoholics are nearly 
all appendages of sugar estates, and the product is therefore a by- 
product. The molasses which is obtained from the cane, after the 
sugar has been almost entirely extracted, is the raw material for the 
making of this rum, which is manufactured very cheaply and consumed 
in large quantities by the natives. The process of distilling does not 
go on constantly, but begins after the sugar-making season is over 
and while another crop of cane is coming to maturity. When the 
price of sugar is low the product of rum is likely to be increased, 
and vice versa. 

A considerable quantity of artificial wines is made in the island 
with the native rum as the base. Raisins are steeped in it, and the 
product, which is flavored by certain chemicals, is bottled and sold as 
a cheap wine, the duties on good wines forbidding the general use of 
the imported article. Not only wines, but cordials, such as pepper- 
mint, aniseed, vermuth, absinthe, gin, and other varieties which 
are used as after-dinner beverages, are produced. Brandy is also 
made here from pure alcohol with burnt sugar and other ingredients. 
It is stated to be quite a general practice among retail liquor dealers 
to prepare their own liquors, in many cases using ingredients which 
are regarded as destructive to health. 

It will be observed that there are 198 distilleries of alcoholics in 
Porto Rico. The municipality which has the largest number is Cabo 
Rojo, which is in the southwestern part of the island, near Mayaguez, 
but the largest output is from the 7 distilleries of Arecibo, which yield 
annually 294,000 gallons. The total number of gallons produced is 
1,615,075. As there is no special motive for concealing the product of 
the distilleries, it is not believed that there is any illicit distilling. 

The number of bay rum distilleries is 28, with an annual output of 
15,143 gallons. Bay rum is produced from the alcohol which is made 
from the native rum, in which leaves of the malagueta tree are steeped. 

The number of wholesale liquor dealers is 246, and of retail liquor 
dealers 2,445. There are no data with regard to the amount of sales, 
either of the wholesale or the retail dealers. It is possible, however, 
to arrive at approximate figures concerning the consumption of liquors 
in the island by reference to the official report of the commerce of the 
island for 1897, which gives both the imports and the exports. It 
appears from that report that the imports for 1897 of spirituous liquors, 
wines, beer, etc., amounted to 1,386,249 gallons, which, together with 
the total products of the 198 distilleries in the island, viz, 1,615,075 
gallons, makes a total of 3,001,324 gallons. But there was sent out of 
the country by exportation and reexportation 103,521 gallons, leaving 
a net total of 2,897,803 gallons as representing the jjrobable consump- 
tion of a year. How much of the native rum produced by the distil- 
leries is used for mechanical, chemical, and other purposes it is 
impossible to state. 



140 

Of course the alcohol which goes into the manufacture of artificial 
wines and of bay rum is produced from the native rum. It is not 
improbable that the real total is somewhat larger than that indicated, 
from the fact that retail dealers, according to common report, are in 
the habit of increasing their stock by artificial means. The rum pro- 
duced at the distilleries is of sufficiently high proof to allow of being 
considerably reduced by retail dealers in selling it as a beverage. Of 
the total imports in 1897, 50,129 gallons were of spirituous liquors; 
1,186,971 gallons of wines, and 149,149 gallons of beer and cider. Of 
the exports, 84,654 gallons were of aguardiente de cana, or native rum, 
produced from sugar cane. The first cost of the production of native 
rum is estimated to be about 30 cents a gallon. This includes the 
value of the material and cost of distillation, together with insurance, 
cartage, etc. I am informed that the plantation price is from 40 to 45 
centavos per gallon. The wholesale price quoted in the San Juan 
papers is from 50 to 55 centavos per gallon. 

No excise taxes have been levied by the insular government. Stills 
belonging to sugar estates have been considered as part of the sugar 
machinery and have paid nothing unless they bought materials and 
did di stilling for other parties. Distilleries separate from sugar estates 
.pay so much per 100 litros capacity of the boiler or receptacle of the 
raw material in which the boiling is done. The rate is $6 per year for 
each 100 litros capacity. For common stills the rate is $2 per year, 
and for the manufacture of aniseed or other liquors oh a small scale, 
$3 a year. This tax is levied for the benefit of the insular govern- 
ment. 

Retail dealers of liquors pay no special tax unless their business is 
confined entirety to the sale of liquors. Almost every grocery store 
sells liquors and tobacco, and such stores pay an annual tariff accord- 
ing to the class of cities in which they are situated. In San Juan, 
Ponce, and May aguez they pay -$40 a year. In the next grade of cities, 
$33; in cities of 12,000 population or more, $26; in cities of from 8,000 
to 12,000, $20; from 4,000"to 8,000, $16; less than 4,000, $11. If cigars 
are manufactured in connection with the store an additional tax is 
charged. 

Wholesale liquor dealers pay a tax graded in a similar way from 
$130 down to $31. Cafes and restaurants pay rates graded from $81 
down to $20, and clubs where liquor is sold, 50 per cent of these rates. 

By virtue of an order issued by General Guj 7 V. Henry, military 
commander of the island, under date of December 30, 1898, modifying 
the consumption tax as levied by municipalities on bread, beef, mut- 
ton, and pork, a special tax is now allowed to be levied on the sale of 
liquors and tobacco, as follows: 

For every liquor or tobacco store or stand: 

In towns of from 5,000 to 10,000 population $50.00 

In towns of from 10,000 to 15,000 population 60. 00 

In towns of from 15,000 to 20,000 population , _ 70. 00 

In towns of more than 20,000 population 80. 00 

These rates are for the sale of liquors and tobacco, and are addi- 
tional to the rates levied on the business of groceries and restaurants. 
Municipalities may ask larger amounts on licenses issued to wholesale 
dealers in liquors and tobacco. 

There are no breweries in the island, but about twenty brewing 
companies have agencies here for the sale of their products. All but 
one are United States firms. The exception is a Copenhagen, Den- 
mark, company. 



141 



There is, naturally, a difference of opinion on the question of levy- 
ing an internal-revenue tax on the production of liquors. One agri- 
cultural proprietor says a tax on the output of the cane distilleries 
would not only ruin the business, but seriously affect the sugar pro- 
ducers, who depend upon the rum they make, in many instances, to 
put a balance on the right side of the accounts. Another proprietor 
says it will simply result in raising the price of rum to the consumer. 
He holds that if men want drink they will pay for it. Others, not 
directly interested in the cane crop, insist that an internal-revenue 
tax on rum would be a good thing. It is now the common beverage of 
the poorer classes, because it is very cheap; imported wines, which pay 
under the existing tariff a total tax of 30 cents, being much too costly 
for general consumption. Its effects on the consumer are said to be 
injurious, and it would be a measure in the interests of health and 
good morals, according to philanthropists, so to tax native rum and 
artificial liquors as to lessen their consumption and lead to the more 
general use of light wines. 

The number of cigar manufacturers is 108, and of cigarette manu- 
facturers 27. The inquiries were limited because of the information 
that it would be impossible to get definite returns for other items. 
There are no official figures relating to the annual production of 
tobacco. It is only possible to approximate the figures by estimates. 
There are two ways of doing this. It is believed that two-thirds of 
the annual production have been exported. The amount exported in 
1897 was 6,267,327 pounds. One-half of that, which it is estimated 
was consumed in the island the same year, is 3,133,663, making a total 
of 9,400,990 pounds. One of the leading tobacco dealers in the island 
makes the following estimate by districts for 1898: 



Tobacco districts. 



Cayey 

Corta aba jo 
Arecibo 



Bales 
produced. 



4,000 
12,000 

25,000 
30,000 



Tobacco districts. 



Yauco . 
Juncos. 



Bales 
produced. 



10,000 
4,000 



85,000 



Bales weigh about 100 pounds each. 

In addition to the number of cigar and cigarette manufacturers 
reported in this table, there is a large quantity of tobacco manufac- 
tured into cigars and cigarettes in private houses, especially into 
cigars. Most of the cigars consumed in the island have been made 
here, while most of the cigarettes have been imported from Cuba. 
Since the same rates in customs duties were imposed on Cuban ciga- 
rettes as are imposed on those imported from other countries, it is 
believed that the imports from that island have fallen off almost 
entirely. Native production has therefore been greatly stimulated. 
There is a steam factory in San Juan which produces 400,000 ciga- 
rettes daily, all of which are sold in Porto Rico. There is another 
steam factory in Ponce. Formerly manufactures of tobacco from 
Cuba were admitted to this island without the payment of any customs 
duty except the payment of the 10 per cent transitory tax, amounting 
to about 4 cents per kilo. It is estimated by a committee appointed 
by the chamber of commerce of Ponce that there are about 250,000 
smokers in the island and that the average daily consumption of 
cigarettes is about 200,000 packages. 

Very respectfully, Henry K. Carroll, 

Commissioner. 



142 

Liquors and tobacco manufacturers and dealers. 



Municipal district. 


Num- 
ber of 
distill- 
eries. 


Annual 

product in 

gallons. 


Num- 
ber of 
bay 
rum 
distill- 
eries. 


Annual 
product 
in gal- 
lons. - 


Whole- 
sale 

liquor 
deal- 
ers. 


Retail 
liquor 
dealers. 


Cigar 
manu- 
factur- 
ers. 


Cigar- 
ette 
manu- 
factur- 
ers. 














54 
6 

60 

26 

25 

8 

13 
157 
40 
20 
30 
23 
15 
66 
24 
31 
15 
46 
6 
17 


1 
5 
2 


1 












3 

10 

2 






5 
5 


66,137 
19. 708 






2 


























1 


13 


3 


2 
1 
3 


2 




7 
7 
2 
1 


25.780 
294.000 
65. 016 
27.249 










9 

2 


3 




1 


350 








































2 
3 


152.000 
12.600 






4 
3 
5 
3 
6 












6 
2 
3 










1 
















6 
14 


15.000 

14.782 










































1 


1 












5 






1 

2 
1 
8 
3 
3 
9 
2 

3 

5 
2 

2 
5 

8 


2,142 
14,417 
17,724 
24,000 

2,110 
26,455 
52.911 

9:520 
18,518 
23,102 
25, 000 
11,000 
38, 080 

9,521 






15 
32 
15 
23 
30 
■ 28 
45 
25 
14 

8 
52 
61 
31 
40 
23 
29 
30 
20 

3 
29 
25 
10 
100 
32 
18 

7 

14 

198 

22 

. 38 

9 
25 
30 
64 

8 

130 

40 

50 

66 

8 
30 
30 

8 

6 
84 

8 
12 
12 
35 
46 


2 
3 










6 
1 
3 
3 
2 


1 












1 


300 


6 
1 






















9 










1 

2 
3 
2 
2 
5 




Hatillo 






















1 


2 


























1 
5 










2 

7 
6 


















6 

2 


7,200 
5,291 






5 


























2 
1 
2 

7 


19, 047 
3.000 
12,000 
52,910 








4 










1 
2 

30 




Moca .- .- _ 












1 


661 


7 


7 








3 


15,000 


1 


9,259 


3 








2 






1 
9 


3,300 
27,893 












11 


2,760 


31 


4 


4 






Patillas. 


4 
3 
1 
3 
6 
2 
1 
3 


62, 628 

3,174 

7,936 

30,000 

18, 000 

36,000 

7,000 

3,306 












Piedras.. 








1 


1 


Quebradillas ... 






1 




Rio-grande 






1 




Rio-piedras 


1 


100 


3 












9 


1,500 


40 


20 
3 


2 






Sabana-grande 






8 
1 
1 
1 




San German 


3 
2 

1 
2 
3 


2,110 
76. 899 

2,645 
24,000 
14,400 










Salinas „ 










Santa Isabel 










Toa-alta 






7 




Toa-baja.. 








Trujillo-alto 












Utuado. 


6 
2 
2 
4 
8 
3 


15,872 
52,285 
42,327 
8,000 
38,080 
58,000 












Vega-alta 












Vega-baja 






3 

4 

12 

3 








2 


200 






Yauco 






Yabucoa 




















Total 


198 


1,615,075 


28 


15,143 


246 


2,445 


108 


27 







143 



COMMERCE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC. 

BUSINESS METHODS. 

[Hearing before United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 

Mr. Sasteria Francesca. Importations formerly were made on a 
half scale in Porto Rico, that is to say, were imported over and above 
the needs of the island, because the importers could get a year's credit 
from Paris, London, or Hamburg commission houses. These mer- 
chants or importers when they sold to smaller houses charged them 
from the date of invoice one-half per cent interest outside of their 
commission on the merchandise shipped, while they only paid their 
bankers at the rate of 4 per cent a year. Moreover these importers 
sold that very merchandise on long terms to merchants in the interior — 
these terms extending as long as a year and a half, in some cases — and 
generally sold at wholesale at higher prices than were paid by retail 
at the rates prevailing in the capital. These merchants of the interior 
would do exactly the same thing in turn with the smaller merchants 
of the country, selling to them on long terms, and charging them at 
least 10 per cent a month on the invoice value, and often from 1-g- to 
2-J per cent. 

This class of smaller merchants in the interior consists for the 
most part of cultivators, and it is a very important matter to be con- 
sidered that these small cultivators are charged at least 35 per cent 
per annum over and above any profit realized in any country in the 
world. The results of that system have been that at least one-quar- 
ter of the small proprietors in the island, buying in that waj^, in the 
period of five years have all lost their estates, the estates going into 
the hands of Spanish merchants who commenced selling goods on 
credit without any capital to speak of, and who after five or ten years 
have become worth $20,000 and even $50,000. The estates on which 
they held mortgages were unable to produce sufficient to pay back at 
the half rates that were collected. When the relations between the 
United States and Spain became strained the merchants here became 
afraid, saying that nearly their whole capital consisted of bills receiv- 
able and other forms of credits owing from creditors throughout the 
island. This alarm was increased by the Spanish bank declining to 
renew on first-class indorsements except by paying off on the princi- 
pal amount at 25 per cent for every renewal. As a matter of fact, big 
importing houses have to follow the same system and their customers, 
the interior merchants, have had to do the same with large and small 
estate owners. The result of that is that to-day all transactions are 
done on a spot-cash basis throughout the island, and the current stock 
of merchandise in merchants' stocks and warehouses does not amount 
to one-third of what it was before the war. The prospect is that this 
state of things will continue, because every merchant is convinced 
that the extraordinary credit allowed in Porto Rico has been the cause 
of much mischief, for any person who knows Porto Rico never thinks 
of attempting to collect money through the courts, as they invariably 
protect the man who owes against the man to whom the debt is due. 
The Spanish law intrinsically may be as good as any law elsewhere, 
but it will never be enforced so long as the judges receive no salary. 



144 



COMMERCIAL BUSINESS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 5, 1808. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you consider the most important matter 
respecting the future of Porto Rico ? 

Mr. Manuel Egozcue, Vice President Provincial Deputation. The 
establishment of a Territorial form of government. 

Dr. Carroll. We have had a number of statements with respect 
to the money question. We have had less about commerce and mer- 
cantile business than anything else, and I would be pleased if you 
would tell me something about that. 

Mr. Egozcue. Commercial business in Porto Rico is entirely in the 
hands of the Spaniards. Porto Ricans hardly have any representa- 
tives in it at all. The commerce of this island is in the hands of very 
active men, and also of men of means, who will distribute money over 
the island. Lately there has been an extensive grant of credit to store- 
keepers in the interior, and a great many of these having failed, the 
critical stage of affairs has resulted. Commerce without a doubt has 
built up agriculture, but unfortunately agriculturists have not attended 
to the prompt payment of their debts, but have used the amounts 
which they have been able to get together for the purpose of buying 
new estates. It would be a great desideratum to-day for the com- 
merce of Porto Rico to obtain a low tariff between here and the United 
States, or, better still, to have free trade. I am in favor of indirect 
taxation, as against direct taxation. In any case the amount need not 
be so great as it formerly was, as we have removed from our estimates, 
or will do so, the clergy of Rome, and to a great extent pensioners. 
The poor of the island would not feel taxation so heavily if it were 
indirect and through the custom house. 

Dr. Carroll. Would you have a high tariff with all other nations 
than the United States ? 

Mr. Egozcue. It would certainly be well to have a high tariff, be- 
cause with very few exceptions everything we consume could be bought 
there, and this would interest the people to protect the trade of the 
island and of the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the exceptions you refer to that can not be 
bought in the United States? 

Mr. Egozcue. There is no olive oil in the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes, there is lots of it there. 

Mr. Egozcue. One of the things we could not get would be the Span- 
ish peas, which is a staple food here. As to the textile fabrics, we 
know nothing of them, because, owing to the heavy duties, we have 
not been able to import them. The article of food which is consumed 
here by all classes is rice. East India rice is generally used by the 
poor and working classes, while the better classes use the Valencia rice, 
which is a better quality. That would be one of the exceptions. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you never heard of the Carolina rice ? 

Mr. Egozcue. No; I never did. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that the Spanish idea of the United 
States was that our chief products were pork and a poor class of 
machinery. 

Mr. Egozcue. Yes, and it was their object to make everybody here 
believe it, too. 



145 

Dr. Carroll. Is the mercantile trade here divided into the usual 
classes, retail and wholesale, or are most of the articles that are needed 
by the retail trade imported through commission houses on order? 

Mr. Egozoue. A great many of the retailers imported directly for 
their own consumption. Some of them who are really retailers buy 
everything of the local merchants. Besides the wholesalers there are 
commission merchants, who are general!} 7 the bankers and owners of 
steamship lines. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the wholesale houses here have drummers going 
through the island to sell their goods? 

Mr. Egozcue. Not as a general rule. Generally a wholesale 
house will send one of its employees around the island, chiefly to find 
how its customers are getting along, and when it finds them all right 
it tries to sell them goods. Most of the small houses in the interior 
have their own houses in the city where they have an open credit. For 
instance, in the cities of Toa-alta and Ciales every merchant and 
business interest buys from me exclusively at four or six months, or 
from harvest to harvest, and all the produce from this district comes 
to me in payment of merchandise. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it common to charge high interest on those long- 
term credits? 

Mr. Egozcue. For terms longer than four months usually 8 or 9 per 
cent is charged. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not extremely difficult to introduce new goods 
to the people of Porto Rico? If you wanted to introduce something 
new in dress goods, for instance, how would you go about it? 

Mr. Egozcue. By advertising, and also by sending around printed 
lists stating that the goods had arrived, were of such and such quality 
and description. These lists we would send around to all our cus- 
tomers through the island. 

Dr. Carroll. What per cent of their sales do the wholesale mer- 
chants generally expect to lose in the way of bad debts? 

Mr. Egozcue. That is not an easy question to answer. Sometimes 
I don't lose more than $2,000 or $3,000 in a year in bad debts, but if 
harvest is bad there is a heavier loss. Things now are better because 
merchants generally are not selling goods to persons except of recog- 
nized standing. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there not an enormous number of retail shop- 
keepers in this island? 

Mr. Egozcue. No; there is plenty of room for more business. 

Dr. Carroll. There seem to be a great many of them in this city. 

Mr. Egozcue. They all do business, and as a proof of this it can 
be stated that shopkeepers are constantly retiring from business, 
leaving the country, and taking with them twenty, thirty, forty, and 
even as high as eighty thousand dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. You said that the mercantile business was generally 
in the hands of Spaniards. I want to ask how it is that they have 
obtained control of the retail business in this island. Is it that they 
are better business men than the Porto Ricans, or are they more 
thrifty and live on less? 

Mr. Egozcue. Not by reason of any superior intelligence, but 
because of the protection they give one another. Take my case, for 
example. Although I was born here, I was educated in Spain, and I 
desired to obtain a mercantile career. I had difficulty in getting a 
position in a Spanish house. When I did get one I commenced by 
. H25 10 



146 

sweeping out the store. The Spaniards prefer to take an employee 
who is a relative, or some one recommended to them by their friends 
in Spain. In this way commerce has become a sort of close corpora- 
tion. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that system likely now to be interrupted and per- 
haps entirely broken up, owing- to the change of allegiance of the 
island from Spain to the United States? 

Mr. Egozcue. The Spaniards are of the same mind as before. I 
have been urging Porto Ricans to go into business, and I have met 
with a great deal of opposition from the Spaniards. I have been 
able to persuade two to open retail grocery stores. I believe there 
will be a great future for Americans who will come down here and 
establish themselves with Porto Ricans, so that little by little as the 
Spaniards go from the country the new commerce will gradually be 
introduced. 

Dr. Carroll. How much profit does the retail merchant generally 
expect to make on his goods? 

Mr. Egozcue. It is absolutely impossible to reply to that question. 
Retailers generally take advantage of the scarcity of an article to 
raise prices, and when there is an abundance of the article they drop 
their prices. The system in San Juan is absolutely cash. The 
wholesale houses sell to the retailer on cash terms, and the retailers 
sell in the same way. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, I suppose, the wholesale dealers in that case 
have to sell on a small margin of profit. 

Mr. Egozcue. Yes; they have to content themselves with small 
profit, but they do very well. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that cash system also established in Ponce, Maya- 
guez, and Aguadilla? 

Mr. Egozcue. There also. What I mean by cash is payment at the 
end of a week or ten days. No accounts are opened. 

Dr. Carroll. That is really the valuable trade of the island, is 
it not? 

Mr. Egozcue. Those three points are the most important, and here 
there are stores, if they could be supplied with American capital, 
whose business would be increased very much, as they have a large 
following in the country. To-day the tendency is to buy from Porto 
Ricans, and if that tendency increases I will have to buy twice as 
much as I do to supply the demand. 

Dr. Carroll. One complaint which the American visitors make is 
that the retail dealers have no fixed prices for their goods; that what 
they ask at first is a much larger price than they expect to get. 

Mr. Egozcue. It is a bad custom of the country, and it is owing to 
the fact that the peasant from the country is never satisfied with the 
first price asked him, but always insists on a reduction on the price 
stated. This has naturally led the merchants to raise the price above 
the figure at which they are willing to sell their goods. 

Dr. Carroll. Perhaps if a few Americans came here and set an 
example it would be followed by their merchants. 

Mr. Egozcue. I think it would be. Eveiybody wants to drop the 
old custom so as to make an epoch in our commercial life. Perhaps 
if one started all would follow. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the retail merchants and wholesale merchants 
any society here? 

Mr. Egozcue. They have a sort of club which is more of a social 
institution than anything else, in which they have to pay a small fee 



147 

for membership. I don't know whether it has been dissolved or 
whether it is still existing. The merchants of higher rank usually 
meet and expound their views in the chamber of commerce. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the chamber of commerce a somewhat large body? 

Mr. Egozcue. Under Spanish rule it was a very important body 
because it was the official chamber of commerce, but it was a Spanish 
body. To-day the press and public opinion are beginning to ask that 
the native Porto Rican shall be represented in it. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the}^ been excluded hitherto? 

Mr. Egozcue. Almost entirely. 

Dr. Carroll. The newspapers in the United States have told us, 
through some of their correspondents down here, that the people are 
very much wedded to one style of goods, and that they would not take 
to new goods. Does that correctly represent the situation here? 

Mr. Egozcue. I consider that the question of price is all important. 
I think we can introduce new goods here if we can get them at a suf- 
ficiently low price. .If we have free trade here, and a high protective 
tariff! against other countries, we shall have to introduce goods from 
the United States, but in any event I think if merchants take some 
trouble to prepare the public for the receipt of these goods they will 
be quite acceptable. 



WAR PRICES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 5, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. I wish you could give us some notion about the prices 
here relative to dry goods before the war and now since the war. 
There are some people who have come here from America who say 
that the people are robbing them; that they are putting the prices 
up, and that they are in a conspiracy to extract from the American 
consumers all they can, and I would like to have a statement as to 
this matter. 

Mr. Andreas Crosas. Previous to the war as exchange went up on the 
United States to 80 per cent, it was natural to expect that provisions 
would increase in proportion, but they really did not. Dry goods re- 
mained about stationary. During the war there was hardly any business 
done. Those who had a little business were the provision merchants. 
When provisions commenced to get a little short here the Captain- 
General decreed that no provisions should be taken out of the city, so 
that what little there was in the country they had to do the best thej^ 
could with. As I foresaw that the Government was going to pounce 
on these provisions, I bought a large supply for myself. Then it was 
that Hamburg rice, for instance, was worth $5 and $5.25 a quintal. It 
ran up to $7.50 and $8, but dry goods dragged along and they did not 
sell $5 worth in any of these stores, but now since the war is over 
business has revived a little, principally provisions, and some lines of 
dry goods. Building material and everything of that kind is stag- 
nant yet. Provisions have decreased some, according to the rate of 
exchange. Dry goods have kept the old prices, and these prices are 
not exorbitant in reality. You can get many articles in dry goods 
down here cheaper than in the city of JSew York. I know of several 
ladies who have bought articles of clothing cheaper, they said, than 
they could buy them in the States. A lady was telling me of a lawn 
that she bought for $1.50, for which she had to pay $1 more in gold in 



148 

New York. There is a custom here, however, very different from that 
in New York, and it is a Latin custom. You go into a store, for exam- 
ple, to buy an article worth 14 and they will ask you 85. They expect 
you to heat them down and then they come down to the real value. 
If they know you are not of the kind that beat merchants down, they 
will ask the real price first. I bought some cigars the other day. 
When I asked how much they were the cigar man said 83. I told 
him I would not give him $3 for them, and he asked me what I would 
give. I said 12.50, and I got the cigars. Pretty soon an American 
came in and asked me what I paid for the cigars and I told him $2.50, 
but when he priced the cigars the cigar man asked him 63. I told the 
dealer not to act foolishly; to sell the cigars for 12.50, and assured him 
that Americans don't beat down. He said he did not know that that 
was the custom among them. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that custom you have described universal here? 

Mr. Crosas. Yes. 



THE IMPORTS OF PORTO RICO. 

STATEMENT OF MIGUEL I. ARSUAGA, OF THE COMMERCIAL AND BANKING FIRM OF 

S0BRIN0S DE EZQUIAGA. 

San Juan, P. R,, December 5, 1898. • 

Merchandise generally imported from the United States consists of 
herrings, machine oil, beans, pease, some dry goods, wheat flour, corn 
flour, bacon, lard, hams, beer, canned goods, brooms, whisky, crack- 
ers, sausages, petroleum, paper, maizena, thread, fencing wire in rolls, 
pepper, macaronies, soap, paraffin, spices, oysters, notions, plows, 
Florida water, blacking, drugs, codfish, potatoes, bicycles, lumber, 
shucks, specie, safes, salted meats, chairs, butter, glass, manufac- 
tures of iron, furniture, and some few other manufactures and pro- 
visions which for years have been imported from the United States 
both before and after the Spanish- American treaty of commerce. 

Merchandise imported into Porto Rico from other countries is rice, 
dry goods, hardware, machinery, wines, liquors, canned goods, cheese, 
dried fruits, mineral waters, oils, olives, notions, jewelry, furniture, 
frijoles (beans), gin, perfumery, ready-made clothing, codfish, um- 
brellas, fruit jellies, Spanish candies, sweets, French beans, chick- 
peas, potatoes, raisins, dried plums, and many other goods, as well as 
almost all the articles brought from the United States, which are 
ordered in the markets where quotations happen to be lowest, or whose 
tariffs give the most advantage. 

Merchandise which could be imported from the United States if 
there were free coasting trade (cabotaje) would comprise everything 
now brought from Europe of which an equivalent exists in the United 
States and the goods now imported from there. In time the whole, 
or nearly all, the importations would come from the north, as Amer- 
ican usages and customs were gradually introduced. 

The present difference of fashions of dressing, etc., will cause some 
time to elapse before this country acquires the same tastes and cus- 
toms as the American; and this holds goods with several articles of 
food and drink, owing to the difference of the American and Spanish 
table. These will be overcome by assimilation in time, and then 
everything made in the States will find a market here. The tariff 
would play a very important part in the question in favor of the United 



149 

States — molding customs, usages, and the tastes of the people, if 
necessary, in a more or less short period. The hardest goods to obtain 
in the United States to fill public tastes will be foot wear, women's 
hats, some articles of food and drink usually obtained in Spain, 
France, and England; also fancy articles and novelties. 

European countries compete favorably with the prices of the United 
States, as merchants there quote lower prices than in America ; freights 
are lower, and maritime commerce is proportionately less. In imports 
of consideration these items do not pass unperceived. The question 
of tonnage and charges thereon 1 will be a very important matter for 
this island once the sugar crop commences, owing to the exclusive 
coasting trade under the American flag between this island and the 
States. This measure has not yet resulted in an increase of tonnage 
under that flag, and it is feared that it will be confined to steamships, 
whereas sailing ships are required for freighting sugar, molasses, 
and rum, otherwise freights will rise and harm considerably the agri- 
cultural and commercial interests of the island. Formerly the com- 
petition of foreign flags kept down freights between the island and 
the United States, as ships of various nationalities calling at the 
French islands, Barbados and St. Thomas, in ballast sought freight 
for the United States chiefly in Cuba and Porto Rico. The English 
flag, owing to the number of its merchant marine, was most abundant 
and its freights lowest. 

The importation of merchandise is chiefly as follows: Textiles, 
Spain, France, England, and a small amount from United States; 
readj' -made clothing, from Spain — this article is hardly used here ; 
hardware and machinery, Spain, France, England, Germany, Bel- 
gium, Holland, and United States; food stuffs of general consumption, 
Spain, France, England, German}', Holland, Belgium, and United 
States; canned goods, Spain, France, England, and United States; 
wines and liquors, Spain, France, an dltaly; stationery, Spain, United 
States, England, France, and Germany; furniture, Spain, United 
States, Austria, Italy, and local manufacture; lumber, United States 
chiefly. The island produces fine lumber for building purposes, 
boards, beams, planks, cabinet woods, and woods of great beauty for 
canes, etc. The woods mostly used in building are American white 
and pitch pine. Houses are built of wood with galvanized zinc 
roofs imported from England, with roofs sometimes of shingles im- 
ported from the United States. In the principal cities, houses are of 
mixed stone and brick, with roofs of the same material. 

Goods imported from the United States and Europe are of the 
sizes and weights usually demanded for this trade, and come in pack- 
ages subject to the same demands, or merchants send special instruc- 
tions according to their special needs. The weights and measure- 
ments are usually the common ones current in all countries, as regards 
textiles, hardware, food stuffs, canned goods, wines, liquors, etc. 



THE YAUCO MARKET. 

Yauco, P. R,, March 5, 1899. 
The market place in Yauco is a large square in the center of the 
town, on one side of which is the alcaldia. From early in the morn- 
ing (Sunday is market day) until 11 o'clock, this square was crowded 

] Note by translator: By tonnage is here meant ownership or nationality of bottoms. 



150 

with market people and others doing their marketing. Some were 
selling vegetables only; others were selling corazones, cacao, and 
some vegetables, including cucumbers. Others were selling yams, 
water cresses, radishes, tomatoes, bananas, achiote or annatto, beans, 
peas, beef, fat bacon, lard, codfish, fresh fish, coffee, sugar, tobacco 
twists, cigars, rice, bread, sirups used as sweet drinks, mabby (a 
native drink), and butter. Besides, there were venders of hats which, 
they stated, were brought from Cabo Rojo; also small notions, such 
as cheap laces, collar buttons, cheap ornaments, etc. At one stand 
where various provisions were being sold, including lard from an 
American can, a young native who was assisting in the sales was 
very skillful in wrapping up the various articles sold. He was able 
to wrap up rice in small sheets of paper, seemingly too small for the 
purpose, without wasting a grain or using a string, and did it very 
rapidly. He also made change very rapidly, and kept up a busy stir 
that seemed to draw business to his stand. One man had on exhibi- 
tion a graphophone, and was surrounded by natives listening to the 
tunes. There were also a number of beggars who were importuning 
everybody. 



THE STRUGGLE OF COMMERCE. 
STATEMENT OF MR. P. SANTISTEBAN Y CHARIVARI, SPANISH MERCHANT. 

San Juan, P. R. , October 28, 1898. 

Commerce constitutes the most substantial source of income, owing 
to the tribute it pays through the custom-house, and its general 
condition of solidity gives it prestige in foreign parts. It may be said 
to constitute the greatest wealth of the country. 

In spite of all the advantageous qualities just attributed to it and 
which make it a subject for the greatest consideration on the part of 
the Government, it has to sustain a terrible struggle to defend itself 
against the bad faith which is taking it to ruin by means of suspen- 
sion of payments and failures, which are rarely punished, owing to 
the deficiency of our laws and judicial proceedings. It is also the 
victim of the present monetary system, which lends itself easily to 
speculation in exchange, sometimes the rise being as much as 25 per 
cent and 30 per cent during three months. This state of affairs does 
not allow even the most clear-sighted merchant to protect himself 
from enormous losses. 

Customs tariffs which have been in force for a long time are not 
based on equitable or scientific principles. The rates charged do not 
follow the requisite table of valuations based on 20 per cent over 
actual cost of goods in the factory, and the custom-house rules are 
full of punishments, guided more by the letter than the spirit of the 
law. 

Custom-houses, from their very nature, require more intelligent and 
honest employes than any other public offices, their object being to 
facilitate commerce by good faith and attention to duty, and also to 
discover the frauds which dishonest merchants try to perpetrate. 



151 



COMMERCIAL TAXES. 
STATEMENT OF MANY CITIZENS. 

Isabela, P. R., February 15, 1899. 

Agriculture is suffering from great prostration and the Government 
should hold out a helping hand, freeing it for a few years from direct 
taxation, which to-day weighs so heavily on it owing to years of bad 
prices, monetary crisis, and immense municipal and State taxation. 
The industrial and commercial taxes are also too heavy and should be 
reduced after giving a hearing to the persons interested. 

There is a notable want of agricultural banks which would lend 
money at low rates and for long periods to agriculturists, so as to help 
them recover from the losses occasioned by the Mexican and colonial 
currencies, which, authorized by the Spanish Government, caused the 
ruin of the country. 

The town of Isabela, one of the most industrious and fertile when 
rains are copious, has its properties well divided among several owners. 
But its position on the coast, where there is a lack of trees, subjects it 
to continuous droughts, which, however, have never been able to make 
our farmers lose heart for their work. 

"VVe think the Government would commit an act of justice by attend- 
ing to the two requirements of this town, which are : an irrigation canal 
to bring the waters of the River Guajataca into the district and fer- 
tilize its fields, and the opening of the port for commerce of export 
and import with the other towns of the island, which would lead to an 
extension of business. 



MERCANTILE BUSINESS FLOURISHING. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR CELESTINO DOMINGUEZ. 

Guayama, P. R., January, 1899. 

Coevally with the downfall of the sugar industry one of the most 
extraordinary spectacles ever witnessed in an agricultural country 
has been seen. On the ruins of agriculture there has arisen a flour- 
ishing community of merchants, which not only dominates the farm- 
ers, but is slowly absorbing their land. These merchants are nearly 
all peninsular Spaniards. In other parts of the world commerce has 
been the right hand of agriculture; here it is its worst enemy, owing 
to the protection granted by the Government to merchants, which has 
enabled them to override the landowners, generally natives of Porto 
Rico. 

The larger part of our business to-day is with the United States, 
which buys our sugars. Then comes Spain, which has extensive deal- 
ings in this country, as we are accustomed to consume her products. 
We can not ship our produce there, except in small quantities, owing 
to prohibitive duties and fiscal hi?idrances. Our sugar is hardly known 
in Spain, our coffee goes there in very small quantities only, and our 
tobacco and alcohol in lesser degree still. 

Our imports come also from France, Italy, and Germany, and our 
exports go to North America, France, and Denmark, as to our sugar; 
to Cuba, Germany, and Denmark as to our coffee, and our other prod- 
uce is consumed in the country. 

Cuba takes large quantities of our tobacco, manufactures it and 
sends it out all over the world as Vuelta Abajo. 



152 



THE COMMERCE OF PORTO RICO. 



[Compiled from Estadistica General del Commercio Exterior de la Provincia de Porto Rice 

for 1897.] 

Value of importations in 1807. 



Schedules. 



Duty. 



I. 

II. 

III. 

IV. 

V. 

VI. 

VII. 

VIII. 

IX. 

X. 

XI. 

XII. 

XIII. 



Stones, earth, minerals, etc 

Metals and manufactures 

Chemicals, etc 

Cotton and manufactures - --- 

Vegetable fibers and manufactures . 

Wool and manufactures 

Silk and manufactures . 

Wood 

Paper .. 

Animals and animal products 

Machinery, etc 

Food stuffs .. 

Miscellaneous ... 

Special imports 



Pesos. 

691,834. 

675,747. 

651, 947. 
,540,393. 

513,094. 

128,464. 
50, 581. 

368,211. 

818,952. 
,196,377. 

401, 156. 
1, 984, 808. 

189, 557. 

648, 044. 



Pesos. 
69,772.9] 

134,431.13 

66. 696. 36 

180,725.36 

66,389.01 
13,661.16 
5, 871. 54 
32.449.92 
78,176.26 
28,046.46 
35,739.00 
1, 750, 856. 54 
37,185.98 
13,960.88 



Total - 17,858,063.29 



3,841,962.57 



Foreign commerce until Porto Rico in 1897. 



Countries. 


Value. 


Quantity. 


Imports. 


Exports. 


Imports. 


Exports. 


Spain. .- — 


Pesos. 

7,152.016 

3,749,815 

1,755,754 

1,445,000 

1.314,003 

913.089 

092,780 

215,474 

163, 675 

155. 363 

• 124, 406 

74, 126 

36,046 

10, 108 

9.709 

5', 495 

5,491 

3,774 

3,715 

2,783 

1,800 

518 

78 

37 


Pesos. 
5,067,467 
2,814,349 
77,341 
254,430 
2. 117, 803 


Toneladas. 1 

41.433 
35.573 
19,468 
20, 865 
19,543 


Toneladas. 
23,304 
47,168 




986 




5,436 




5. 370 








3,515,006 
3,037,984 

1,607' 
98, 539 


908 
705 


15,135 




5,680 


Belgium 












372 

79 

177 

190 

94 












1,393 
408,211 

28,762 


2 




416 








192 




28,319 














35,734 


993 






2,147 




. 








53,156 


1 


* 339 








206 

8,055 
6,682 


19 




Africa.. 




102 








224 











1 Tonelada= 1,000 kilograms, or 2,220 pounds. 
Articles imported in 1897. 



Articles. 


Quantity. 


Value. 


Mineral coal . . 


kilograms.. 

..do.... 


30,517,771 
1,919,040 
2,204,030 
1.185,968 
3,502,745 
4.649,784 
'774,392 

11,244.245 
317,919 , 

35,451.874 J 


Pesos. 
167,848 
211,094 




.. do.... 


220,403 


Paper, straw and ordinary 


do.--- 

..do.... 

..do.... 


142,316 

70, 055 
1,394,935 




do___- 


108,415 


Codfish .. 


do.... 


1.461,752 


Pish and shellfish in oil 

Rice (cleaned) . 


do.... 

do.... 


158, 960 
2.481,631 



153 

Articles imported in 1897 — Continued. 



Articles. 



Wheat flour kilograms. 

Dried vegetables do... 

Garden produce do... 

Olive oil do... 

Comniou wine liters- 
Canned goods kilograms- 
Cheese __- do... 

Manufactured tobacco _ do... 

Other articles _ do... 



Total . 



Quantity. 



13,852,030 

2,176,884 

5,026,086 

762,102 

4,314,473 

'265,477 

337,982 

324, 022 



Value. 



Pesos. 
969,642 
141, 497 
201,043 
172. 179 
388,303 
238, 929 
202, 789 
648,044 
8,478,228 



17,858,063 



National flags under which shipments left Porto Rico in ISO", 



Countries. 



United States 

Cuba.. i 

Spain 

English possessions . . 

Danish possessions 

Santo Domingo. 

France. 

Germany 

French possessions ... 

England ... 

Italy.....'. 

Austria 

■Holland's possessions . 

Haiti ." 

Venezuela 

Mexico _ 

Africa 



Steam 
vessels. 



Total 



172 

243 

138 

21 

27 

39 

49 

43 

1 

151 

16 

14 



Sailing 
vessels. 



5 . 

1 I- 



26 



28 



341 



Seamen. 



Mer- 
chandise. 



5.245 

13. 568 

8,395 

1,223 

1,546 

1,686 

1,842 

1,608 

261 

502 

650 

516 

53 

264 

22 

10 

20 



37,420 



Tons. 

47,168 

15,125 

23,304 

5,426 

2,147 

192 

5,680 

5,270 

339 

968 

1,765 

416 

224 

' "2 

102 



108,246 



Articles exported in 1897, 



Articles. 



Coffee kilograms. . 

Sugar: 

Centrifugal ..do 

Muscovado . _.do 

Molasses. do 

Molasses -do 

Tobacco do 

Hides __ .do 

Tallow.. .do 

Rum... liters. . 

Bay rum _do 

Oil of bay leaves _ - do 

Cocoanuts- thousands.. 

Oranges do 

Guano vegetal, kilo- 
grams _ 

Annotto kilograms. . 

Chocolate bean .. -do 

Chocolate ■_ .do 

Starch do 

Tamarinds do 

Hedionda (to mix with 

coffee) — kilograms- . 

Pineapples.. hundreds.. 

Cattle head.. 

Oxen do 

Sheep do 

Salt kilograms.. 

Carnaza do 

Husks of cacao do 

Tobacco seed do 



Quantity. 



23,504,999 

16, 154. 466 

40, 129', 465 

1,364,980 

11,529.132 

2,843,615 

378, 170 

116, 624 

310, 006 

50.339 

223 

1,391,917 

1,004,048 

50, 759 
54,813 

5, 715 

58 

61,555 

7,594 



Value. 



Pesos. 

12,222,600 

1,316,584 

2,608,415 

82,991 

403, 520 

1,194,318 

71,S52 

11,662 

31,000 

7,551 

982 

27,838 

2,510 

5,583 
2,741 

2,286 

47 

6, 771 

760 



2,328 


233 


12,000 


840 


5,517 


220,680 


53 


1,060 


15 


90 


220.000 


6,600 


2,200 


110 


1,249 


14 


5,032 


2.113 



Articles. 



Peanuts kilograms. 

Ginger. do 

Corn do 

Corn meal do 

Tortoise shells .__do 

Sweets (dry and in 

sirup ) kilograms - . 

Fruits l.do 

Animal wax. do 

Oil of cocoanut .do 

Honey. ..liters.. 

Lime . kilograms . . 

Horns of cattle ... do 

Eggs hundreds.. 

Potatoes ... kilograms .- 

Bananas hundreds.. 

Guineos (small bana- 
nas) kilograms . . 

Arcos de pomarosas, 

kilograms 

Brick.. M.. 

Beans kilograms.. 

Small beans do 

Yams do 

Yautias do 

Ice do 

Woods -. do 

Cocks number . . 

Chickens do 



Quantity. 



Total . 



Value. 



4,899 

5, 300 

1,944,050 

3,612 

67 

4,643 

7,201 

137 

4.405 

1.350 

10,600 

7,077 

113,253 

24,211 

6,181 

3,750 

1,380 

23,160 

4,495 

16, 830 

41,442 

2,168 

8,190 

2, 799 

42 

4,009 



Pesos. 

490 
530 
97,203 
361 
268 

4,179 

5; 761 

27 

881 

405 

318 

354 

2.831 

'484 



19 



278 
450 
1,683 
828 
6S 
82 
140 
84 
3,007 



18,352,541 



154 



National flags under which shipments entered Porto Rico in ISO} 



Countries. 



Spain 

English possessions. 

United States 

Cuba 



England... 

Germany 

Danish possessions 

San Domingo 

Franco 

Belgium ... 

French possessions 

Venezuela 

Italy _ 



Steam Sailing I o„ ar ___ Mer- 
vessels. vessels. ! oeamen - chandise. 



Hayti 

Holland's possessions- 
Austria 

Argentine Republic . _ 

Brazil .. 

Uruguay 



194 
31 

97 
144 
134 
85 
14 
24 
36 



1 



13.956 

1.958 

2.497 

9.095 

4.516 

6,224 

1, 157 

1,577 

2,160 

1,049 

195 

235 

361 

358 

35 

120 

35 

20 

18 



Tons. 

41. 433 

20.365 

25,573 

908 

19.468 

19,543 

993 

94 

765 

3, 799 

1 

177 

39 

19 

190 
372 



7f» 



326 45,566 143,818 



Countries to which the exports were sent in 1897. 



Spain , - kilograms - 

France .- do 

Cuba .do 

Germany do 

Italy.. do 

Austria do 

Swedenand Norway, 

-- _ kilograms. 

United States do 

England do 

TOBACCO. 

Cuba kilograms . 

Spain. do 

United States do 

Germany do 

Danish possessions . do . - . 

England do 

Venezuela do 

Italy ___do 

SUGAR. 

United States, kilo- 
grams 

Spain kilograms. - 

English possessions-do. .. 

Denmark do... 

England. _ do. . . 

Danish possessions-do... 

Germany — do... 

Italy , do... 

France do... 

Cuba do... 

WOODS. 

United States, kilo- 
grams 

Spain kilograms.. 

RUM. 

Spain... liters.. 

Africa do... 

United States do... 

France do. .. 

Italy do... 

Cuba ...do... 



Quantity. 



6, 853, 694 
5.802,495 
4,008,775 
3, 975, 878 
1,939,375 
785,022 

54,460 
47, 995 
34,453 



2,359. 

337. 

80, 

56, 

3, 



Values. 



34, 966, 838 

18.020,119 

1,591,927 

1,327,962 

843, 989 

282, 556 

273, 598 

143, 455 

113, 539 

78, 399 



2. 500 



200,105 

86,558 

15, 783 

4,663 

1,837 

1,060 



Pesos. 
3,563,921 
3, 017, 297 
2, 084, 563 
2, 067, 456 
1,008,475 
408,212 

28,319 
24,957 
17.916 



990,808 

141, 729 

33.906 

23. 806 

1,577 

1.189 

942 

119 



2, 418, 938 

1,272,885 

102,831 

98.523 

46, 595 

19, 806 

17, 784 

9,324 

7,380 

5,662 



125 
15 



20,011 

8,656 

1,578 

• 466 

184 

106 



Quantity. \ Values. 



United States liters . . ! 50, 177 

Danish possessions-do. .. 162 

MOLASSES. 

United States, kilo- 
grams... _ ..! 8,792.409 

English possessions, kilo- 
grams I 2.644,937 

England kilograms..! 91,786 

HIDES. 

Spain ..kilograms.. 1 262,800 

France do j 64.482 

Germany do.— I 36,990 

Italy do.... I 8,848 

Cuba _ do-._- 5,050 

CARNAZA. 

Spain ...kilograms.. 2,200 

TALLOW. 

Cuba kilograms . . 109. 020 

Spain do 7,604 

GUANO VEGETAL. 

Cuba kilometers.. 50.339 

Spain .do.. 420 

COCOANUTS. 

UnitedStates.thousands- 723,763 

Cuba do.- 427.713 

Spain do_- 237,941 

Danish possessions, 

thousands.. 1.500 

English -thousands.- 1,000 

CACAO. 

Spain kilograms.. 5,715 

ORANGES. 

United States, thou- 
sands 939,798 



Pesos. 
7,52 



24 



307.734 



92,573 
3,213 



49,932 

12.252 

7,028 

1,681 

960 



110 



10,902 
760 



5,537 
46 



14, 475 
8,544 
4,759 

30 
20 



2.2S6 



2,350 



155 



Countries to xvliich the exports were sent in 1897— Continued. 



oranges— continued. 

Cuba thousands . 

Danish possessions, thou- 
sands 

English possessions, 
thousands 

Spain thousands . 

OIL OF BAY LEAVES. 

Danish possessions, li- 
ters _ 

United States liters . 

CHOCOLATE. 

Spain kilograms . 

ANNOTTO. 

Germany kilograms. 

United States do 

France .do 

Danish possessions, kilo 
grains 



Quantity. 



STARCH. 

Cuba -.-kilograms. 

Santo Domingo do 

TAMARINDS. 

England kilograms. 

United States do 

HEDIONDA (A SMALL 
SEED TO MIX WITH COF- 
FEE.). 

Spain kilograms.. 

Cuba do 



PINEAPPLES. 



United 
dreds. 



States, hun- 



Holland's poss e s s i o n s, 
kilograms 



HUSKS OF CACAO. 

Spain kilograms. . 

CATTLE. 

Cuba.. head.. 

English possessions. do. . . 
French possessions-do... 
Danish possessions' .do. .. 
Santo Domingo do... 

OXEN. 

Frenchpossessions, 
head 

Danish possessions, 
head . 

Santo Domingo head L . 

SHEEP. 

possessions, 



English 
head 

French possessions^ 
head 



TOBACCO SEED. 

Cuba kilograms . 



46,000 

17,000 

1,050 
200 



193 



Values. 



53 



34,546 
10, 773 

8,481 

1.013 



60, 827 



6.984 
610 



1,211 
1,117 



12,000 



220, 000 



1,349 



2,420 


96.800 


1,471 


58,840 


1.312 


52. 480 


304 


12,160 


10 


400 



32 



Pesos. 
115 



43 



772 
120 



46 



1.727 
539 
424 

51 



6,691 



121 

112 



840 



.600 



14 



5,032 



640 



400 
20 



2,113 



PEANUTS. 

Cuba kilograms.. 

GINGER. 

United States. kilograms. 

CORN. 

Cuba kilograms. . 

Spain do 

CORN MEAL. 

Cuba kilograms.. 

TORTOISE SHELLS. 

United States, kilo- 
grams 

Spain kilograms .. 

SWEETS (DRY AND IN 
SIRUP). 

Spain kilograms. . 

Santo Domingo do 

Cuba do 

FRUITS. 

Cuba kilograms . 

Santo Domingo do... 

Spain do... 

ANIMAL WAX. 

United States, kilo- 
grams... 

Spain kilograms. 

OIL OF COCOANUT. 

Cuba liters- 

HONEY. 

United States liters. 

LIME. 

Santo Domingo, kilo- 
grams. _ 

Cuba kilograms . 

HORNS OF CATTLE. 

Spain -..kilograms. 

EGGS. 

Cuba --.hundreds. 

POTATOES. 

Cuba kilograms . 

BANANAS. 

Cuba hundreds. 

GUINEOS (SMALL BANA- 
NAS). 

Cuba ..kilograms.. 

ARCOS DE POMAROSA. 

Santo Domingo, kilo- 
grams 



Quantity. 



5,300 



1,930,353 
13, 697 



i.612 



40 



4,445 
100 



4,279 

2,484 

438 



4,405 
1,350 



5,600 
5,000 



7,077 



113,253 



24,211 



6,181 



3,750 



1,380 



Values. 



Pesos. 
490 



530 



96,518 
685 



361 



160 
108 



4,000 
90 



3,423 

1,987 

350 



881 



405 



168 
150 



354 



2,831 



489 



14 



55 



156 



Countries to which the exports xoere sent in 1897 — Continued. 





Quantity. 


Values. 




Quantity. Values. 


BRICKS. 

Santo Domingo M-- 

BEANS. 

Cuba kilograms . - 

SMALL BEANS. 

Cuba kilograms - . 


23,160 
4,495 
16,830 
41,442 


Pesos. 
278 

450 

1,683 

828 


YAUTIAS. 
ICE. 

Santo Domingo, kilo- 


1 Pesos. 
2,168 J 65 

8,190 | 82 

43 84 


COCKS. 

Santo Domingo, kilo- 


YAMS. 

Cuba .kilograms-- 


CHICKENS. 

Cuba kilograms . - 


4,009 i 3,007 



THE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. 

RAILROADS. 
The San Juan Railroad. 
The Porto Rico Railroad (French). 
The Bayamon Railroad (Ferrocarril del Oesta). 
A short railroad from Anasco toward Lares. 

THE SAN JUAN RAILROAD. 

This road was built to Martin Pena in 1879 and completed to Rio 
Piedras in 1880. It comprises ?f miles of track, including side tracks, 
and has four station buildings, shops, bridges, etc. 

The equipment consists of 5 engines, 15 passenger cars, 1 baggage 
car, and 16 freight cars. 

Pesos. 

Cost of construction and equipment $232,500 

Passengers carried in 1897 . 557, 437 

Freight carried in 1897 tons_. 9,123 

Receipts for nassengers, 1897 $55,670 

Receipts for freight, 1897 8,340 

$64,010 

Cost of operating in 1897 ._ 50,919 

THE WESTERN RAILROAD. 

Passenger and freight traffic during the year 1897. 

Pesos. 

Number of passengers. 141,355, giving receipts of $24, 442. 32 

Tons of freight, 12,370, giving receipts of 12,369.93 

Gross earnings , 36,812.25 

Total working expenses .__ _ 23, 181.40 

Net earnings 13,630.85 

There are 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) in operation, of which 7 kilo- 
meters (4.35 miles) are by land and 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) by water. 

The system is between San Juan and Bayamon, and the stock con- 
sists of 2 locomotives, 5 passenger coaches, and 17 cars. Coal has 
cost on an average 12 pesos per ton. 

R. Yaldes Cobian. 

Bayamon, December 3, 1898. 



157 



THE PORTO RICO RAILROAD COMPANY. 



Sections of lines. 



A 1, from San Juan to Arecibo 

A 2, from Arecibo to Camny_ 

A 3, from Aguadilla to Mayaguez Beach 

C 1, from Mayaguez Beach to Hormigueros . 

C 2, from Yauco to Ponce 

B 1, from Martin Peiia to Carolina. 



Total 

Totals reduced to miles . 



In operation. 



Perma- 
nent. 



Kilometers. 



44 



35 



165 
102.54 



Provi- 
sional. 



Kilometers. 

"~U 



39 
24.23 



Total. 



Kilometers. 
86 
14 
44 
11 
35 
14 



204 

126.78 



Numbers, tonnage, and receipts in the year 1897. 

Passengers carried ._ 138, 379 

Freight carried tons.. 59,108 

Receipts from — 

Passengers pesos . . 104, 818. 04 

Freight do.... 138,055.79 



Rolling stock. 



Locomotives 

Passenger coaches 

Mail coaches 

Baggage wagons 

Closed cars, series E... 

Open cars, series F H and H H. 



18 

26 

3 

4 

90 

240 



San Juan, November 21, 1898. 



SUBDIRECTOR. 



RAILROAD FROM ANASCO TO ALTO SANO. 

This railroad, with a gauge of 23f inches, was built in 1898. It 
comprises 11 miles of completed track and has buildings at two sta- 
tions. The cost of construction is reported as having been 1275,000. 
The line is to be continued through San Sebastian to Lares. The 
rolling stock consists of 2 locomotives, 4 passenger cars, 2 baggage 
cars, and 8 freight cars. 



FREIGHT AND PASSENGER RATES. 

The distance from San Juan to Camuy is 100 kilometers. The rates 
for passengers between these points on the Porto Rico Railroad are 
as follows : 

Pesos. 

First class, single. 4. 95 

Second class, single ,. ... 3.85 

Third class, single 2.75 

First class, excursion.. 8.14 

Second class, excursion 5.92 

Third class, excursion. 3.70 

Freight rates depend on distance, quantity, and character of ship- 
ments and speed of trains. For 10 kilograms or less the rate at the 
greater speed is 60 centavos between San Juau and Camuy; $3 for 41 
to 50 kilograms. At the lesser speed the rate is one-half these figures 



158 

Merchandise is divided into four classes, and the lowest charges are 15 
centavos a ton per mile for first class, 12^ for second, 10 for third, and 
7 for fourth class. The charge per ton on merchandise of the first 
class between San Juan and Camuy is $15, for the second, $12.50; for 
the third, $10, and for the fourth, $7. These rates apply to articles of 
not less than 50 kilograms — that is, the minimum charge is for that 
amount. 

There are also special tariffs for sugar, coffee, and general farm 
produce. The rate on coffee between Camuy and San Juan is $4.95 
per ton; on farm produce and fruits, $2.56 between San Juan and 
Barceloneta (65 kilometers); on sugar, $3.85 between Arecibo and San 
Juan (86 kilometers) . Rum and other liquors pay $6. 51 per ton between 
San Juan and Camuy. 

The passenger rates on the Western Railroad between San Juan 
and Bayamon are 30 centavos for first class, 20 for second class, and 
40 and 30, respectively, for excursion tickets. 



PORTO RICAN ROADS. 
By Mr. Tuilo Larrinaga, Civil Engineer. 

The greatest drawback in the development and progress of the 
island of Porto Rico has been the absence of good roads and of any 
other means of transportation. Too late to be of any use to the coun- 
try, the Spanish Government took up the affair and gave out at public 
auction the concession for building a railroad around the island with 
quite a liberal subsidy, consisting of the guaranty of an 8 per cent 
interest on the capital invested. The interest was calculated on the 
assumption that the average cost of building the road was $18,000, 
when $30,000 would have been a closer approximation to the truth, so 
that the interest was rather 4.80 per cent than 8. Work on the line 
was commenced in October, 1889. Bad management, carelessness in 
the selection of the auxiliary class of the personnel, and some system- 
atic opposition in the beginning on the part of Spanish engineers soon 
brought the affair to a standstill, and work was stopped. 

From 1889 the Spanish Government had been trying to change his 
system and devote to subsidies for concessionaries of railroad the 
greater part of the money appropriated for building common roads and 
other public works, but the local corps of official engineers resisted, and 
nothing definite was come to. In 18 — the Government passed a royal 
decree — put up for bids the concession of several roads to the interior 
of the island — offering to help the building of them with 40 per cent 
of the actual cost of the roads. It seems that the credit of the Gov- 
ernment at the time and other difficulties to be encountered in official 
bureaus kept away bidders. 

The finishing of the road around the island should be taken up at 
once. Several lines going from the coast to the interior should be 
built to furnish the country with good means of transportation. 

Of these lines the most important perhaps is the line from Rio Pie- 
dras to Caguas, to be extended afterwards through the valley, if found 
convenient. Caguas and the whole plateau forming this rich valley 
is no more than 40 meters above the level of the sea. A road to that 
district may be passed through the gap cut in the mountains by the 
Loiza River, whose course must follow the line as soon as the town of 
Trujillo Alto is reached. The road will be a very winding one, but 



159 

grade would be easy; no tunneling would be required; the Loiza will 
afford ample power for working the road by electricity at a very low 
expense. The traffic has not to be created, as the existing one now 
done through the common roads is more than is required to make the 
road pay. 

Next iu importance comes the road from Anasco to Lares, in the dis- 
trict of Mayaguez. Lares is one of highest and best coffee-producing 
districts of the island. This road has been studied and a part of it 
built. The road is being built on the French system of narrow-gauge 
road, 0.60™ wide between rails, so much in favor for "chemin de fer 
d'interest local" in France. Seventeen kilometers, forming the first 
section, have already been built and are working since December, 
1897. The line is equipped with first-class American rolling stock 
and possesses all the rails, ties, etc. , for the superstructure of another 
section reaching to San Sebastian. The actual cost of the part work- 
ing has been 117,000 rjer kilometer. Grade will not exceed 2i per cent, 
and 50 meters is the minimum radius for curves. 

Wood is used' mostly as fuel and the road is worked at little expense. 
The length of the line is 43 kilometers. 

Next after the Aiiasco-Lares line comes the line from Arento to 
Utuado. 

San Juan P. R., January 10, 1899. 



ROADS. 
By Jose Amadeo. 

Except the central road, which was built splendidly and with stra- 
tegic views, as were also those of Guayama and Adjuntas, the roads 
of the country are for the most part mule tracks and cart paths, im- 
passable in rainy weather. It was a pitiful sight last September to 
see three pair of powerful American mules on the road from Ponce to 
Guayama pulling at the wagons and unable to move them. 

A journey from Maunabo to Mayaguez in the months of June to 
October costs more than a trip to New York. 

There is also a lack of communication around the coast by water — 
the cheapest of all waj T s — and we can not understand why a small line 
of steamers is not established to attend to this traffic. This was im- 
possible under the last government, owing to vexatious custom-house 
restrictions, which I am informed are still in force under the American 
rule. 

As we have no other means of transport, it is to be hoped our coast- 
ing vessels will be assisted rather than hostilized, and that they will 
be allowed to enter and leave the island ports freely and without 
formalities. 

After four centuries of existence we are almost cut off from inter- 
communication. Of our internal roads, it is best to say nothing ; no 
one dares journey by them. Even in traveling on foot one's ribs are 
not safe. There are towns where no mail is delivered for five or six 
days when the rivers rise, and neither the public works department nor 
private enterprise has thought of spanning the rivers by footbridges 
even. With a thousand obstacles and expenses we have to carry our 
produce to market and bring back our provisions the same way, add- 
ing to the expenses of freight those of "consumos," which keeps up 
the already excessive prices and causes general discontent. The want 



160 

of activity of the Porto Ricans forcibly condemned to inertia by 
want of means of travel is not to be wondered at. 

The peasant of Patillas would like to market his produce in Ponce 
and there make his purchase of provisions at lower prices, but cannot, 
as the cost of the journey would represent the earnings of months. 
The greater part of the people of this town have never seen Ponce, 
distant only 60 miles. 

There can be no greater obstacle to the progress of the country than 
this. 

Any sacrifice made now to inaugurate a good system of roads would 
soon meet with its recompense. 

Many were surprised and angered by the paralyzation of the con- 
struction of the railroad to the east of the island, one of the richest 
districts, owing to the fertility of the soil and the continuous rains. 
Six years ago no one would have said that the concessionary company 
would have neglected to tunnel the Pandura (mountain between Mau- 
nabo and Yabuco). No other administration would have tolerated 
such a want of good faith in its dealings with our progress-loving 
people. Unfortunately these aids to progress have been undertaken 
as timid experiments. This has been a serious evil, as no country 
unprovided with a. network of railroads can progress. 

The value of these is understood by Americans better than by any- 
others. In the hands of the Government the post-offices, telegraphs, 
and money-order service so necessary for the country can be installed 
and run as perfectly as in the United States. 

This would leave room for railroads and private telegraph companies, 
which would surely come, as the increase of the well-being of the 
country would offer hopes of large profits. 

In rich, happy countries people travel, and there is life and motion 
an every side. In poor countries only the cry of anguish and misery 
is heard, leading to despair and immorality. We must work therefore 
for the benefit of our country. 

This can be aided by the freedom of our commerce giving us access 
to all the world and cheapening our cost of living. 

Patillas, P. R. 



ROADS AND RAILROADS. 

[Hearing luefore the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 29, 1898. 

Dr. Carbonell, secretary of the interior. In preference to ordi- 
nary roads, railroads should be built, because from the time they are 
started they begin to pay, as they work the portion already started, 
whereas roads do not until completed. The road from here to Ponce 
costs $15,000 a year to keep in order. 

It would be far better for the State to invite foreign capital to come 
in to build railroads and guarantee interest on the money, as they 
would not have to pay so much money, and the most they would have 
to pay for interest would not be in excess of the amount required to 
keep ordinary roads in condition. 

Dr. Carroll. But that would leave many parts of the island with- 
out proper communication, would it not? 

Dr. Carbonell. They were making a railroad from Mayaguez to 
San Sebastian, but as it was started without sufficient capital behind 
it, it came to an end and they had to abandon the railroad. 



161 

Dr. Carroll. I should suppose that good cart roads would be nec- 
essary in order to give access to the railroads from towns in the inte- 
rior. I am told that the roads now in use, with a few possible exceptions, 
are almost impassable. 

Dr. Carbonell. I think the roads already begun should be finished, 
but I think it would be advisable to grant liberal concessions to rail- 
road companies with the view of having the island intersected by rail- 
roads as soon as possible. This would make communication much 
easier than it is. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it very costly to construct such roads as the mili- 
tary road from here to Ponce? 

Dr. Carbonell. It cost $14,000 a kilometer. There was an immense 
amount of robbery in connection with the building of that road. They 
used 400 prisoners, whom they paid 10 cents a day, and they put in 
bills for wages at 50 cents a day, the difference going into the pockets 
of the officials. In some places it cost $25,000 a kilometer, 5 kilome- 
ters being equal to 3 miles. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they have stone convenient for the construction 
of roads in the island? 

Dr. Carbonell. Everywhere throughout the island. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you the facilities for crushing the stone? 

Dr. Carbonell. In some places we have, in others we have not. 
In the greater part of the island it is crushed by hand. 

Dr. Carroll. Can not the cost be greatly reduced by having proper 
appliances for crushing stone? 

Dr. Carbonell. It is not possible to have machinery everywhere, 
and to cart it (the stone) from place to place would be very costly. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the length of the road? 

Dr. Carbonell. It is variously stated at 142, 143, and 144 kilometers. 

Dr. Carroll. I am told that in the interior of the island the roads 
are so bad that teams are destroyed, and that transportation, owing 
to the state of the roads, costs an immense amount — an amount, in 
fact, out of proportion to what the planters can pay. 

Dr. Carbonell. You have been correctly informed. In many 
places the oxen have been drowned in mud. The freight charges are 
far out of proportion to the value of the stuff transported. 

Dr. Carroll. Has your department any control over the railroads? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes, over the railroads and over electric lighting ; 
formerly the telegraph also; but that is now under the military author- 
ities. Also my department had charge of the stock (not the working) 
of the post-office. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the department fix the rates of tariff on the 
railroad? 

Dr. Carbonell. The railroad companies put in their propositions 
for freight and passenger tariffs, and they were accepted by the gov- 
ernment. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you heard any complaints as to the tariffs being 
too high? 

Dr. Carbonell. I have heard a good many complaints, and the rail- 
road company has violated its agreement. For instance, if you want 
to take a horse from here to Arecibo the rate is the same as a first- 
class passage for a person ; moreover, if you take one horse you have 
to pay the same as for five. Formerly the State used to grant conces- 
sions to private parties for building a certain road or certain bridge, 
and allowed them to collect so much for foot passengers and so much 
for vehicles. 

1125 11 



162 

Dr. Carroll. Could the prisoners be used by the government in 
the making of roads? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes; they have to give prisoners 10 cents a day 
when making roads, besides supporting them. 

Dr. Carroll. That is cheap labor, is it not? 

Dr. Carbonell. The Spanish officers who had charge of them 
always took from the prisoners one-half, and when they went out they 
hardly had anything. I do not understand why the United States 
authorities have not removed the employee who is at the head of the 
present department, as he is the very worst man they could have for 
the purpose. 

Dr. Carroll. The military government having been established 
only about a week, it can not correct all the evils at once. 



CART RATES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October SI, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. Would not the agriculturists be greatly helped if 
they had a quicker and better transit for their products to the ports 
of shipment? 

Dr. Santiago Veve, of Fajardo. The chief complaint against the 
Spaniards has been that they did not furnish facilities of that kind, 
and some farms are so located that it is impossible to ship products 
from them to the seaport towns. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the rates charged by the railroads excessive? 

Dr. Veve. The railroads in existence in the island are of very 
little importance. They consist of small sections, which are not con- 
nected. They charge practically any rate they like and their rate is 
established without regard to equity, but even then it is cheaper than 
the old cart roads. 

Dr. Carroll. Why are the cart rates high, when labor is cheap and 
the cost of cattle is not great, I presume, nor the carts themselves? 

Dr. Veve. A cart from here to my city, which leaves to-night, for 
instance, at midnight and arrives to-morrow morning at daylight, can 
not be rented for less than from $20 to $25. The reason for this is 
the condition of the roads, which wear the oxen out. They are really 
not roads. You go over them and get stuck in the mud up to the 
middle of the wheels. In order to come here to attend the congress 
yesterday I had to pass over a river on a raft. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the establishment of the trolley or 
electric system would be a good thing for the producer? 

Dr. Veve. Yes; it would be of immense value. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not a fact that producers lose the best of the 
market by the delay incident to the difficulty in getting their goods 
to the shipping points? 

Dr. Veve. In reference to the sugar producers, they do not suffer 
on this account, because they can get their crops to the seashore in 
ample time with the facilities in the way of roads which they have 
here. There are only a few firms here who buy sugar, and these firms 
do not limit the purchasers in point of time in getting their sugar 
to the seaport. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the military road between the capital and San 
Juan the only good road in the island? 



163 

Dr. Veve. In addition to that road there are other small pieces 
which have been begun, but not completed, and are now more or less 
in a state of dilapidation. For instance, from here to Fajardo the 
road is not finished, and from Arroyo to Guayama the road has been 
years in building, and is not yet finished. From Guayama to Cayey 
the road is finished, and is fairly good. From Mayaguez to Cabo Rojo 
and from Mayaguez to Aiiasco the roads are fairly good. The rest of 
the roads in the island are atrocious; they are not graded and are 
really unworthy of the name of roads. 

Dr. Carroll. Should the railroad system be extended so as to 
encircle the western half of the island to Aguadilla, Mayaguez, and 
Ponce? 

Dr. Veve. That was the original plan of the railroad, and its com- 
pletion to those points is very necessary. The French company began, 
but failed in a short while. Referring again to the other roads which 
I have described as atrocious, it is sometimes necessary to pull a coach 
which is passing over the road out of the mud with oxen. 

Dr. Carroll. If the railroad system were finished and reasonable 
charges were made, would it not result in an increased use of the 
railroad, so that the revenues would be increased and the road be a 
paying investment? 

Dr. Veve. I think it would. There are families living here in the 
island, some of whose close relatives live within a few miles of them, 
who, because of the almost impassable condition of the roads, have 
not visited each other and have not seen each other for four or five 
years ; and I believe that if the railroad was opened up many of these 
people would patronize it and greatly increase the receipts of the 
company. 

Dr. Carroll. What does the railroad company charge per mile? 

Dr. Veve. I do not know. It is 50 cents a round trip to Rio Piedras 
from the capital, which is a distance of about 11 miles, and I suppose 
the rate between other points is in proportion. 

Dr. Carroll. I have heard that the freight charged on a chicken 
from Arecibo to the capital is $1. 

Dr. Veve. That is an exaggeration. It is my impression, however, 
that the rate between here and Arecibo is greater than the rate 
between the capital and some other points, the rate seemingly being 
based on the amount of business which the company handles between 
the capital and connecting points. 



THE NEED OF RAILROADS. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 31, 1899. 

Ricardo Nadal, of Mayaguez: 

They have begun a railroad from Anasco to Lares, affording com- 
munication from the center of this coffee district to the seaport in 
Mayaguez, which enterprise, owing to the abnormal condition brought 
about by the war and consequent retrenchment of all mercantile 
transactions,- has been suspended, the shareholders waiting and hoping 
for some American company to come and take hold and carry out this 
line and plan. The island is also greatly in need of some crossroads 
running through from east to west, which together with the French Belt 



164 

Line of railroad, that is to run around the coast of the island, would 
furnish sufficient transportation from the interior to every available 
seaport. That French line, although its time of completion has been 
extended three different times by the Spanish Government, has not as 
yet complied with the requirements of the grant, affording good ground 
for the question as to whether or not the American Government now 
has a right to take such part of the line as is already built away from 
the company according to the articles of agreement under which the 
-concession to the railroad company was made. 



COST OF INLAND TRANSPORTATION. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arecibo, P. R., January 14, 1899. 

Mr. Bernardo Huicy. The question of roads is a most important 
one, as there are estates in the center of the island which have to pay 
as high as 75 or 80 cents a hundredweight over a distance of 20 miles. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that to the railroads or by the railroads? 

Mr. HuiCY. To the railroads. 



VIEWS OF AN ENGINEER. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., January 10, 1899. 
Mr. Tuilo Larrinaga, an American civil engineer: 

Mr. Larrinaga. I am a native of Porto Rico, and studied in the 
United States. 

Dr. Carroll. When were you educated in the United States? 

Mr. Larrinaga. From 1865 to 1870. Since then I have been here. 
I was in the United States a few days in 1894. 

Dr. Carroll. What engineering works have you been engaged in 
here? 

Mr. Larrinaga. I built the first railroad of the island. 

Dr. Carroll. When was that? 

Mr. Larrinaga. In 1880. I was employed in its construction some- 
what against the wishes of the then Governor-General, who ques- 
tioned the propriety of having a Yankee come here to build a railroad. 
He seemed to regard it as a reflection on the ability of Spanish engi- 
neers. 

Dr. Carroll. Was that first road the one which connects San 
Juan and Rio Piedras? 

Mr. Larrinaga. Yes. The longer road from San Juan to Camuy 
was built later. 

Dr. Carroll. I notice that on the maps a distinction is indicated 
between certain parts as completed and in working order and of cer- 
tain other parts as under construction ; for instance, from Camuy to 
Aguadilla. 

Mr. Larrinaga. No; that has only been surveyed and studied. 
Plans and specifications and estimates are complete. From Agua- 
dilla to Mayaguez and Hormiguerros the road is built and in working 
order. From Mayaguez to San German all the grading is done and 



165 

the superstructure is ready to be placed, such as ties, rails, and 
bridges. I was to put up the bridges. I have put up all the bridges 
of that line for a French company. I also built all the bridges from 
San Juan to Ponce. From San German to Yauco all the plans and 
estimates are made. From Yauco to Ponce it is built and in working 
order. There is a little of the east line running to Carolina, 11 
kilometers. 

Dr. Carroll. There is a line shown on the maps all around the 
island, from Ponce eastward through Guayama. 

Mr. Larrinaga. That was given in the concession, but nothing 
was ever done except to survey it. There was some little grading 
done near Fajardo. I should add that there is a short road from 
Anasco to the heights. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose you will meet many difficulties in running 
branches into the interior from the belt road? 

Mr. Larrinaga. It is not difficult to build roads to the interior 
along the rivers. We have plenty of rivers affording good passages 
through to the interior. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't those rivers become dry? 

Mr. Larrinaga. No; except on the south coalst, the difference being 
due to the fact that our mountain range runs closer to the south side of 
the island than to the north, so that the territory where rain falls is 
smaller on the south side, and dry weather there is more frequent. The 
great watershed is on the northern side, and you can see brooks on 
that side which do not carry a pint a second and yet never run dry; 
whereas on the other side you see streams that abound with water in 
the rainy season which disappear in the dry season. Moreover, the 
land on the northern side is more porous and water filters through to 
the substrata more than it does on the southern side, where the soil is 
sandy. 

Dr. Carroll. I am told that the rivers on the east coast dry up 
sometimes. 

Mr. Larrinaga. Yes, some of them; but not so much as in Ponce 
and Guayama. From ISTaguabo coming north you do not find it so. 

Dr. Carroll. Mr. Argueso, of Humacao, said that they wanted 
to build a trolley line from Humacao to their port, and that there 
was water power enough to run their dynamo; but there was a gen- 
tleman here this morning who stated that the streams in that section 
dry up now and then. 

Mr. Larrinaga. Small brooks may, but not the larger streams. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think it would be cheaper to have trolley 
roads and have cars run by electricity rather than by steam? 

Mr. Larrinaga. Yes; there can be no question about it. 

Dr. Carroll. You would not, in that case, need as solid a road- 
bed. 

Mr. Larrinaga. That is true, because it would avoid the use of a 
locomotive, which is always the trip hammer that destroys the road- 
bed. Heavier trains and locomotives than those you see here in use 
would require a much more solid roadbed than we have now. 

Dr. CArroll. If you could have a more solid roadbed, and perhaps 
change your gauge and have more powerful engines, you could make 
railroading pay. You could then reduce freight and passenger rates, 
and passengers then could make quicker trips. 

Mr. Larrinaga. Yes; there would be a gain in time, and with a 
broader gauge more freight could be carried, so that the rates could 
be brought down; but my experience in railroading has taught me 



166 

that such a step should not be taken unless there is an excess of 
traffic over the capacity of the road. 

Dr. Carroll. It has seemed to me that if you had branch roads 
from this belt line into the interior, so as to facilitate traffic between 
the interior and the coast, and charged lower rates, the people would 
patronize the road and make it pay. 

Mr. Larrinaga. When such feeders shall have brought the excess 
of traffic to justify the use of heavier trains, then would be the time 
to study that matter. 

Dr. Carroll. One difficulty has been the cost of getting the loco- 
motives, the coaches, and the steel rails here. Now, you are going to 
have lower duties so that it will not cost so much to import these 
things. Besides, you will have ad valorem duties, which will make a 
large margin of difference. Tour locomotives are of an old pattern, 
are they not? 

Mr. Larrinaga. Those which run along the north coast are of French 
manufacture and are old-fashioned, but those in use on the tramway 
to Rio Piedras are of the best Baldwin make from the United States. 
These Baldwin locomotives have been working well, even with poor 
repairing. The company sent to England for a No. 4 engine. It was 
a 14-ton engine, but they have never been able to get the work out of 
it that they have been getting out of a 10-ton engine of Baldwin make. 
She was too stiff about her back — too much of an Englishman. The 
French engines can not make 10 kilometers an hour, as I was able to do 
with the Baldwin engines. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that the trolley is the thing to intro- 
duce here for short lines, to connect the towns of the interior with the 
belt line. 

Mr. Larrinaga. Yes; and that would enable the people of the 
interior to send their fruits out to the coast towns. At present they 
can not send bananas or oranges, which they have in great abun- 
dance. They can only cultivate coffee and tobacco. 

Dr. Carroll. Referring again to the introduction of electric motors 
here for passenger and freight cars, would it be your idea to have the 
overhead wire? 

Mr. Larrinaga. Yes; it is the cheapest. The only objection to it 
is the danger of its causing accident in thickly populated districts. 

Dr. Carroll. Would you think it wise to make use of the military 
road to Ponce for a trolley line? 

Mr. Larrinaga. It is not wide enough. 

Dr. Carroll. Do ,you know whether any concessions have been 
granted for the construction of trolleys here? 

Mr. Larrinaga. None of any kind whatever have been granted. I 
was named as under-secretary of public works when the first auto- 
nomic government was established here and have been in close touch 
with the work of that department. The law requires that before any 
power other than animal power can be used for transportation pur- 
poses, application must be made to the insular government, and such 
applications all come to the department with which I was connected, 
and I can state positively that no concessions have been granted. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many engineers in the island now? 

Mr. Larrinaga. About a dozen or so. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems evident that the first great need of Porto 
Rico to-day is a system of good roads. The question is, Should the 
insular government bear the expense of them alone? Responsibility 



167 

for the construction and maintenance of good roads might be divided 
between the various divisions of the island. 

Mr. Larrinaga. There was a governor-general here several years 
ago who* gave the entire island roads and then left the care of them 
to the municipalities. In three years from that time the roads were 
in a state of ruin and were never repaired. But good roads must be 
built; nothing is more urgently needed, and nothing would influence 
more materially the social and moral development of the people than 
good means of transportation. 



COST OF ROADS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 18, 1899. 

Mr. Lucas Amadeo. Roads of broken and rolled stone are calcu- 
lated to have cost from 18,000 to 20,000 pesos a kilometer under the 
former administration. 

Dr. Carroll. But I understand that much of that went into wrong 
channels. 

Mr. Amadeo. I understand that to-day such roads can be made at 
from 12,000 to 14,000 pesos a kilometer. I think, in contradistinction 
to what many others think, that roads are more important to the 
country than railroads. This is a country of small distances only. 
The roads would allow the development of industries which to a large 
extent would not give support to railroads. That does not prevent 
anybody from building railroads across the island or anywhere he 
wants to. I would favor anybody who wished to come here with capital 
to build railroads, but I think plain roads are most needed. 

Dr. Carroll. But are there not cases where the tramway, which 
can be run with exceeding cheapness, could be run with great advan- 
tage, as between Utuado and Yauco, or Utuado and Ponce, or Utuado 
and Arecibo ? 

Mr. Amadeo. Yes; but not to the exclusion of ordinary roads. A 
most ridiculous proposition has been advanced to exclude ordinary 
roads altogether. 



COST OF LIGHTERAGE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arroyo, P. R., February 3, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Is this a port of entry? 

A Gentleman present. Yes ; and we expect to remain such because 
it is a center of this district; and if this port of entry were suppressed, 
we would have to go to Ponce. 

Dr. Carroll. You could have it kept open if you guarantee that 
the expenses of the port shall be paid? 

A Gentleman present. At present we have only two or three 
employees. The expenses of the port are only about $310 a month, 
and that is nothing as compared with the business that is done. We 
collected from $40,000 to $50,000 a year here. 

Dr. Carroll. Then there is no question about it. Have you con- 
sidered a project for getting a pier built here? 



168 

A Gentleman present. It would cost a great deal to construct one, 
because the sea is quite rough sometimes, hut I think a strong pier of 
iron would pay. 

Dr. Carroll. It must cost you a great deal to load and unload 
cargoes. 

A Gentleman present. "We bring the cargoes on lighters, and we 
run out two poles. The system is very primitive; it costs $1.85 to dis- 
charge 1,000 feet of lumber. 

Dr. Carroll. I was told it would cost 15 for a thousand feet in 
Humacao. 

Mr. Verges, of Arroyo. As regards the questions you have been 
speaking of, I agree with the gentleman who has spoken. 



NEED OF MORE PORTS OF ENTRY. 

San Juan, P. R. , January 10, 1899. 

Mr. Gustavo Preston, of Humacao, called at the office of the spe- 
cial commissioner and made a statement respecting ports of entry in 
the island. He said that although large quantities of muscovados 
are shipped from Maunabo and Yabucoa, two towns on the south- 
eastern coast, neither of these places has a port of entry, but vessels 
with cargoes from or to these places are obliged to go to Arroyo to 
report for landing of cargoes or for clearance papers. Planters and 
merchants importing staves for hogsheads are obliged to have them 
landed at Arroyo and reshipped by coastwise vessels, or carted from 
Arroyo to the place of final destination, thus very greatly increasing 
the cost of importation. There used to be a rule by which vessels 
which reported at Arroyo and landed cargo could go on to Maunabo 
or Yabucoa and lie there, take on cargo, and clear without returning 
to Arroj^o, by paying the fee which would be charged if they did go 
there. 

On the southwest coast there is a similar inconvenient arrangement 
at Cabo Rojo, which is the shipping point for the salt mines of that 
place. Vessels are obliged to proceed to Mayaguez to report and get 
clearance papers, thus increasing the cost of shipment. 

The district of Naguabo is subject to the same riile as Yabucoa. 



FREIGHT RATES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 17, 1899. 

Mr. Casalduc. In good times we pay $1 a quintal freight from here 
to Ponce. When the roads are bad, as they are now, we pay $1.25. 
That is the ruin of agriculture. It costs more to transport coffee from 
here to Ponce than from Ponce to Europe. The road from Arecibo 
here is the best in the whole district. 

Dr. Carroll. How can anything be worse than the road from 
Arecibo to Gobo? I can not imagine it possible. 

Mr. Casalduc. That is a fine turnpike road in comparison. You 
should not go from here to Lares without first making your will. From 
here to Ponce it is 30 kilometers, and it requires from twelve to four- 
teen hours to go there. 



169 



COST OF BAD ROADS. 

[Hearing before the United. States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R. , January 18, 1899. 

Mr. J. A. M. Martinez, of Lares. We need good roads — cart roads 
and railroads. We have to pay $1.25 freight from the port to our 
city. Our ports are Arecibo, Aguadilla, and Mayaguez. 

Dr. Carroll. Are those ports equally distant? 

Mr. Martinez. They are 6, 7, and 9 leagues. Such rates cut down 
the profits considerably. 

Dr. Carroll. Are roads as bad between those places as between 
Utuado and Lares? 

Mr. Martinez. Worse still. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that your system of roads, as I have 
seen them, is the most costly in the world, because they are so destruc- 
tive to wagons and to teams, and it costs so much to get your goods 
transported over them that they are really far more expensive than 
good macadam roads. 

Mr. Martinez. With what has been collected for the making of 
roads in the four hundred years of Spanish domination we could have 
all our roads paved with silver. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost to make a mile of good road that 
will withstand the rain? 

Mr. Martinez.. Here they estimate, but they do not spend. They 
make an estimate of $20,000, but most of it goes into private pockets. 

Dr. Carroll. That was under the old regime, but I want to get at 
the cost of the making of roads under the new regime. What would 
it cost to put a road in good working order with cracked stone? 

Mr. Martinez. I can not inform you as to that. The man who had 
the contract for road making could tell you about it. His name is 
Jose Roig. He lives in Santurce and is now visiting in Utuado. The 
railroad from Anasco to Lares ought to be finished. They have a 
large amount of money lying dormant in shares, which is not producing 
any returns. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that road built by a foreign company? 

Mr. Martinez. -Yes; by a French company. If the road does not 
pass into the hands of the new government, it will never be finished. 

Mr. Vivo. Half a million dollars was spent oh it, and when they 
reached that point and found it would cost a million, they were unable 
to go on. Nearly 12 miles were finished. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it in operation? 

Mr. Martinez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the entire length? 

Mr. Martinez. Thirty miles. 



VIEWS OF AN EXPERT ON ROADS. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 18, 1899. 
Jose Roig, of Santurce, P. R. : 

Dr. Carroll. I desire to ask you as to the best kinds of roads in 
these mountain districts to withstand sudden and heavy rains and 
what they would probably cost. 



170 

Mr. RoiG. The best sort of roads for these districts are what they 
call " vicinage roads," the width of which should not exceed 4 meters, 
or about 12 feet. These roads at intervals of 2^ or 3 kilometers have 
a widening which enables carts to pass going in opposite directions. 
Added to the width of these roads there is an additional 7 feet used 
for ditching to carry off the water when it falls in abundance, and 
this part of the road is not packed down, but is left soft. It really is 
a sort of sidewalk. At intervals of a kilometer or a kilometer and a 
half there is a sectional ditch to carry off water, to prevent it from 
collecting and injuring the road. These roads over the mountainous 
parts of the country, where there are ups and downs and irregularities, 
should cost, with all the additional construction which I have just 
mentioned, from $2,000 to $2,500 a kilometer. 

Dr. Carroll. Would you use cracked stone? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes; the middle part of the road of broken stone, beaten 
down, but the 7 additional feet at the side are not macadamized. 

Dr.. Carroll. What would it cost to have the road sufficiently 
wide all the way through for wagons to pass each other at any point? 

Mr. RoiG. The differences in building roads of that kind are con- 
siderable. They call them roads of the third class, and they cost 
about $11,000 a kilometer. 

Dr. Carroll. That is in the mountains. 

Mr. RoiG. No ; we don't have really level roads. We take an aver- 
age, and estimate on that basis. 

Dr. Carroll. Would you have a road wide in the valleys and 
wherever it is convenient? 

Mr. RoiG. A road on the level lands wide enough to allow two carts 
to pass would cost only about $2,000 — less than a single track would 
cost in the mountains. 

Dr. Carroll. Where there is much travel would you have wide 
roads on the plains? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have not many of these roads already been cut, 
requiring now only the roadbed? 

Mr. RoiG. The whole question of cost depends on the depth of 
stone you want in the roadbed and whether you break the stone by 
hand or by machine. 

Dr. Carroll. Of course the cost would be greatly reduced by ma- 
chinery? 

Mr. RoiG. In the interior such a machine has not been known. 
The state has them and uses them elsewhere. 

Dr. Carroll. How do they make the road firm? Do they have 
rollers to press down the stone? 

Mr. RoiG. They have a big iron roller drawn by oxen. They first 
make the excavation to the depth they require the stone to be laid, 
then put the stone in and either beat it down with hand implements 
or with the roller I have mentioned. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose a steam crusher would greatly reduce the 
cost also. 

Mr. RoiG. Doubtless it would, because one of the machines can 
break up from 50 to 60 cubic meters a day, and a man can not break 
a cubic meter a day. 

Dr. Carroll. We pay about 90 cents a ton for cracked stone in 
the United States; that is, including cartage. That would insure 
cheap road making here. 



171 

Mr. RoiG. There is no road in this country of any use unless it has 
a stone top, because after a rain a cart opens a ditch in the road, 
water collects there, and the road is injured. 

Dr. Carroll. It is an axiom now that money put in roads made of 
gravel is money thrown away. 

Mr. RoiG. I have held that opinion for a long time. 

Dr. Carroll. It is better to make 100 feet of good road in a year 
than a mile of gravel road. 



DECADENCE DUE TO BAD ROADS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] ■ 

Aguadilla, P. R., January SI, 1899. 

Mr. Torregrosa. This city used to be one of great commercial 
importance, owing to the fact of its being the port of outlet for sev- 
eral interior towns which produce coffee. To-day it is a city of 
complete decadence. One of the chief reasons for this decadence is 
the complete abandonment of the roads. From here to Lares is a 
journey of six hours, and yet there are times when carts laden with 
freight require seven, eight, and ten days to make the journey. 

Dr. Carroll. That is when the weather is very wet and the roads 
very muddy. 

Mr. Torregrosa. Yes; in the rainy season, which lasts from seven 
to eight months. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the road from Aguadilla to Lares worse consid- 
erably than the road from Aguadilla to Camuy? 

Mr. Torregrosa. There is no comparison between them — very 
much worse. There are mud holes where oxen have fallen in and 
perished. 

Dr. Carroll. That has always been so, has it not? 

Mr. Torregrosa. Twenty years ago that was not the case. Roads 
were kept in good order, but since that time the Government has 
abandoned them completely and paid no attention to repeated appeals 
to have them repaired. Half the distance from Moca to Lares it is 
an infernal road. It is not more than six hours, but there have been 
instances of carts taking as long as fifteen days in making the jour- 
ney. There have also been occasions when a hundredweight of 
freight has paid 15, or four times that from Aguadilla to Liverpool. 
The opposite has taken place in Arecibo. Arecibo, a few years ago, 
was of no importance ; but as the people of Lares have not been able 
to communicate freely with Aguadilla, they have opened a road to 
Arecibo and send their goods that way. 

Dr. Carroll. If they could open a road to Arecibo why could they 
not improve the road to Aguadilla? 

Mr. Torregrosa. The limits of Lares lie half way between here and 
Arecibo, and the people living in those districts were able to get to 
Arecibo better and it cost less to make the road. 

Dr. Carroll. What about the road from Lares to Camuy? 

Mr. Torregrosa. Bad; but the other is worse. 

Dr. Carroll. The town of Camuy itself is bad? 

Mr. Torregrosa. Very bad. Camuy and Hatillo should be joined 
to make one municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. How far is it from Rincon to Mayaguez? 

Mr. Torregrosa. It is about an hour's journey by railroad. 



172 

Mr. Caeroll. Why has the commercial importance of Aguadilla 
been deteriorating since the roads have been getting bad? 

Mr. Torregrosa. All these small towns around the coast are poor. 
The only two towns of importance that used to feed Aguadilla were 
San Sebastian and Lares. Since they have gone to Arecibo; Arecibo 
has gone ahead and Aguadilla has dropped behind. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the harbor of Aguadilla a good one? 

Mr. Torregrosa. One of the best in the island. Ships can remain 
here in all weather, they have such good anchorage. There is no 
trouble getting in and out. They do not even need a pilot. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the government discriminated against Agua- 
dilla in any wa}~? 

Mr. Torregrosa. As this town and the interior towns of Lares and 
San Sebastian were almost entirely in the hands of Porto Ricans, 
the Spanish Government would never do anything for the benefit of 
them. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much shipping here now? 

Mr. Torregrosa. No, but there used to be. The traffic between 
this port and Europe and the United States used to be very impor- 
tant. Insurance companies that would not allow their vessels to stop 
at Arecibo never made any objection to their calling here. 

Dr. Carroll. What measures are necessary to reinstate the pros- 
perity of Aguadilla? 

Mr. Torregrosa. The very first is the roads. If you will open 
them the rest will come. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the municipality do all that it can for its own 
roads and streets? 

Secretary of the Council. This municipality can hardly cover 
its expenses. It assigns a small amount yearly to attend the vicinage 
roads, but the amount is so small it has very little effect. The munici- 
pality labors under too many restrictions. Everything has to be sent 
to the * government center for approval. The municipality can do 
nothing of its own accord. 

Dr. Carroll. Are your propositions generally approved in San 
Juan? 

Secretary of the Council. Since the American Government has 
been in power we have not sent srny, but now the time of making our 
budget is approaching and we will have to send various propositions. 

Mr. F. Estebes. I am a sugar planter and wish to say that what 
the sugar planters want is good roads and agricultural banks to 
advance them money with which to carry on their work. Agriculture 
is the source of wealth of the country. The real wealth of the coun- 
try lies in the interior. The land around the coast has been worked 
out, and what we want is better facilities for bringing our produce 
from the interior to the coast towns. The interior possesses a large 
extent of fertile virgin lands. 

Dr. Carroll. How far from Aguadilla is your plantation? 

Mr. Estebes. I have one estate near the railroad station and another 
near Moca, but this road that I speak of should go through the towns 
of Moca, San Sebastian, and Lares. The great part of the produce 
of the island is lost through not finding an outlet. It costs four or 
five times as much to bring it down to the coast as to transport it from 
the coast to the United States or Europe. Besides the staples, sugar, 
coffee, and tobacco, we could ship pineapples, oranges, and. other 
things, if we had better facilities of communication with the interior. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any water power on this route which could 



173 

be used to run dynamos, so that you could have trolley roads into the 
interior? 

Mr. Estebes. There are rivers of great volume of water which 
could be used for that purpose, and also plenty of material in the way 
of stone and lumber which could be used. As Aguaclilla is a natural 
port for all those towns in the interior which I have named, the con- 
struction of a pier here is very necessaiy to accommodate shipping. 
Owing to the advancement made in scientific building of these struc- 
tures, it could be built very easily. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you recommend that it be done by the state or by 
private enterprise? 

Mr. Estebes. I think it would be a very good business enterprise 
for any private company to undertake. The municipality would do 
it if it could. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the present method of transporting freight 
from the shore to the ship and vice versa? 

Mr. Estebes. We are about two hundred years behind the times in 
that respect. They bring the lighters up to the beach, turn them 
over so that the inside is perpendicular to the earth, and then they 
roll the hogsheads in, let the lighter fall back again into its normal 
position, and then push it out to the ships. Each hogshead pays one- 
half dollar. Bags of flour weighing 200 pounds pay 8 cents a bag. 

Dr. Carroll. You have no pier, then, at which the vessel can lie? 

Mr. Estebes. No. 

Dr. Carroll. If the pier were built, could a vessel lie here at the 
pier in all kinds of weather? 

Mr. Estebes. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the prosperity of this city can be 
revived? 

Mr. Robert Schnabel. Yes; if the roads are improved. It used 
to take only four hours from here to Lares, and now it requires two 
days. Sometimes it costs a dollar and a half to bring a quintal of 
coffee from Lares to this city. In good times it can be brought for 75 
cents. In rainy times the peons are better for the bad roads, but 
only certain classes of articles can be taken up by them. 



NEED OF RAILROAD FACILITIES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner. ] 

Cabo Rojo, P. R., January 27, 1899. 
Mr. Pagan. The natural course of the railroad is from Mayaguez 
to the bridge on the road you passed over joining the branch that 
leaves Yauco. It is a flat land and naturally adapted for the con- 
struction of a railroad. The construction of this road, or the altera- 
tion of the old plan, would be an immense benefit to this town district 
and to the surrounding districts. This road would receive freight 
from all of the largest and most productive estates of Cabo Rojo. It 
would also receive all the wealth of production of the neighboring 
municipality of Lajas; also that of Cuanica; it would also take a lot 
of freight from the salt mines, one of which is at a short distance from 
here and another down on the southern corner of the island. One of 
these mines is only about half a mile from where the line would pass. 
This freight we speak of would not take away the freight of the port, 
because it would be for internal consumption. The railroad would 



174 

get 50,000 quintals of freight per annum from the salt transportation. 
A great quantity of tobacco also is produced all along the line. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you made representations to the railroad com- 
pany? 

Mr. Pagan. No. A great quantity of corn also is raised along the 
line; also a large number of cattle — and very fine cattle, too — cocoa- 
nuts, firewood, cacao, lime in abundance, and bricks made of the best 
clay known in Porto Rico. 



ROAD EXPERTS REQUIRED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arroyo, P. R., February S, 1899. 

A gentleman of Maunabo and others : 

Mr. : I would like to say a word about the roads and about 

the new tax laws. I think the money to be spent on the roads should 
be under the control of the government, and the work undertaken 
by contract and not left in the hands of the municipalities. For 
instance, this town has $10,000, we will suppose. The people here are 
not able to study roads and. are unable to make the best application 
of the money. In the mountains it is still more difficult. If the gov- 
ernment is going to spend half a million dollars, that sum is too 
important to be left in the hands of incompetent persons. Engineers 
should do the work in order that the money may be well spent. The 
money will certainly be squandered if placed in the hands of the 
municipalities. We have asked for $5,000. Perhaps it is too small 
for our needs, but the engineer would know what is required, and I 
think we should have the services of one. 

Mr. . I think in every town there should be a road commission. 

In Maunabo there is nobody who knows anything about roads, and 
my experience is that money spent by the municipalities of the island 
on roads has been ignorantly spent. Sometimes the Spanish Govern- 
ment would give a town a couple of thousand dollars, and I have 
known cases where that amount disappeared entirety, and not a cent 
of it was even spent on roads. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there anything to be said about the roads of Arroyo? 
. A Gentleman present. They are infernal. The road from here 
to Patillo should be built, also the vicinage road, and a road from 
here to San Lorenzo, which is now in project. 



RAILROAD AND CART FREIGHTS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yauco, March 6, 1899. 

A Gentleman. In Mayaguez there is a soap factory which makes 
very good soap, but as they have so small a market they can not go 
into it on a large scale, besides which the margin of profit is not large, 
but the quality of the soap is good, as I can show you. 

Mr. Vivaldi. I am a merchant, and have never seen any of this 
soap. 

Dr. Carroll. This incident brings out very strongly and very 
clearly the great defect in this island, and that is in transportation. 



175 

If you had easy, quick, and cheap transportation and they produced 
good soap in Mayaguez you would know it here in Yauco. 

A Gentleman. A load from Mayaguez to Yauco costs 7 pesos now 
that the road is dry; in the wet season it costs 15 pesos. 

Dr. Carroll. That is an embargo on commerce between municipal 
districts. 

The Druggist. Before there was a railroad between here and Ponce 
I have paid 18 pesos for one ox load brought here from there. 

Dr. Carroll. How do the rates compare with railroad rates? 

Mr. Vivaldi. In normal times, when the roads are dry, there are 
still people who prefer to bring their goods by cart, because they are 
brought direct from the playa, while by the railroad they have to 
cart them from the playa to the railroad station and then load them 
on the cars. 

The Druggist. I think on the average, in the rainy season, the 
freight is about 50 per cent less by railroad. 

Dr. Carroll. How much would you pay now, during the rainy 
season, on the railroad for the same load? 

The Druggist. From 2 to 3 pesos. 

Dr. Carroll. The railroad charges no more in bad weather than 
in good? 

A Gentleman. Besides, we can always have transportation. 

Dr. Carroll. How much does it cost to send a hogshead of sugar 
or a thousand pounds of coffee to Ponce by railroad? 

A Gentleman. Two-thirds of a cent per quintal per kilometer. 

Dr. Carroll. How many kilometers are there between here and 
Ponce? 

Mr. Cianchini. Thirty-five. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost from here to Ponce for 2, 500 pounds 
by cart? 

Mr. Cianchini. Four pesos. 

Mr. Vivaldi. The average freight on merchandise from the ware- 
house here to the warehouse in the playa at Ponce is 15 cents per 
quintal by cart; and the railroad freight and the car freight to Ponce 
are more or less alike — sometimes a little in favor of the cart freight. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost from the railroad in Ponce to the 
playa by cart? 

Mr. Vivaldi. One dollar, and it costs 50 cents from the warehouse 
here to the station. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you consider the railroad freight rates too high? 

Mr. Vivaldi. The general opinion here is that they are too high and 
could be lowered. 

Note. — The commissioner made the following calculation on the 
transportation of 2,500 pounds from the warehouse in Yauco to the 
warehouse in the playa at Ponce on the basis of two-thirds cent per 
quintal (100 pounds) for 1 kilometer of distance : 

Per quintal for 35 kilometers.. ---- $0.23J 

Railroad charges . ___ 5.75 

Cartage in Yauco .50 

Cartage in Ponce to playa 1.00 

Total for 2,500 pounds - 7.25 

Several gentlemen present at the hearing examined the foregoing 
figures and acquiesced in the result as a fair estimate for the trans- 
portation of the amount stated. 

Mr. RoiG. You must take into account that the railroad freight is 



176 

collected under different tariffs. The rate you have taken is that for 
carload lots. 

Dr. Carroll. It would be higher, then, for other freights? 

Mr. RoiG. Yes; very much higher. Yauco is One of the most 
important cities of the island, and its traffic is one of the most exten- 
sive. It contains a population of 27,000 persons, with an area of 
50,000 cuerdas, paying taxes, divided into 24 barrios, each one 
important in itself. There are 40 coffee estates of the first class and 
as many of the second class, a great many small coffee estates, and 10 
sugar plantations. One of the grades of coffee most acceptable in 
Europe is Yauco coffee. Our surrounding districts also send their 
products to Yauco. Yauco exports 2,000,000 pesos' worth of coffee, 
and imports three-fourths of that amount of merchandise. Its natural 
port is Guanica. We require two hours to go to Ponce, over 35 kilo- 
meters, while we can reach Guanica in twenty minutes, over 5 kilo- 
meters. One great disadvantage of this is that we have to purchase 
our provisions from Ponce. Ponce controls the only communication 
between Yauco and the rest of the world, and the merchants there put 
their own terms on us. When our merchants have tried to import 
directly through Ponce, they have been badly treated. The Ponce 
people tried to have fines imposed on them, and put other hindrances 
in the way of direct importation. This town has sufficient vitality to 
exist by itself, and could do so easily if the port of Guanica was opened. 
It is a painful thing to us that, rich as this district is, we find ourselves 
tributary to another district, and we appeal to you, as the representa- 
tive of the Government which can bring about this change, to bring 
it about. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the character of the harbor of Guanica? 

Mr. Roig. It is the best one in the island. 

Note. — A few weeks later Guanica was opened as a port of entry on 
the commissioner's recommendation. 



RESULT OF WRETCHED ROADS. 
STATEMENT OF ME. P. SANTISTEBAN Y CHARIVARI, SPANISH MERCHANT. 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1898. 
Countries which have the good fortune to possess honest and intel- 
ligent municipal administration usually have good roads — thanks to 
which they are also, as a rule, in possession of a flourishing commerce 
and agriculture. Their freight rates for agricultural products to the 
ports of exportation and for merchandise to the centers of consump- 
tion are nearly always low. This, however, is not the case in this 
island, there being important producing centers here where coffee, 
tobacco, and other crops are grown which have to pay from 2 to 4 
pesos a hundredweight for freight charges to get their products to the 
port of shipment. This is owing to the wretched roads which have 
to be crossed, sometimes so bad that ox teams and drivers have been 
known to lose their lives. Postal communication with these parts is 
in no better shape. 



177 

STATE ROADS. 

STATEMENT OF A. HARTMANN & CO. 

Aeroyo, P. R. , November 7, 1898. 
We think the Spanish system of highways (carreteras) being made 
and sustained by the state a very good idea. In proof of it there are 
good carreteras existing in the island. If the towns have to look 
after the roads, they would have more roads to attend to than their 
municipal finances could stand, and the result would he, in course of 
years, no roads. Without roads the island can not be developed in 
all its riches ; though we expect American enterprise will give us rail- 
roads, there are many parts of the island where they can not be built, 
nor would it pay to do so. 



DIFFICULTIES OF TRAVEL. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR EUSTOQUIO TORRES. 

Guayanilla, P. R., November 7, 1898. 

Apart from the Central road from San Juan to Ponce, that from 
this town to Adjuntas, and a few others, the rest do not merit the 
name of roads. During the rainy season travel from one town to 
another is almost impossible, not only owing to the bad condition of 
the roads, but also because of the absence of bridges, which is more 
noticeable when the rivers are swollen. But in the roads called 
"rural," which join one barrio (district) with another, this is still 
more apparent. This, as is natural, makes the moving of the crops 
very difficult, and is one of the chief difficulties agriculture has to 
contend against. The laws in force direct that these roads be kept in 
order by those using them, but if it is taken into account that these 
are mostly the field hands who live from hand to mouth on their mis- 
erable daily wage, and that the day they attended to the roads their 
families would be left without food, it will be seen how impracticable 
that measure is and how unjust to the laborers. 

Therefore if an ample system of autonomy does not give the munici- 
palities the right to control this matter, the foregoing order should 
be derogated, and the municipalities should be authorized to provide 
for the maintenance of these roads in their estimates, the province in 
either case setting aside a sum sufficient to help them for a period of 
four years, after which time the municipalities to take them under 
their exclusive charge. 

As regards the vecinales (roads joining one town with another), the 
economic situation of almost all the towns of the island will not per- 
mit them to undertake the work necessary to provide a system of 
good roadways. I am of opinion that this should be a matter for the 
public treasury, at least until a stronger administration has lifted 
the municipalities out of the prostration into which they have fallen. 

One of the roads which calls for immediate attention is certainly 
that from Mayaguez to Ponce, and another that from Ponce to Yauco, 
the latter not only because of its present bad condition, but because of 
the numerous towns it passes through and the trade depending on it. 
It is therefore of greatest moment that the road from Ponce to Yauco 
be declared carretara (highroad) and put under the jurisdiction of 
the province. 

1125 12 



178 

BETTER TRANSPORTATION INDISPENSABLE. 
STATEMENT OF DELEGATION FROM PONCE. 

Ponce, P. R., November 8, 1898. 
In reference to our seaports and means of transportation to and 
from the interior of the island, we are to-day in about the same prim- 
itive state as when Puerto Rico was discovered. A short visit to the 
interior will demonstrate that the immense natural resources of Puerto 
Rico can not be properly developed unless we have the necessary 
means of transportation. 



ROADS AND RAILROADS. 
STATEMENT OF JOSE M. ORTIZ. 

Maunabo, P. R., February ££, 1899. 

1. Speedy construction of roads, especially around the island (belt 
road), which for a long time has been neglected and contains places 
absolutely impassable; for instance, between Maunabo and Yabucoa, 
where at times even a horse can not pass. 

2. Stimulate and assist the installation of railroads, both steam and 
otherwise, all over the island. 

3. Grant facilities to foreign steamships to enable them to call at 
our ports. 

4. Cheapness and rapidity in the mail and telegraph service. 



INSUFFICIENCY OF TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. • 
STATEMENT OF SENOR C. DOMINGUEZ. 

GrUAYAMA, P. R. , December 8, 1898. 

If we look at the topography of the island, it will be noted that its 
territory on the coast land is generally flat, and extensive valleys are 
found in this district. On the other hand, the interior of the island 
is very mountainous. On the coast land most of the sugar planta- 
tions, pasture lands, and cocoanut groves are to be found, also graz- 
ing lands and stock ranches, and, to a certain extent, tobacco, cocoa 
trees, and a fair number of vegetable products. 

Coffee, the principal source of the wealth of the island, is cultivated 
on the highlands, the principal region of its cultivation being that 
about Yauco, Maricao, Lares, Ciales, Utuado, Ad juntas, San Sebastian, 
and Moca. Besides coffee, numerous small fruits are cultivated, and 
here the forests abound, full of fine woods for building and cabinet 
work. 

Owing to the exuberance of our vegetation, almost all the lands of 
the island are capable of cultivation. The approximate area of the 
island is about 10, 000 square kilometers. If, in addition to this data, it 
is taken into consideration that the island is peopled by about 900,000 
inhabitants, that its agricultural productions exceed £19, 000, 000, and 
that its exterior trade amounts to 136,000,000, it will immediately be 
seen what a large amount of capital should be brought into the island 
for the proper development of those agencies which modern life and 
our particular necessities required 



179 

Let us now look at the means which we possess to attend to the 
transportation of passengers and merchandise within this region. 
With respect to roads of the first order, we have one from the capital 
to Ponce, measuring 132 kilometers; one from Rio Piedras to Rio 
Grande, 25 kilometers; one from Arroyo to Cayey (by way of Guay- 
ama), of 25 kilometers, and pieces from Mayaguez to Anasco, from 
Bayamon to Reyes Catolicos, and, in course of construction, one from 
Arecibo to Ponce, 72 kilometers, which will be of great importance as 
joining four of the most flourishing districts of the island. The remain- 
ing roads are far from being in suitable condition ; in fact, they are 
so lamentably bad that in the rainy season the freight on products 
from the interior to ports of shipment is two or three times as much 
as that across the Atlantic. 

The aspect of railroads is not any more flattering. The railroad 
called the Belt Road covers 546 kilometers, of which 194 only are in 
operation. These 194 kilometers are cut up into four disconnected 
sections. The branch from Anasco to Lares is only finished between 
the first-named point and San Sebastian. The concession for the con- 
struction of a road from Arecibo to Utuado has already been granted, 
and a short time ago there was some thought of constructing a branch 
from Ponce to Jayuga, and another between Rio Piedras and Caguas. 

Public works maj^ always be considered as measuring the amount 
of interest and intelligence with which governments have attended to 
the well-being and greatness of their countries. We consider, for the 
reasons already stated, and to give impulse to agriculture and com- 
merce on this island, a railroad should be constructed which would 
take in the whole of the shore line, with branches to the most impor- 
tant towns of the interior. 



A NETWORK OF RAILROADS. 
STATEMENT OF RUCABADO & CO. 

Cayey, P. R., March J h , 1899. 
One of the most necessary requirements of this country is the open- 
ing of new roads between different districts which to-day, owing to 
the inexplicable indifference of the last government, are completely 
neglected. The best results would be obtained by a network of rail- 
roads joining the interior towns of the island. It would be less 
costly, quicker to construct, and more suitable than cart roads. 



CENSUS OF THE POPULATION. 

THE POPULATION OF PORTO RICO AT VARIOUS PERIODS SINCE THE SPANISH 

OCCUPATION. , 

The first census of Porto Rico, according to Acosta's annotated 
edition of Fray Inigo Abbad's history of the island, was taken in 
1765. The figures given for previous dates are, therefore, evidently 
estimates, official and otherwise. It is not clear that the results given 
for later years of the last and the early years of the present century 
were official. It is nowhere stated that the government took an 
annual census. How the figures given for those years were made up 



180 

there is no definite information to show. In 1867, we are told, a 
decennial census was ordered, but no figures are given for that year, 
and there is a break of seventeen years — from 1860 to 1877. 

The table for 1775, as found in Abbad's work, is full of errors in 
addition, which Acosta refers to and says that he did not undertake 
to correct them. It is not a very difficult clerical work, however, to 
find and remove these errors. Similar errors are to be found in most 
other Spanish statistics. I have eliminated them from the tables for 
1887 and 1897, as well as from that of 1775. The necessary changes 
very slightly affect the totals. Of much more importance is the dis- 
covery that the last column of the table for 1775, which has univer- 
sally been understood to represent the total of population for that 
year, is only the total for all classes, excepting the slaves. The head- 
ing of the column De Almas (souls) would seem to be inclusive of 
all classes. Acosta himself accepts the footing, 70,260, as the total 
of all "classes and castes of inhabitants," but I am convinced that 
is this a mistake. The column of "souls" is embraced with that 
of "slaves" under the same heading, "Total general," showing 
that the compiler, from whom Abbacl doubtless copied the table, 
intended to place "slaves" and "souls" in complementary columns, 
which must be added together ih order to find the grand total. Any- 
one may convince hiniself that this inference is correct by adding 
together, across the table, the several numbers representing whites, 
free mixed, free blacks, and groups, the sum of which will be found 
identical with that placed in the column of "souls." The total for 
that column, 73,932, represents, therefore, all classes of inhabitants 
of Porto Rico, except slaves. The slaves must be added in order to 
get the total population, which is found to be 80,504, which is more 
than 10,000 greater than has been attributed to Porto Rico for that 
year. In the table for 1765 no such discrepancy exists; the slaves 
are included in the final total. The population in 1765 was 14,883. 
The total for 1775 is 80,504. Here is a difference of 35,621, from 
which it would appear, if both censuses are correct, that there was 
an increase in ten years of 80 per cent. If there was any such increase, 
no explanation has been given of it, and one is left to suspect that one 
or both of the censuses must be incorrect. No errors in addition were 
found in the table for 1765. In all other tables, including those for 
1887 and 1897, I have found many. 

The returns for the censuses of 1887 and 1897 were kindly furnished 
by the secretary of state for Porto Rico, Senor Munoz Rivera. They 
differ somewhat from the figures given for both censuses elsewhere. 
One authority, for example, gives 806,711 as the total population for 
1887; another, 803,474, and another, 802,439, while in the table fur- 
nished by Mr. Rivera the footing is 798,565, all claiming to give official 
figures. The discrepancy between the last figure and the two preced- 
ing ones is in large part explained by the fact that evidently the 
former includes the Spanish soldiers and marines, and also the pris- 
oners, while the latter does not. There were in 1887, 3,224 soldiers, 
114 marines, and 536 prisoners, making a total of 802,439, which is 
4,000 less than one of the figures above given. According to the cen- 
sus of 1897 the population in that year was 890,820. To be added to 
this number, as making up the actual population of the island on the 
31st of December of that year, are 7,014 Spanish soldiers, 368 marines, 
and 1,101 prisoners, making a grand total of 899,203, as representing 
the actual population on the 31st of December, 1897. It will be 
observed that in ten years the number of soldiers and prisoners had 
more than doubled and the number of marines had more than trebled. 



181 

Among the intelligent Porto Ricans with whom I have talked there 
seems to be no very great confidence in the correctness of the figures 
of the census of 1897. It was taken under the direction of the Span- 
iards, who are said to have carried away most of the detailed returns 
when they left for the peninsula or to have destroyed them. I have 
obtained copies of the blank schedules used in that census. The 
sheets are from 14 to 20 inches in length and each is ruled for seven- 
teen names. The province, judicial department, municipal district, 
section, and barrio are indicated, together with the street, number of 
the house, the story, etc. The inquiries embrace (1) sex, (2) race, 
(3) age, (4) civil state (married or single), (5) family relation, (6) edu- 
cation, (7) place of birth, (8) nationality, (9) resident or transient, 
(10) present or absent, (11) length of residence in the municipal dis- 
trict, (12) profession or occupation, (13) period of absence, and (14) 
legal residence of transients. A distinction is made between the actual 
or hecho and the legal or derecho population. The former includes 
all who are present, whether citizens or not, permanent or transient 
residents; the latter, those who are citizens of Porto Rico or of Spain, 
both present and absent. It would be interesting to know how the s/ 
population is divided among the various occupations and how many 
can read and write, but I am informed that, notwithstanding the 
requirements of the schedules, there are no returns for these items, 
or they are too incomplete to be tabulated. 

The progress of the population of Porto Rico since the discovery 
of Columbus has been greatest in the present century. The aborig- 
ines disappeared "like the mists before the sun," according to an 
authority quoted by Acosta, shortly after the Spaniards began to settle 
the island?. In 1493, the year of the discovery by Columbus, there 
were, Secretary Coll thinks, not more than 80,000 to 100,000 Bori- 
queiios or Caribs. Acosta's estimate is 200,000. Both agree in saying 
that the estimate of Father Las Casas — 600,000 — is impossible, because 
the island could not have supported so large a population living in 
such a primitive state, because in 1511 only 11,000 Caribs could be 
mustered to oppose the invaders and to strike a final blow for the 
liberty of the natives, and because it is not conceivable that 600,000 
persons could be destroyed within a generation, authentic documents 
showing, it is claimed, that there was only a small remnant of Indians 
in 1530. The lot of the Indians was indeed a hard one. They were 
virtually slaves ; and when they finally disappeared as a distinct race, 
the Africans, who had come with the first colonists, continued to 
serve the Spanish settlers as bondmen until 1873. If the first census 
is at all trustworthy, the number of inhabitants, including slaves, was 
less than 45,000 in 1765, which was more than two hundred and fifty 
years after the settlement of the oldest town, Caparra. That is slow 
progress, indeed. It is partly explained, however, by the fact that 
gold fields were opened by Pizarro and other Spanish adventurers in 
South America, and that the Spanish thirst for gold led the migration 
from Spain in that direction and also tempted all who could to abandon 
Porto Rico, which, while it was rich in other natural productions, was 
not a promising gold field. 

From 1765 to the close of the century there was an increase of 
110,593, showing that the tide of population was setting from the 
peninsula more rapidly and steadily toward the West Indies. In the 
next twelve years there was a gain of about 28,000; some 38,000 were 
added in the next three years, if we may believe the record, while the 
growth in the next nineteen years was 128,000. The large growth in 



182 

the fifty years ending in 1834 was brought about by the gradual 
relaxation of the laws prohibiting foreigners from settling in Porto 
Rico. In 1778 some Catholic workingmen were allowed to come from 
neighboring islands, and by a royal decree of 1815, when the golden 
age of the island is said to have begun, many foreigners were allowed 
to obtain land and became permanent residents. In the period 
between 1834 and 1846 there was a net increase of 85,000. From 1834 
to 1877 the population was considerably more than doubled. In the 
decade 1877 to 1887 the increase was about 71,000, and in that of 
1887 to 1897 upward of 87,000. 

In the period 1765 to 1783 the population doubled ; in that of 1783 
to 1803 it doubled again; in that of 1803 to 1834 it doubled a third 
time; in 1834 to 1877 it doubled a fourth time. The gain in the last 
twenty years has been at the rate of 22 per cent. During the present 
century the population has almost inultipled itself by 6. This sex- 
tuple increase shows that it was only in the present century that the 
Madrid Government made the conditions of settlement in Porto Rico 
sufficiently attractive to induce a large migration to the colony. 



NOTES ON THE POPULATION OF PORTO RICO AT PERIODS. 
By Seiior Coll y Toste, Secretary of the Treasury. 

llfiS (date of discovery). — According to the historian Fray Bartolome 
de las Casas, the island was as thickly populated as a beehive. Fray 
Inigo Abbad, agreeing with Bayacete, places the number at 600,000. 
The probable number is from 80,000 to 100,000 aboriginals, taking 
into consideration the difficulties of obtaining food and the unhealthi- 
ness of the intertropical climate. 

1515-1535. — Thirty-five residents in Caparra (old capital) and 35 in 
San German, the only two towns of the island (Licentiate Velasquez). 
The aboriginals were then formed into gangs and were working in the 
mines. Those who had taken part in the uprising were branded with 
an "F" in the forehead. 

154-8. — The capital, more than 100 residents, and San German a few 
more than 30 (Bishop Bastido). Aboriginals, but very few. 

1556. — The capital, 130; San German, 20 residents. (This latter 
had been burned by French corsairs.) 

164.6.— The capital, 500; San German, 200; Arecibo, 100; Coamo, 80 
inhabitants. 

1759. — 5,611 fighting men, according to Governor Esteban Bravo. 

1765. — 44,833 souls, according to Governor O'Reylly (first census). 

1775.— 70,260 souls (Fray Ihigo). 

1782.— 81,120 souls. 

1788.— 87,984 souls. 

1788.— 101,398 souls. 

1793.— 120,022 souls. 

1796.— 132,982 souls. 

1798.— 144,525 souls. 

1799.— 153,232 souls. 

1800.— 155,426 souls. 

1802.— 163,192 souls. 

1803.— 174,902 souls. 

1812.— 183,014 souls. 

1815.— 220,S92 souls. 



183 

1834.— 358,836 souls. 

1846.— 443,139 souls (Santiago Fortun). 

1860.-580,329 souls (Paulino Garcia). 

2577.-731,64-8 souls. 

2554.-784,709 souls. 

1887. — 802,439 souls. This last was made up of 474,933 whites, 
246,647 mixed, 76,985 blacks, plus 3,224 individuals of the army, 114 
of the navy, and 536 prisoners. 

2557.-899,394, made up of 573,187 whites, 241,900 mixed, 75,824 
blacks, plus 7,014 individuals of the army, 368 of the navy, and 1,101 
prisoners. 

Since 1867 the census of the island was ordered to be taken every 
ten years. From 1860 to 1867 no census was taken. In the last cen- 
sus of 1897 it is noteworthy that the black race is not prospering, as 
will be seen by comparing the number of blacks, 75,824, with that of 
1887, 76,985. By not allowing black immigration from the neighbor- 
ing islands and counting on a 3 per cent annual loss by absorption by 
the white and mixed races the 75,824 negroes now in the island will 
have disappeared in 300 years, more or less. This study in anthro- 
pology is interesting, for if that should happen Porto Rico would be 
the only island of the Antilles in which the white race would prepon- 
derate numerically. 



184 



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TOCMinCSOSTOr-lt- I 
oi"cO , TOTO"odcO r "oOC<r 

t- 1— i oo — 1 1- in TO 



5g gto 
1 t;Ci r 2 03 S 1 * ts § 

fl®?.S2'SSo3 
gtibjJoJSPS.S 

a2<H<(Xi«ci5WK> 



196 

Table III. — Sex and race in 1897. 





Population. 


Percent- 
age. 




448,619 
442,201 
573,096 
241,895 

75,829 


0.504 




.496 


White.. 


.643 


Mixed 


.272 


Black 


.085 







Table IV. 


—Penal population — Census of 1897. l 




Departments. 


Number 
of pris- 
oners. 


Departments. 


Number 
of pris- 
oners. 




799 
48 
24 
62 
53" 


Guayama . 


58 








Total 






1,101 













1 Evidently the entire number of prisoners in all classes of prisons, including municipal jails. 

Table V. — Totals of population — Census of 1897. 

Total general population 890,820 

Spanish military forces 7,014 

Spanish naval forces 368 

Prisoners ... 1,001 

Total 899,203 

Table VI. — Census of 1887 compared with census of 1897. — Race and sex. 1 

MALES. 



Department. 



San Juan . 
Arecibo... 
Aguadilla. 

Ponce 

Mayaguez 
Guayama . 
Humacao . 
Viegues... 

Total 



White. 



1897. 



38,132 
59,324 
42,266 
60,304 
40,874 
29,787 
19,670 
1,529 



291,886 



1887. 



30,401 
46,428 
36,100 
46,250 
34,014 
25.480 
19,448 
1,279 



239,400 



In- 
crease 
( + ) or 

de- 
crease 



+ 7,731 
+12,896 
+ 6,166 
+14,054 
+ 6, 860 
+ 4,307 
+ 222 
+ 250 



+52,486 



Mixed. 



1897. 



25,089 
11,805 

4,311 
25,826 
17,186 
18,994 
14,739 

1,137 



119,087 



1887. 



23,875 
11,678 

4,571 
27,026 
19,541 
17,364 
16, 176 

1,073 



121,304 



In- 
crease 
(+)or 

de- 
crease. 



+1,214 

+ 127 
— 260 
—1,200 
—2,355 
+1,630 
—1,437 
+ 64 



-2,217 



Black. 



1897. 



10,295 
4,105 
1,587 

7,807 
4,189 
4,841 
4,244 
578 



37, 646 



1887. 



In- 
crease 
( + )or 

de- 
crease 



38,317 



+667 
+247 
—325 
+ 39 
—167 
—343 
—566 
—223 



-671 



FEMALES. 



San Juan . 
Arecibo. . . 
Aguadilla 

Ponce 

Mayaguez 
Guayama . 
Humacao . 
Viegues... 

Total 



35,440 


28,717 


+ 6,723 


26,820 


26,074 


+ 746 


10, 990 


10,317 


57,862 


46,686 


+11, 176 


11,954 


11,804 


+ 150 


3,908 


3,711 


41,858 


36,517 


+ 5,341 


4,638 


4,950 


— 312 


1,608 


2,046 


56,583 


43,608 


+12,975 


26, 109 


26, 789 


— 680 


7,705 


7,870 


39,884 


33, 369 


+ 6,515 


17,679 


20, 156 


—2,477 


4,477 


4,490 


28,800 


25,885 


+ 2,915 


19,304 


18, 049 


+1,255 


4,901 


5,029 


19,336 


19,616 


— 280 


15,142 


16, 493 


-1,351 


4,092 


4,546 


1,447 


1,135 


+ 312 


1,162 


1,028 


+ 134 


502 


659 


281,210 


235,533 


+45,677 


122, 808 


125,343 


+2,535 


38,183 


38,668 



+673 
+197 
—438 
—165 
— 13 
—128 
-454 
—157 



—485 



1 There are wide discrepancies between reports of the results of the census of 1887. One 
authority gives the population at 806,711. In Table VI the returns by departments were cer- 
tified to the commissioner by the secretary of state, Senor Mufioz Rivera. His total is 798,565, 
which evidently does not include the Spanish military and naval forces and the prisoners. 
These aggregate 3,874, making the total 802,409. Another authority gives the figures 803,474. It 
is impossible to reconcile these differences, because there is no way of ascertaining the cause of 
them. 



197 



Table VI. — Census of 1887 compared with census of 1897. — Race and sex — Cont'd. 

SUMMARY. 





1897. 


1887. 


Increase. 


Decrease. 


Males: 

White -. 


391, 886 

119,087 

37,646 


239,400 

121,304 

38,317 


52,486 






3,217 


Black 




671 








Total 


448,619 


399,031 


49,598 








Females: 

White 


281,310 
133,808 
38,183 


235,533 
125,343 
38,668 


45,677 






2,535 


Black . . 




485 








Total 


442,201 


399,544 


43,657 








Aggregate : 

White .. 


573,096 
341,895 

75,829 


474,933 

246,647 

76, 985 


98,163 






4,752 


Black --. 


1,156 








Total - - 


890,820 


798,565 


93,255 









Table VII. —Summary of population in 1765. 



Free. 



Slaves. 



Males 

Females.. . 
Children .. 

Total 



10, 968 
11,497 
17,381 



3,439 
1,598 



39,846 



5,037 



General total, 44,883. 

Table VIII. — Summary of popidation in 1775. 





Residents. 


Sons. 


Daugh- 
ters. 


Total. 




Men. 


Women. 


Whites 


5,349 
5,433 
693 
4,351 
3,450 


4,663 
5,346 
530 
3,441 
3,133 


9,903 

11,936 

860 


9,284 

11,431 

712 


29, 199 




34,146 




2,795 




7,792 








6,572 












19,376 


17,103 


22,699 


31,437 


80,504 







198 

INCREASE OF POPULATION FROM 1765 TO 1897. 

Between 1775 and 1877 no full tables of census returns are given. 
The following figures are, with two or three exceptions, those of 
Acosta, in his notes in Abbad's History : 

Table IX. 



Year. 


Popula- 
tion. 


1765 


44,883 
80,504 
81,120 
87,994 
91,845 
93, 300 
96,233 
98,877 


1775 


1782 


1783 


1784 


1785 


1786 


1787 





Year. 


Popula- 
tion. 


1788 


101,398 
103,051 
106,679 
112,712 
115,557 
120, 022 
127,133 
129,758 


1789 


1790 


1791 


1792 _ 


1793 


1794 

1795 





Year. 



1796 
1797 
1798 
1799 
1800 
1801 
1802 
1803 



Popula- 
tion. 



132,982 
138,758 
144,525 
153,232 
155,426 
158,051 
163, 192 
174,902 



Year. 



1812 
1815 
1834 
1846 

1860 
1877 
1887 
1897 



Popula- 
tion. 



183,014 
220,892 
358,836 
443,139 
583,308 
731,648 
802,409 
890,820 



Table X.— Population in 1834. 

Whites 188,869 

Free, mixed 101,275 

Free, blacks .. 25,124 

Slaves 41,818 

Troops and prisoners 1, 750 

Total 358,836 

Table XI. — Population in 1846. 





Males. 


Females. 


Total. 


Whites , 


109,061 

76,728 

10,360 

6,366 

21,908 


107,022 

77,572 

11, 131 

6,674 

16,317 


216,083 
154,300 




21, 491 




13,040 




38,225 






Total 


224,423 


218,716 


443,139 







Table XII. — Population in 1860. 



San Juan 

Bayamon 

Arecibo 

Aguadilla 

Mayaguez 

Ponce '.. 

Guayama 

Humacao 

Total 

Isle of Vieques 

General total 



Families. 


Souls. 


3,387 


18,259 


13,051 


77,781 


13,916 


80,427 


12,558 


70, 629 


18,425 


107,710 


16,961 


98,116 


11,546 


68,891 


10,150 


58,516 


99, 994 


580,329 


530 


2,979 



100,524 



583,308 



BY RACE AND SEX. 





Males. 


Females. 


Total. 


Whites 


154,350 
120,397 
21,668 


146, 080 
120,618 
20,068 


300,430 




241,015 


Slaves 


41, 736 






Total .... 


296,415 


286, 766 


583, 181 




127 










General total 






583, 308 











199 

Table XII. — Population in 1860— Continued. 

PERCENTAGE BY RACE AND- SEX. 

Whites: Per cent. 

Males -- - -- 5207 

Females 5094 

Free colored: 

Males 4061 

Females - 4206 

Slaves: 

Males. -'--- 0731 

Females - 0699 

BY NATIONALITY. 



National. Foreign 



Whites 

Free colored 

Total .. 



298,704 
280,821 



579,525 



1,726 
1,930 



3,656 



BY AGE. 

Less than 1 year - 1M52 

Between 1 year and 7 years - i??'^? 

Between 8 and 15 years , i' ?1 

Between 16 and 20 years - .> 61 ' 6 io 

Between 21 and 25 years 57,69o 

Between 26 and 30 years 5/, 55b 

Between 31 and 40 years 6 Mof 

Between 41 and 50 years 35 'S?S 

Between 51 and 60 years 'ZIS 

Between 61 and 70 years .- ^'W£ 

Between 71 and 80 years ^'"If 

Between 81 and 85 years - 928 

Between 86 and 90 years — 970 

Between 91 and 95 years — - - 253 

Between 96 and 100 years - ---- 218 

100 years or more - "3 

BY OCCUPATION. 




Free 
colored. 



Proprietors 

Farm peasants 

Merchants 

Manufacturers 

Industrial pursuits 

Ecclesiastics 

Active employments 

Pensioned officials and superannuated 

Active military duty, including trained militia 

Retired 

Professors 



4,563 
9,642 

321 
6 

512 



CIVIL STATE. 





Single. 


Married. 


Widow 

and 
widower. 


Whites: 

Males 


112,555 

98,871 

92,167 
89,359 

21,272 
19,756 


37,155 
36,756 

24,599 

24,218 

338 
256 


4,600 


Females 


10,453 


Free colored: 

Males 


3,632 


Females 


7,040 


Slaves: 

Males 


57 


Females 


57 







200 

Table XII. — Population in 1860 — Continued. 
LITERACY. 





Literate. 


Illiterate. 


Whites: 


27,009 
17, 719 

3,672 

2,850 


127,341 




128,361 


Free colored: 


138,393 




137, 836 






Total - 


51,250 


531,931 





.LITERACY IN PORTO RICO AND CUBA COMPARED. 





Literate. 


Illiterate. 


Cuba: 


33.00 
26.00 

17.50 
12.50 


67.00 




74.00 


Porto Rico: 

Male - ..- 


82.50 




87.50 







Table XIII. — Increase of population by race, 1765-1897. 



Year. 


Whites. 


Increase. 


Free 
colored. 


Increase. 


Slaves. 


Increase. 


1765.... 










5,037 
6,572 
41,818 
51,216 
41,736 




1775 


29, 199 
188,867 
216,083 
300,430 
474,933 
573,096 




36, 941 
126,399 
175, 791 
241,015 
323,632 
317,724 






1834 


159,668 
27,216 
84,347 

174,503 
98,163 


89, 458 
49,392 
65,224 
82,617 
!5,908 


35.246 


1846 


9,398 


1860 


19,480 


1887 




1897 













1 Decrease. 



GEOGRAPHICAL. 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1898. 

Mr. Andres Crosas, an American citizen, many years in business 
in Puerto Rico: 

The area of the island of Puerto Rico has been represented as 3,865 
square miles, and in a new geography it is given as 3,500 square miles. 
The fact is there has never been an accurate survey, and the true 
area lies probably between those figures. There was a triangular 
survey of the. island made by the engineer staff officers of the Spanish 
army, but the Spaniards took that survey away with them. That 
survey cost the island a great deal. I do not know how much. 



201 



RIVERS AND BROOKS. 

[Those in braces are known by the first name, the other names being of branches or feed 
ers; italics indicate different names for the same river; Q. means quebrada, or brook; R. means 
rio, or river.] 



Q. Fajardo. 
Q. Juan Martin. 
R. Pita j alia. 
R. Sabana. 
R. Mameyes. 
R. Grande. 
R. Espiritu Santo 
R. Herrera. 
R. Canovanas. 
R. Grande de 

Loiza. 
R. Canas. 



NORTH COAST FROM EAST TO WEST. 



R. Bairoa. 

R. Cagnitas. }■ 

R. Quebradillas. I 

R. Turabo. 

R. Valencia. 

R. Gurabo. 

Q. Baden. { 

Q. Grande. J 

Q. Juan Mendez. 

R. Piedras. 

R. Puerto Nuevo. 

Q. Margarita. 



R. Bayamon. ) 
R. Hondo. > 
R. de la Plata. 
R. Usabon. 
R. Guayabate. 



J R. ChicodeCarite [ R. 



R. 
R. 

IB. 
|R. 

IB. 



R. Carite. 
R. Hondo. 
R. Ciburco. { 
R. Morovis. ) 
R. Manati. ) 
R. Cialitos. \ 



Q 
JQ- 

R. 
R. 
Q. 
Q. 



Arecibo. 

Tanama. 

Criminales. {_ 

de los Angeles, f 

Alonso. 

Limones. 
Seca. 
Beblaca. 
de Camuy. 
Guajataca. 
de los Cerdos. 
Seco. 



WEST COAST FROM NORTH TO SOUTH. 



R. Culebrinas. ) 
R. Nador. J 

R. Grande. 
Q. de Liana. 
Q. de la Altura. 
Q. Cagnat. 



Q. Machucal. 
Q. Adolfo. 
Q. Gonzalez. 
R. Susua. } 
Q. Rosas. ) 
R. Yauco. 
R. Guayanilla. 
R. Macana. 
R. Tallaboa, 
Q. del Agua. 



R. de Anasco. 1 
R. de Prieto. I 
R. de Blanco. [ 
R. Guabas. J 
R. de Mayaguez. 



R. Guanajibo. 1 
R. Grande. \ 
R. Viejo. 
R. Maguas. ' 
R. Cain. f 



SOUTH COAST FROM WEST TO EAST. 



R. Canas. 

R. Portugues. 

R. Bucana. 

R. Inabon. 

R. Jacaguas. 

R. Canas. 

R. Descalabrado. 

R. de Coama. 

R. Jueyes. 

R. Salinas. "] 



R. 

R. 
R. 
R. 
Q. 
Q- 

Q. 

R. 
R. 
Q. 



Lapa. I 

Majada. f 

Jajonie. J 

Seco. 

AgiTas Verdes. 

Cimarrona. 

Pozo Hondo. 

Guamani. 

Pianos 

Creaux. 



R. Rosario. 
R. Buey. 
R. Chico. 
Q. Dumas. 
Q. Ortiz. 



Q. Palencia. 
R. de Arroyo. 
R. Maria. 
R. de Patillas. 
R. Maton. 
R. del Real. 
R. Chico. 
Q. del Bajo. 
R. Jacaboa. 
Q. Manglillo. 



EAST COAST FROM SOUTH TO NORTH. 



R. de Maunabo 
Q. Honda. 
R. Guayanes. 
R. de Ingenio. 
R. Limones. 



R. Candelero. 
R. de Humacao. 
R. Anton Ruiz. ) 
Q. Mambille. ) 
R. de Naguabo. 



R. Santiago. 
Q. Bolijas. 
Q. Palma. 
R. Daguao. 
Q. Salada. 



R. Aguas Claras. 
R. Ceiba. 
Q. Damajagua. 
Q. Vueltas. 
R. de Fajardo. 



San Juan. 
Aguadilla. 
Guanica. 



HARBORS AND ROADSTEADS. 

NORTH COAST. 



WEST COAST. 

Mayaguez. 

SOUTH .COAST. 

Ponce. 



Arecibo. 

Cabo-rojo. 

Jobos. 



Humacao. 



EAST COAST. 

Fajardo. 



Isabel Segunda, Island of 
Vieques. 



202 





ISLANDS. 






[Cayo means key, small island.] 






EAST COAST. 




Vieques. 
Culebra. 
Culebrita. 
Caballo Blanco. 
Cayo Santiago. 


Cayo Southwest. Puerca. 
Cayo Northeast. Hicacos. 
Palominos. Pinero. 
Arcifes de la Cor- Cabras. 
dillera. Aldodon. 

SOUTH COAST. 


La Alcarraza. 
Piragua del Este, 
Cucharas. 
Descubridor. 


Cordona. 

Caja de Muertos. 


Cano Gardo. Ratones. 

WEST COAST. 


C. de Berberia. 


Mona. 


Monita. 

NORTH COAST. 

Cabras. San Juan 
CAVES. 


Desecheo. 



El Consejo (Council Cave), near Arecibo. 

Oscura, Clara, Ermita, in Aguas Buenas. 

Cave of the Dead, Utuado, so called because of human bones found therein. 

Cueva de Pagita, in Callejones, Lares. 

Cave at G-uayabal, in Juana Diaz. 

Indian Cavern, in Loiza. 

Swallow Cave, in Manati. 

Guataca, in San Sebastian. 

Enea, in San Sebastian. 

MOUNTAIN PEAKS. 

El Yunque, between districts of Naguabo and Rio Grande, ab6ut 5,000 feet. 

Torrecilla, near town of Barranquitas, 3,664 feet. 

Mata Platano, northern part of district of Penuelas, 3,030 feet. 

Toita, in district of Cayey, 2,856 feet. 

Guilarte, in district of Adjuntas, 2,660 feet. 

Cerro Gorda, in district of Sabana Grande, 2,233 feet. 

BATHS OR SPRINGS. 

Baiios de Coamo, mineral, medical, hot. 
Quintana, near Ponce, sulphur baths. 
San Sebastian, warm springs, mineral. 
San Lorenzo, mineral springs. 
Caguitas, in Aguas Buenas, hot springs. 
Rayo, Rincon. 



THE CLIMATE. 



By Prof. Mark W. Harrington, Director of the U. S. Weather Bureau. 

The published observations of Porto Rico are very scanty, con- 
sisting of a total of about nine years at San Juan only, and these are 
fragmentary, being scattered through twenty years. They show a 
true tropical climate, with a high mean temperature (78.9° F.) and 
very little difference in season, except in rainfall. The coldest month 
on the average is February (75.7°), and the hottest June (81.5°), but 
December to March are very much alike in temperature, and so are 
the months from June to September. The very coldest month on rec- 
ord is January, 1895 (70°), and the very warmest is June, 1878 (86°). 



203 

The average change from the coldest to the hottest is only 6 
degrees, but this is verj?- appreciable to one who has lived long in the 
Tropics. The cool months really seem to the natives to be decidedly 
cold, requiring additional covering on the bed and heavier clothing. 

The coldest temperature on record in San Juan is 57.2°, on a day in 
January, 1894. The very hottest on record is 100.8°, on a day in May, 
1878. The absolute range of temperature observed is therefore 
between 43° and 44°. The former temperature is far above frost, but 
would seem to the natives very cold and would check the growth of 
tropical plants. The latter would seem very hot, for the air of San 
Juan is very moist and the evaporation of perspiration is slow. 

The comfort of San Juan as a place of residence, not to mention its 
healthfulness, is very much increased by the "briza," which is not 
given in the published reports. It is the northeast trade which has 
been turned toward the west, until the "briza" comes quite regularly 
from the east. It is not felt much during the day, but springs up 
late in the afternoon and lasts through the evening. It is a soft, 
gentle breeze, laving the body, and giving an effect which is most 
fresh and delightful. It has a regularity approaching that of the 
sun, and Santurce and Catano, two suburbs of the capital, get it both 
more strongly and through a larger part of the twenty-four hours. 
At Catano it may be felt until the middle of the forenoon, and 
begins again in mid-afternoon. At Santurce it makes the nights 
positively cool. 

The year at San Juan is divided into the dry season and the wet sea- 
son; but the dry season has about as much rainfall as the Northeastern 
States, and the wet season more than twice as much. The dry season 
embraces the months from December to March, with a rainfall of 10 or 
11 inches. It is the most attractive season of the year, relatively dry 
and cool. It is the proper season for the visits of Northerners to San 
Juan; and winter residents would find its climate very gentle, mild, 
and safe. The wet season embraces the other eight months in the 
year, and has a rainfall of 48 to 49 inches, or more than the whole of 
the year for the most of the United States. The total rainfall at San 
Juan is nearly 60 inches, and the culmination is in November, when 
an average of nearly 8 inches falls. 

The rainfall is not excessive. It is equaled in many places in the 
Southern States and in the northern part of the Pacific coast, and is sur- 
passed in many places. It is less significant from the ease with which 
the rain comes down. There are few threatenings of storms for 
days beforehand. There is little wind and little lightning. Rainy 
days are rare, but rainy afternoons or evenings — for an hour or two — 
common. The rain begins suddenly, falls heavily, and ends soon. 

There is no impression of a rainy climate, except that everything 
seems constantly fresh and clean. 

The healthfulness of San Juan is the greatest of any city in the 
West Indies. Yellow fever is never at home here, and when imported 
it rarely, if ever, spreads. Malarial fevers are very rare in the city 
and some cases of dysentery and typhoid occur. The little city has 
no waterworks in a condition to be used, but stands on a coral island 
which rises to a summit of 100 feet or more and is only 3 miles long 
by half a mile broad and with few open sewers, and between the city 
authorities and the heavy rainfalls it is kept quite clean. 

The great climatic misfortune of San Juan is the hurricane which 
occasionally visits it in the latter part of the rainy season (from 
August to October). It comes on very much as general storms do in 



204 

the North, with lowering sky, rising winds, and general threats of 
an impending storm ; but it comes from the east, while our storms 
generally are from the west. It is much more intense than our 
storms, but is very much rarer. Its usual earliest sign is a booming 
sea without apparent cause, for waves propagate themselves faster 
than wind travels. Hurricanes are rare in San Juan. The last 
occurred in 1876. They usually pass to the south or to the north of 
Porto Rico. 

The climate of the rest of the island is much like that of San Juan, 
with modifications due to elevation above the sea and to changes in 
the "briza," due to the topography. The change of the temperature 
with elevation is relatively rapid here, being apparently about 4° of 
temperature to every thousand feet. 

Now, Mount Yunque, at the northeastern part of the island, is, 
according to the chief of the department of engineers of the island, 
about 6,000 feet high, and its summit would have a mean temperature 
as low as that of many places in the States. Besides elevations of 
2,000 feet are not unusual for towns — snow apparently never falls on 
the island, but hoarfrosts are reported as occasional in high places. 
Several towns of some size in the interior have a popular reputation 
as being cold — Cayey, Adjuntas, and Utuado. That black frosts do 
not occur, however, is evident from the fact that the banana grows 
freely up to at least 2,000 feet, and it is very sensitive to frost. 

There appear to be three mountain ridges running from end to end 
in the island, but the central is the commanding one, and the eleva- 
tions are, on the whole, highest toward the eastern end, and espe- 
cially at the northeastern angle. The result is that the " briza" most 
wets and refreshes the eastern end of the island and the rainfall 
changes greatly from point to point. Judging by Jamaica, of which 
the climate has been carefully studied, the heaviest rainfall is in the 
northeast, and it may here in places amount to 100 inches annually 
or more. In Jamaica it is known to surpass 200 inches in some places, 
and El Yunque, as seen from San Juan, is very generally capped by 
rain cloud. The interior valleys of the island are relatively dry, 
while the northern and eastern mountain slopes are wet. A few pro- 
tected places are reported as so dry that rain may not fall for an 
entire year or more, but these spots must be small. 

The general appearance of the island is most attractive and vernal. 
The vegetation is luxuriant and clothes the mountains to their very 
summits. Very little bare rock is seen anywhere. The island is one 
of the best watered in the world. It is said to have 1,200 streams 
with names, of which 71 can be called rivers, and 5 or 6 are of con- 
siderable size. In crossing the island from Ponce to San Juan on the 
military road .one crosses over 50 bridges, besides fording several 
streams at the southern end. Water power is extremely abundant 
and could provide power for a large part of the work required in the 
island. It suffers, however, the marked disadvantage that the streams 
are subject to sudden and severe floods. Two or three weeks ago the 
Coamo River rose 15 or 20 feet and fell again in one night. Its 
highest point was marked by the limbs of trees and other vegetation 
which it had plastered against the arches of a high bridge. A heavy 
afternoon rain in the mountains about its source had caused the sud- 
den rise. 

Weather Bureau Station, 

San Juan, P. R. , November 3, 1898. 



205 



HURRICANES IN THE ISLAND. 



According to history the nineteenth century has seen more destruc- 
tive hurricanes than any previous century since Spanish occupation 
of the island. The following list is given in Acosta's Notes to Fray 
Inigo Abbad's History of Puerto Rico : 



July. 1515. 
October 4, 1526. 
July 26, 1530. 



SIXTEENTH CENTURY. 



August 23 and 31, 1530. 
July and August, 1537. 
September 21, 1575. 



-, 1740. 



SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. 

September 12, 1615. 

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 

August 28, 1772. 

NINETEENTH CENTURY. 

September 4, 1804. August 2, 1837. 

July 23, 1813. August 18, 1851. 

July 23, 1814. October 29, 1867. 

September 21, 1819. August 14, 1886. 

July 26, 1825. August 8, 1899. 

Of these twenty-two hurricanes, the record of which has been pre- 
served, ten have taken place during the present century. Eight 
occurred in the month of August, six in July, four in September, and 
one in October. Of all the hurricanes, that of 1772 seems to have 
been the most severe. 



SUMMARY FOR TWELVE MONTHS. 



Month. 



November. 1898 
December, 1898. 
January, 1899... 
February, 1899 . 

March, 1899 

April, 1899 

May, 1899 

June, 1899.. 

July, 1899 

August, 1899 

September, 1899 
October, 1899... 



Highest 




Lowest 






tempera- 


Date. 


tempera- 


Date. 


Mean. 


ture. 




ture. 






88 


1 


65 


9 


77.2 


85 


12 


66 


118 


75.9 


82 


28 


66 


19 


74.6 


85 


8 


66 


2 20 


75.2 


82 


3 5 


66 


8 


74.7 


90 


21 


66 


4 


76.6 


89 


"3 


68 


1 


79 


91 


22 


71 


6 


79.4 


87 


2 


70 


6 4 


80 


88 


29 


71 


20 


80 


91 


11 


71 


30 


81 


89 


10 


68 


1 


80 



Greatest 
daily 
range. 



Month. 



Least 
daily 
range. 


Cloudy 
days. 


Partly 

cloudy 

days. 


Clear 
days. 


Rain. 


o 








Inches. 


7 


6 2 


64 


612 


12.08 


8 
8 




9 
9 


22 

22 


5.34 
2.92 




8 
10 




9 
9 


19 
21 


.80 
2.29 


1 


8 


2 


8 


20 


6.09 


10 


2 


18 


11 


2.59 


9 


6 


17 


7 


7.23 


7 


4 


16 


11 


7.53 


7 


5 


12 


14 


10.38 


7 


6 


11 


13 


13.66 


7 


13 


12 


6 


10.21 



Maximum 

velocity of 

■wind- 



November, 1898 
December, 1898. 
January, 1899... 
February, 1899 . 

March, 1899 

April, 1899 

May, 1899.. 

June, 1899 

July, 1899 

August, 1899 

September, 1899 
October, 1899... 



20 
21 

24 
19 
24 
19 
r 66 
31 
38 



1 Also, 19, 22. 

2 Also, 28. 



3 Also, 7, 19, 20, 29, 30. 

4 Also 4, 22, 27. 



6 Also, 8, 27, 28. 

6 Beginning November IS 



7 Eighth, east. 



206 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SANITATION. 

THE CHIEF DISEASES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1898. 

Jose C. Barbosa, M. D. : 

Dr. Barbosa. I am a physician, having graduated at Ann Arbor, 
Mich., in the class of 1880. 

Dr. Carroll. I desire to ask you a few questions bearing on your 
work as a physician. What are the chief diseases here? 

Dr. Barbosa. Malaria is the principal disease. It is found here 
in all its different forms. There is also much tuberculosis, owing to 
the condition in which the people live here. We have here sometimes 
50 or. 60 persons living in quarters where there is hardly sufficient 
space for 10 or 12. The poor live in the lower part of the house and 
the wealthier classes upstairs. The lower part of the houses is 
frequently damp and altogether unhealthful. 

Dr. Carroll. What about smallpox? 

Dr. Barbosa. We have a case of smallpox now and then, but it is 
sporadic. We have no epidemics of that kind. In 1880 we had some 
cases, and again in 1893, but it was not so dangerous as in former 
years. We have paid a great deal of attention to precautionary 
measures against it. We have given special attention to vaccination. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there not a great mortality here among children? 

Dr. Barbosa. Yes. The poor people here have too many children 
to sustain; they have not the means to provide their children proper 
nourishment. Milk costs here a great deal, because of the consump- 
tion tax, and is usually stale. Then the crowded way in which the 
poor live and the damp places where they have to live are conducive 
to disease among the children and adults as well. The principal dis- 
eases among the children are bowel diseases, which reduce them to a 
condition of weakness from which they are unable to build up their 
strength again, owing to lack of proper nourishment and suitable con- 
ditions. There is also a great deal of tetanus among the children 
owing to the careless way in which the cord is cut at birth — seldom by 
a physician in the case of poor children ; usually an old neighbor is 
called in and she will cut the cord with a pair of scissors. This care- 
lessness, together with the climate, which is favorable to the develop- 
ment of tetanus, produces the disease in many cases. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the people suffer often from sunstroke? 

Dr. Barbosa. Very seldom. We usually have a good breeze, which 
greatly modifies the temperature. 



NEED OF MEDICAL AID FOR THE POOR. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 16, 1899. 
Mr. Gonzales Cordova (physician). I will take advantage of this 
opportunity to say a few words in behalf of my country with regard 
to questions concerning my profession. I consider Porto Rico the 
most enemic country in the world. We are almost without charitable 
institutions; so much so, that among a people of 1,000,000 inhabitants 
we only have one hospital worthy of the name. That is at Ponce. 
We are continually seeing people in the country die for want of med- 



207 

ical assistance. I think that is a matter of the ntniost importance. 
This lack of hospitals should be attended to at once. As there are 
judicial districts, so there should be formed hospital districts. If 
every town is not able to sustain a hospital, several towns can unite 
and among them be able to do so. It is impossible to educate a people 
unless you can first attend to their health. I make these suggestions 
because I recognize the good intentions of the great country which 
to-day protects us and which is striving to do everything for our good. 



INSANE COMMITTED TO JAIL. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cabo Rojo, P. R., January 27, 1899. 
Dr. Carroll. How many prisoners have you in the municipal jail? 
Mr. Ortiz. One madman there only. We send our prisoners to San 
German. We only detain prisoners in our jail one day. 
Dr. Carroll. Have you no other places for an insane person? 
Mr. Ortiz. No ; not even a prison. It is only a detention place. 



A LABORATORY NEEDED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Humacao, P. R., February 1, 1899. 
Dr. Pablo Font, a physician of Humacao, and Mr. Joaquin Mas- 
ferrer, mayor of the city : 

Dr. Carroll. I am told that the health of Humacao is very good. 

Dr. Font. It is good. 

Dr. Carroll. It is a poor place, then, perhaps, for doctors to get 
rich? 

Dr. Font. Yes; decidedly so. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the prevailing diseases here? 

Dr. Font. Principally malarial fever in various forms. We have 
also typhoid, but it is rare; it is never epidemic, and yellow fever is 
almost unknown here. We have at present two smallpox cases, 
brought in here from Ponce. We- quarantine such cases out on the 
limits of the city. We also have a quarantine place for yellow fever. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many cases of pulmonary diseases? 

Dr. Font. Owing to the weather of the winter months we have an 
epidemic of grip here. Two or three hundred people are suffering 
from that now. There is also very much rheumatism in the town. 

Dr. Carroll. What is rheumatism here due to — to dampness on 
account of rain or to undue exposure? 

Dr. Font. It is due to dampness. The poor people are more sub- 
ject to it, because they haven't sufficient covering to keep themselves 
warm. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the condition of the hospital? 

Dr. Font. The hospital is in good condition — at least, in proportion 
to the size of the town. It requires to be enlarged a little, but we 
haven't the money to do it. I desire to suggest to you the necessity 
of establishing a bacteriological laboratory, which might be either in 
the capital or other large city of the island. It is an absolute 
necessity. 



208 

Dr. Carroll. What special argument would you advance for hav- 
ing a bacteriological laboratory in the island? What would be its 
chief uses? 

Dr. Font. I give as one reason that there are a great many cases of 
hydrophobia in the island, and we have to take them to Havana. 
The same is true of croup and diphtheria. If we had such an estab- 
lishment in San Juan, we could take patients there. Poor people can 
not go to Havana. 

Dr. Carroll. Would the cost of maintaining such a laboratory be 
large? 

Dr. Font. During the Spanish domination there was some talk of 
establishing such an institution in Mayaguez, and all the municipali- 
ties were to contribute a proportionate amount for that purpose, but 
when the war came on the project fell to the ground. Some money 
was, in fact, contributed. 

Dr. Carroll. Where did the money go? 

Dr. Font. History telleth not. 



DISEASES IN THE INTERIOR. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Caguas, P. R., February 7, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the prevailing diseases here? 

Dr. Jimenez Cruz. Paludic fevers and typhoid fever, the latter not 
in an epidemic form. Yellow fever, smallpox, and measles are only 
of rare occurrence and are brought here from outside. There is a 
disease getting more common here every year and which will merit 
the attention of the Government. It is malignant pustule, which is 
causrht from cattle. 



[HeariDg before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 4, 1899. 

Dr. Vidal. It will be necessary to have energetic health measures 
introduced here. The country is suffering very much for want of 
health regulations. For the last two months there has been an 
immense mortality in the island on account of smallpox and for want 
of vaccination. 

Dr. Carroll. That is being altered now. 

Dr. Vidal. By the time the remedy is applied a large number of 
people will have died. It would have been easy to remedy it before- 
hand. It is necessary to Americanize everything, beginning with the 
ayuntamiento at Ponce. There are five councilors who have been in 
council for ten years who have come to regard it as a business. 
Another terrible evil here is the evil of venereal diseases. I am doc- 
toring a large number of American soldiers for that. We have a sys- 
tem of vigilance, but it is not sufficient. If you want to see the state of 
abandonment and distress in which things are here, go to the emer- 
gency hospital in the alcaldia and take an American doctor with you. 
There is not a needle or anything else to attend to wounded persons. 
The poor man who goes there wounded is murdered for want of proper 
treatment. I was the titular doctor here and left the position because 
I thought it was beneath me as a doctor to treat people as I had to 
treat them with the small means afforded. 



209 

SANITARY CONDITION OF THE CITIES. 
STATEMENT OF DR. AZEL AMES, MAJOR AND BRIGADE SURGEON, U. S. VOLUNTEERS. 

Ponce, P. P., March 20, 1899. 

The sanitary or rather unsanitary conditions of Porto Rico have been 
too well known, especially by Army and other visitors of the island 
in the last few months, to need any extended comment. That every 
disease of a zymotic character — that is, diseases originating in filth — 
was widely prevalent — in fact, omnipresent — goes almost without say- 
ing. Perhaps no more general filth conditions among a people living so 
nearly an outdoor life, and yet so densely packed in a small area, was 
ever known, and these conditions, "both as an ever-increasing menace 
to themselves and recently to the lives and health of the new pos- 
sessors and their representatives, have assumed the utmost impor- 
tance. While it has been denied that typhoid fever prevailed to any 
extent in the island before the advent of the United States troops, 
such a claim can not be made good, though it is beyond dispute that 
the volume of the disease was immensely increased by the arrivals 
from camps Alger, Chickamauga, etc. The prevalence of malaria, 
on the other hand, has not proved as extensive as was probably gen- 
erally expected by medical officers of the Army. In fact, the whole 
ring of most prevalent diseases except, probably, rheumatism is chiefly 
that due to evil hygienic conditions. Syphilis and associated venereal 
diseases, long the curse of the Tropics and certainly extremely so in 
Porto Rico, were undoubtedly increased by the influx of the Amer- 
ican Army; and while the disease has perhaps become more attenuated, 
still it is widely prevalent and possesses no small degree of virulence. 

To this assemblage of conditions it became the paramount duty of 
the medical intelligence of Americans as represented especially by the 
Medical Corps of the Army, to address itself, and with great vigor, 
skill, and energy. That it has done so may best be known from the 
results which have followed. 

Mayaguez, the chief city of the western end of the island and the 
earliest one, except Ponce, of the principal cities occupied by the 
United States forces, was the first to receive any considerable measure 
of attention in the direction of public hygiene. Under the sanitary 
supervision of Major Ames, at that time sanitary inspector, the effort 
was made to rehabilitate its health conditions, and Dr. Hermanez 
Nuessa, a very able young Porto Rican physician, educated in the 
United States, was created its health officer, and to-day Mayaguez 
presents an almost altogether unobjectionable appearance to the vis- 
iting stranger. Its water supply is excellent, requiring only proper 
filtration to make it acceptable. Its streets are clean, its market 
houses the same, and a general air of cleanliness and fineness, thrift, 
and modern prosperity is evident. The city council has voted a con- 
siderable appropriation, pursuant to the suggestion of Major Ames, 
for the improvement of its waterworks in the direction indicated, and 
a comprehensive system of sewerage is a probability of the near future. 

Aguadilla, at the extreme western end of the island, at the time of 
its occupation by the United States troops in October last, it being 
the delivery point of the Spanish prisoners at the close of negotiations, 
was the representative town of its size in the matters of filth and an 
evil hygiene, but under the exceptionably able administration of Major 
Mansfield, Eleventh United States Infantry, who has held nearly every 
1125 14 



210 

official relation to it possible, it has become a model town in the 
island, the "United States post there being one of the most beautiful 
to be found in the Antilles. It lacks an adequate water supply and 
drainage, which, with the wealth and energy displayed by its people, 
are sure to receive early attention. 

Ponce, the largest city and chief commercial port of the southern 
coast of the island, including its port or play a, situated on a bay 2 miles 
or more from the town, has the merit of an admirable water supply 
and of fairly conditioned streets. Its public buildings, city hall, jail, 
market houses, abattoir, etc., are of wretched description, and require 
to be demolished and replaced. It is probable that all this will be of 
speedy occurrence. Its low location and the extensive watershed sur- 
rounding it make it especially desirable, in fact essential, that its 
sewerage should be a matter of very early consideration. There are 
five tentative propositions looking toward this under consideration, 
but there is need of a comprehensive board of water supply and 
drainage for the island, composed of competent engineers and experi- 
enced men to determine this with other similar questions. While the 
conditions of life of the lower classes are far superior to those of San 
Juan, the capital, the low-lying character of the city's site and perhaps 
other causes may account for the unduly large mortality which attends 
its sick list. The city is now kept in a cleanly condition and with 
adequate sewerage and a continuance of the excellent regulations 
recently established can not fail to become in a few years as well con- 
ditioned as it is beautiful. A vast gain has been made since the occu- 
pation by the troops in every material condition, but the poor character 
of the public buildings and the want of proper drainage have .been 
insuperable barriers to a progress otherwise possible on hygienic lines. 

Guayama, an old town built upon the popular lines of the Moorish- 
Spanish character, is by situation a healthful town, but lacked, on the 
advent of the American forces, nearly every sanitary requirement. 
Under the administration of United States medical and military offi- 
cers its condition has been greatly improved and is now likely to 
receive still more careful attention in the presence there of old and 
experienced officers of reputation for energy, and has already taken 
©n features of cleanliness and improvement not hitherto possessed. 

San Juan, the capital, perhaps the dirtiest and vilest city in the 
island, presented so many difficult problems to the sanitarian on its 
occupation by the United States forces as to be well-nigh paralyzing. 
It was then without water supply, without any but the most superfi- 
cial attempts at drainage, with a population more densely huddled 
together under utterly unsanitary conditions than any other similar 
population in the United States domain. Narrow in construction, 
contracted in its limits, and under particularly bad conditions as to 
diseases prevalent, San Juan was apparently as hopeless a proposition 
to the health officers as could well be imagined. The first difficulty 
was that of the densely crowded mass of human beings occupying, in 
families of astonishing size, the ground-floor rooms of the contiguous 
dwellings. Their condition may be better imagined than described; 
in fact, there are no words equal to the task of telling it. Yet, in the 
few months of American occupancy, water from the works in process 
of construction by the Spaniards for several years has been brought 
into the city. Its fire department has been reorganized and made 
considerably more efficient; the health administration intrusted to a 
board created by the general commanding, at the head of which is 
Capt. L. P. Davidson, Fifth United States Infantry, ably assisted by 



211 

Dr. Glennan, assistant, United States Marine-Hospital Service, a native 
physician, and two members of the municipal council, which board is 
accomplishing a tremendous work in the cleansing of the city, in 
house-to-house inspection, the abatement of intolerable nuisances and 
the regulation of sanitary conditions, the prevention and control of 
diseases, quarantine regulations, the removal of domestic waste and 
excreta, and various other kinds of hj^gienic work of the utmost 
importance. Captain Davidson, recognizing the magnitude of the 
work committed to him, promptly ordered from Boston, New York, 
and other cities of the United States the most perfect appliances for 
the removal of garbage, excreta, etc., and has installed them in an 
efficient and well-regulated service. The outbreak of smallpox which 
has visited the city has been placed under adequate control and with 
the march of vaccination will be speedily eliminated. 

The question of the control of the dense, ill-starred population 
massed together in the tenements of the lower stories in San Juan is 
one that might well appall the most sagacious and experienced sani- 
tarian. Without an adequate water supply uritil now, without sewer- 
age accommodations, public wash houses, or baths, and with only the 
poorest provision for the preparation of food, it has seemed almost 
hopeless to accomplish any material change in the situation of this 
great population. But already, under the stimulus of Captain David- 
son and his associates, endeavors are being mooted, partly by philan- 
thropic aid from the United States, to occupy certain lands of the 
Government at San Geronimo and build there industrial dwellings 
for this class, which can be given to the poorer classes at present 
rentals, to which it is believed that 5,000 or more of the poorest 
peoj)le could be successfully removed and there be controlled in hygi- 
enic matters. It is a bold and great undertaking, as yet in embryo, 
but that it will develop into something adequate there seems little 
room to doubt. 

The health of the United States troops, since they have been so 
reduced in number as to make it possible adequately to house and 
care for them, especially since the advent of fine winter weather, has 
marvelously improved, and sickness is now at the minimum and 
below the figures for equal numbers at the majority of posts in the 
United States. The people and the soldiers are alreadj^ accustomed 
to each other, and the friction which has sometimes to a limited 
extent and in a mild degree existed is rapidly being reduced to the 
minimum, having been always much exaggerated. Under the more 
careful handling of the men and the better regulation of the citizens, 
brawls, licentiousness, and petty crimes are steadily decreasing and 
the level of public health is proportionately rising. That so much 
should have been accomplished under shifting conditions and under 
conditions involving haste and waste, poor regulations and uncer- 
tainty, and the movement of large bodies of troops in the brief time 
which the Americans have occupied the island, seems incredible ; but 
that another year is to furnish results far greater still can not rea- 
sonably be doubted. There is every reason to believe that sanitary 
conditions are abreast of, if not superior to, those in the British "West 
Indies, with sanitary appliances of American manufacture far supe- 
rior, and all at the end of a few months. When the American army 
established itself, intelligent officers of experience took up the "white 
man's burden" with an individual sense of obligation and a devotion 
worthy of the American citizen soldier. 



212 

THE VACCINATION PLAN OF GENERAL HENRY. 

Ponce, P. R., March 20, 1899. 

STATEMENT BY DB. AZEL AMES, MAJOR AND BRIGADE SURGEON, TJ. S. V., COM- 
MANDING THE UNITED STATES VACCINE CORPS, DEPARTMENT OF PORTO RICO. 

Dr. Ames. The undertaking to vaccinate the entire department of 
Porto Rico arose from the increasing prevalence of smallpox and the 
evident necessity of taking vigorous measures to control it. It 
became evident that there should be a thorough and general vaccina- 
tion, and General Henry issued an order requiring compulsory vac- 
cination of all inhabitants. The initial question then, of course, was 
want of the supply of virus, vaccine lymph, and on inquiry it was 
found that to bring it from the United States in sufficient quantity — 
the only source available for so large a quantity as would be requisite 
for the vaccination of a million people — would be approximately 
$50,000 or $60,000. In discussion of the matter with the chief sur- 
geon, Colonel Hoff , I suggested that it ought to be possible to produce 
our own virus, as the supply of cattle in the island was large and 
uncommonly fine, and after preliminary consideration and inquiry I 
was placed in charge of the undertaking, which contemplated noth- 
ing less than the primary testing for disease of approximately 2,000 
cattle, a million vaccinations and revaccinations. 

The work of organization of so great an undertaking was one 
involving, of course, infinite detail and some considerable difficulty. 

It was necessary to secure without great cost to the United States 
a sufficient supply of young cattle, to locate them and subsist them 
for a considerable period, to procure from the United States initial 
lymph and the appliances for vaccination and tests, to organize and 
equip a corps of nearly one hundred men, with expert pathologists, 
physicians, assistants, etc., arrange for their transportation, and get 
them all into effective working order. Of course, the production of 
the virus was of itself a very great undertaking, but was but half of 
the entire enterprise, and left the organization for the vaccination of 
the inhabitants to be provided for. 

The great difficulty experienced, after securing the cattle and pro- 
viding for their proper manipulation and the regulation of the corps, 
was in the matter of procuring the initial vaccine virus for the vacci- 
nation of the cattle. This had to be brought from the United States, 
and, as was feared, it proved to a very considerable extent entirely 
untrustworthy, probably owing to climatic changes incident to the 
voyage and conditions under which it was transferred from the 
States. Enough, however, was procured to make a beginning, and it 
was rapidly multiplied as soon as local stock was established, a,nd 
the work carried steadily forward from that time. The magni- 
tude of the undertaking and the difficulties attendant will perhaps 
be best understood when it is stated that the vaccination require 
ments of the public vaccinators employed in the field made it requi- 
site that there should be sent from the United States distributing- 
station at Coamo Baths 15,000 charged points every day, besides 
which there must be gathered from the animals at the camps 1,200 
points more for the vaccination of cattle, etc., making a total of 
16,200 requisite per day. The work of distribution was simplified by 
the division of the island into departments, namely: five with head- 
quarters at San Juan, Ponce, Guayama, Arecibo, and Mayaguez, the 
effort being to divide the population between these five divisions as 



213 

nearly equally as possible. These divisions embraced a population 
usually of about 165,000 people, all of whom have had either to be vac- 
cinated or examined for proof of smallpox or of satisfactory recent 
vaccination. 

To reach the vaccinators engaged in the work it was necessary to 
establish a carrier service from the virus-producing farms at whatever 
distance they might be from the distributing station at Coamo Baths, 
whereby the virus produced each day to the amount of 16,200 points 
should be conveyed to the distributing station. The carrier and his 
horse, on arriving each night, must be fed and housed, the hour of 
his arrival and departure noted, and the virus placed for safe-keeping 
in a cold refrigerator. The next morning it was divided at the dis- 
tributing station into unit packages, so called, containing 100 points, 
which were placed in quadruple wrappings to protect them against 
changes of heat, cold, and moisture, and then sent by mail to their 
various destinations, to the extent of 3,000 points each, to every one 
of the five vaccination divisions of the island. The virus being com- 
mitted to the several alcaldes of the municipalities in the five divi- 
sions, is distributed by them to the vaccinators engaged in their respec- 
tive jurisdictions. 

The work at the virus farm has been so carefully done that when 
an animal was selected for vaccinating purposes, after being under 
observation for two days as to general health conditions, it was tested 
by an injection prepared by the United States Agricultural Depart- 
ment, and then retained under observation for twenty-four hours or 
more, temperatures being taken carefully from 5 o'clock each morning 
until 12 o'clock the same night and duly recorded. The animal 
giving satisfactory reactions to these tests had a tag placed in its ear 
and took its place in the group for vaccination. Vaccinating tables, 
with tilting tops, were constructed, and the animal ready for vacci- 
nation, being driven alongside, was instantly strapped to the table top 
and lifted to the horizontal and laid upon the table. It was then 
thoroughly sterilized, cleansed, and shaved, and vaccinated with the 
virus first procured from the United States and later by that pro- 
duced on the farm. In gathering the virus from the ripened vesicles 
of the vaccinated animals — all of which were under 1 year of age, 
and hence of tenderer skin and more likely to be free from all dis- 
ease than older animals, as well as being easier handled — much care 
was taken. 

The virus froni each animal was kept separate and distinct, and 
thorough records were kept by the number of the animal from start to 
finish, so that the complete record of every vaccine point at the vari- 
ous points of the island is in the hands of the vaccinator using it. As 
the virus is cut from the animal it is placed on a wire-net drying basin, 
from which it is removed to a sterilized glass jar, which is closed and 
placed in a refrigerator and left until the work of gathering for the 
day ceases. All virus to be shipped to the distributing station is then 
taken, one jar at a time, so that there shall be no admixture of points, 
and 500 points are placed in absorbent cotton, in shallow tin boxes 
made for the purpose, and duly protected by wrappings of absorbent 
cotton and oiled silk, and 15 of these boxes are placed in a pannier, two 
panniers being slung on opposite sides of the carrier's horse, who 
starts immediately upon his ride to the vaccination station, sometimes 
consuming half a night in the journey. 

In each tin box is placed a printed blank, carefully filled in, giving 
the record number of the animal from which the virus was taken, the 



214 

name of the owner, the location of the farm, the breed, age, sex, color, 
weight, and distinguishing marks, general condition of the animal, its 
response to tests, whether for tuberculosis or glanders, the date of these 
tests, and the operator's name, the date of vaccination, the virus used, 
the name of the operator, the number of punctures made, the date at 
which the virus was gathered, the number of points charged from the 
animal, the number sent to the vaccination stations, the date and hour 
of departure — the whole being duly attested by the officer in charge 
at the distributing station at Coamo Baths (which was found admi- 
rably adapted to the needs of the corps on its occupation, being pos- 
sessed of ample space, excellent location, fine conveniences of corrals, 
kitchens, outbuildings, tent room, etc.). 

The charged points, taken from the tin boxes in which the carrier 
brought them, are packed, as before stated, in unit packages of 100 
each, great care being taken to keep them always in a cool tempera- 
ture in a refrigerator until en route for their destination. Great care 
has been taken to distinguish the packages containing the virus by 
proper marks and labels, so as to keep them from the sun and in cool 
and dry places, and the post-office people have been charged to give 
both great care and rapid dispatch to virus packages throughout the 
department. They have, at considerable pains, prepared mailing 
schedules to enable a package intended for any particular destination 
anywhere in the island to be forwarded with greatest dispatch to its 
destination. 

The work of vaccinating the island has been simplified in a degree 
by the efficient use of the division of labor. In each of the four 
divisions are jurisdictions or alcaldias, presided over by an alcalde or 
mayor, varying in number in different divisions. Under these alcaldes 
are numerous precincts or barrios, which are presided over by an 
alcalde de barrio, who is responsible to his alcalde for the proper con- 
duct of his precinct or district. These alcaldes de barrio are familiarly 
acquainted with every person in their precincts. Their assistance 
under the plan formulated by the chief surgeon and myself was 
availed of to accomplish the desired ends. Full lists were made by 
them of all the people in their respective precincts, and at a desig- 
nated time, of which due notice was given, the alcalde de barrio sum- 
moned 225 people from these lists to a designated place, usually a 
schoolhouse in his district. In the order of their arrival each person 
is given a numbered check, establishing the number of his vaccina- 
tion, so that there is no overcrowding. 

The vaccination of these 225 people, or so many as appear and 
require vaccination, is a day's work for a vaccinator and his assist- 
ants. The organization of this corps of vaccinators, consisting very 
largely of native physicians, who are employed under contract by the 
directors of the respective vaccination divisions, has been a work of 
no small preparation, involving as it does the necessity of procuring 
competent men, usually versed in both Spanish and English, dividing 
up the territory among them for greater efficiency, keeping in such 
communication with them over difficult trails and in remote places as 
to secure them their daily supply of virus, properly inspect them and 
their work, and secure through them .proper certification of vaccina- 
tion and records. It has only been accomplished b}^ the utmost atten- 
tion to detail and systematic organization. Every inhabitant is 
required to have a public vaccinator's certificate, under the stamp of 
the public vaccinator and the seal of the United States. 

On presenting himself to the vaccinator, if the person has had 



215 

smallpox, a certificate is given him so indicating. If presenting a 
certificate of recent vaccination from a responsible physician, such 
certificate is accepted and the official certificate of vaccination issued. 
Otherwise the person on presentation, after cleansing the arm, is 
vaccinated in turn, under specific instructions given by the director 
of vaccination, a complete record made, and an incomplete certificate 
given the person, with instruction to return in one week for examina- 
tion, at which time the certificate will be completed, and if the vac- 
cination is successful will be stamped accordingly. If not, the 
individual is revaccinated and the certificate finally stamped as vac- 
cination finally completed. Without these certificates every person 
is practically debarred from any participation in any occupation, the 
public schools, assemblies, etc., while for failure to report, when 
ordered, for vaccination or examination, penalties imposed by the 
alcalde follow. 

The records alike of the scientific work of vaccination and its 
results, testing of the cattle, the measure of success resulting from 
the various efforts, and the work incident thereto, will, it is believed, 
constitute important additions to the scientific professional literature 
of this most important subject. The effort comes at a time and under 
conditions favorable, if well handled, for testing thoroughly, on an 
enormous scale, the merits of vaccination; this is very desirable at a 
time when there seems to be, in different parts of the world, a revival 
of the animosity against this invaluable agent for the control of a 
noxious disease. 

To the personnel of the work its successes must necessarily be more or 
less indebted. The conception of the undertaking originated in the 
mind of the able chief surgeon of the department, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hoff , of the Medical Corps of the United States Army, and the execution 
of it was, as stated, so far as the production of the virus was concerned 
and the care of the largest vaccination division, committed to Maj. 
Azel Ames, brigade surgeon, U. S. Volunteers, who was more than 
fortunate in being able to surround himself with a corps of most 
admirably qualified assistants. He was especially so in the oppor- 
tunity of securing the services of Timothy Leary, who, although a 
young man, was widely recognized as one of the ablest pathologists of 
the United States, serving since last summer for scientific purposes in 
Porto Rico as a pathologist at the general hospital at Ponce in the 
capacity of acting assistant surgeon, U. S. Army. To him has been 
committed the work of testing all cattle for disease, and his labors 
have been as indefatigable and unselfish as they have been scientific 
and fruitful. To no person connected with the undertaking is a larger 
debt due for its successes than to Professor Leary. The vaccinating 
corps was organized by him into four sections : First, the administra- 
tion, with myself at the head, and Dr. Richard Wilson, acting assist- 
ant surgeon, U. S. Army, generally well known and universally 
esteemed in Porto Rico, as executive officer at the vaccination station 
at Coamo Baths. 

To Mr. Samuel Moret, a well-known citizen and cattle buyer of 
Porto Rico, the entire undertaking is primarily inexpressibly indebted 
for the supply of cattle gathered by him at a . trivial expense to the 
United States and the painstaking service he has rendered. The sec- 
ond section is that of cattle testing for disease, and is placed under 
the charge of Dr. Timothy Leary, who, with a corps of 21 efficient 
assistants, has been steadily in the field from the inception of the 
enterprise. The third section is comprised of two groups, the officers 



216 

of the first being Dr. L. L. Gillman, acting assistant surgeon, U. S. 
Army, and Drs. Gustav Moret, temporarily, and W. E. McConathy, 
acting assistant surgeon, IT. S. Army. To this group has fallen the 
difficult work of collecting the virus from the vaccinated cattle, a 
work full of the utmost difficulty, the greatest responsibility, and the 
most fatiguing effort. To this group, in addition to the severe strain 
involved in the cattle tests, Professor Leary has given his personal 
aid in unstinted measure, as also more or less to the second group of this 
section, which is that charged with the duty of vaccinating the ani- 
mals. In this group are associated Drs. William Reddin Kirk, acting 
assistant surgeon, U. S. Army, and L. E. Barney, acting assistant 
surgeon, U. S. Army, with a corps of assistants, and their work has 
called for most laborious effort and the best of professional endeavor. 
The supply service of the corps has been in the hands of Dr. J. S. 
White, acting assistant surgeon, U. S. Army, by general order of the 
Department, acting quartermaster, commissary of subsistence, ord- 
nance officer, and medical supply officer of the corps, to whom in no 
small degree is due its great successes in taking the field and the 
small amount of friction with which this work has been accomplished. 

The post established at Coamo Baths, under the name of the United 
States Vaccination Station, is well known to many of the visitors of 
the island as one of the most beautiful and perhaps the best regu- 
lated in the department, admirably adapted to the purpose to which it 
has been delegated. It has been made, by the efforts of the command- 
ing officer and his staff, one of the most completely furnished and 
effective of any in the department, guard at this post being furnished 
by the Nineteenth United States Infantry, which has also the field 
camp. The carrier service, before mentioned, between the camps and 
the field is furnished by the Fifth United States Cavalry. The prox- 
imity of this plant to the beautiful Coamo baths has naturally caused 
it to be much visited by those coming to the baths, and added a new 
feature to the already many attractions of that beautiful spot. 

That the undertaking is one of greater magnitude than has ever 
before been conducted, established on distinctive scientific lines, can 
not be doubted ; that great advantages will be derived from it for a 
long period of years in the island of Porto Rico is equally beyond 
doubt. Smallpox has been for many years one of the worst scourges 
of the island, and far more injurious as interfering with commerce, 
both foreign and internal, than any other disease. That it is now to 
be stamped out can not be doubted. If we had imported cattle, we 
could not have done it for less than $25,000, but by manufacturing the 
virus here the cost has been only about one-sixth of what it otherwise 
would have been. 



217 

VITAL STATISTICS. 
Table I. — Inmates of military hospital from 1889 to first half of 1898. 



Year. 


Standing 
over from 
prior year. 


Admitted. 


Dis- 
charged. 


Died. 


Remain- 
ing. 


1889 


249 

242 
113 
159 
199 
200 
191 
308 
205 
211 


3,507 
2,658 
2,159 
2,145 
2,239 
3,175 
3,524 
2,999 
2,587 
1,389 


3,360 
2,650 
2,004 
2,027 
2,128 
3,039 
3,081 
2,970 
2,142 
1,218 


151 
137 
109 

98 
110 
145 
326 
132 
169 

86 


242 


1890 .. .- 


113 


1891 


159 


1892 .- 


199 


1893 


200 


1894 


191 


1895 - 


308 


1896 


205 


1897... 


211 


1S98 (first half ) 


296 






Total 


2,077 


26,382 


24,619 


1,463 


2,124 



San Juan, September 26, 1S9S. 



Jose Battle, Director, Subinspector. 



Table II. 



-Inmates of military hospital — Nosological statistics from 1889 to 
July 1, 1898. 



Year. 


Prisoners and 
charity pa- 
tients. 


_co 

p. . 

go 

+3 O 


O 


<s 

-a . 

rt CD 

a 

<B '3 
co a 

01 CD 
CO +3 

s 


o> 
IS 


o 

s 


CO 

"co 

CS 
01 

a 


Fh 

Ol 

p. 
£ 


CO 

fl 
P 

O 


■3 

r-H CO 

« 
28 
S ® 
a 

0> 
> 


C5 

a 

P. 
O 


CO 
CD 
CO 
c3 
Ol 
m 

-3 
a 

3 


CD 

a 
"6 
'•B 

CD 


1889 


446 

425 
431 
421 
414 
130 
261 
282 
328 
189 


59 
49 
48 
55 
40 
11 
35 
73 
64 
29 


1 
5 

4 
4 
6 
1 

10 
10 
15 
14 


14 

24 
18 
34 
18 
8 

32 
59 
59 
34 


114 

169 

24 

99 

91 

185 

630 

95 

95 

95 


6 
o 

"3" 
"3 

7 
4 


3 

19 
3 

"3" 

1 

2 

23 

4 


386 
279 
281 
195 
265 
307 
299 
462 
420 
209 


15 
25 
16 
19 

29 
24 
48 
65 

75 
83 


395 

• 259 
333 
291 
415 
256 
520 
411 
401 
283 


16 
13 
21 
10 
16 
13 
29 
71 
49 
21 


350 
235 
105 
64 
115 
216 
100 
115 
130 
151 


999 


1890 

1891 


1,359 
1,120 


1892. 


1,091 


1893 


2,163 


1894.... 

1895 


2,220 
1,507 


1896.. 


2,310 


1897.. 


1,510 


1898 (first half)... 


1,060 








Total 


3,327 


463 


70 


300 


1,597 


25 


58 


3,103 


399 


3,564 


259 


1,581 


15,339 



San Juan, September 26, 189S. 



Jose Battle, Director, Subinspector. 



Table III. — Marriages, births, and deaths in 1897, as returned by municipal judges. 



Municipal district. 



ges. 


Legitimate 
births. 


Illegitimate 
births. 


Deaths. 


78 


438 


731 


516 


15 


102 


31 


284 


75 


218 


85 


351 


41 


249 


231 


685 


25 


149 


130 


267 


7 


21 


34 


238 


45 


286 


124 


336 


187 


535 


620 


1,073 


65 


133 


89 


825 


74 


145 


157 


353 


50 


226 


66 


320 


127 


209 


34 


215 


44 


73 


48 


272 


54 


396 


217 


752 


43 


242 


392 


676 


38 


79 


47 


236 


50 


240 


63 


186 


67 


316 


333 


425 



Ad juntas 

Aguas Buenas 

Aguadilla 

Anasco 

Aibonito 

Arroyo 

Aguada 

Arecibo 

Bayamon 

Barceloneta . . 

Barros. 

Barranquitas. 

Carolina 

Caguas 

Cayey 

Cidra 

Camuy 

Cabo Rojo 



218 



Table III.— Marriages, births, and deaths in 1897, as returned by municipal 

judges — Continued. 



Municipal district. 



Ceiba 

Coiner io 

Ciales 

Corozal 

Coamo 

Dorado 

Fajardo..- 

Gurabo 

Guayanilla 

Guayama. 

Hato Grande.. 

Hatillo 

Hormigueros.- 

Humacao 

Isabela 

Juncos. 

Juana Diaz 

Loiza 

Lares 

Lajas 

Las Marias 

Luquillo... 

Manati 

Morovis. 

Moca 

Mayaguez 

Maricao .._ 

Maunabo 

Naranjito 

Naguabo 

Ponce 

Pennelas 

Patillas 

Piedras 

Quebradillas .. 

Rio Grande 

Rio Piedras 

Rincon 

San Juan.. 

San Sebastian.. 
Sabana Grande 
San German . . . 

Salinas 

Santa Isabel 

ToaAlta 

ToaBaja 

TrujilloAlto... 

Utuado 

Vega Alta. 

Vega Baja 

Vieques 

Yauco 

Yabucoa 

Total 



Marriages 



13 

41 
85 
56 
29 
1 
14 
51 
21 
21 
45 
51 
18 
33 
70 
22 
79 
18 

103 
22 
56 
20 
56 
45 
63 
89 
16 
14 
21 
36 

118 
91 
20 
33 

102 
33 
35 
76 

111 
92 
39 



29 
25 
3 
20 
135 
30 
26 
14 
97 
36 



3,557 



Legitimate 
births. 



176 
329 
306 
271 

45 
112 

68 
143 
102 
266 
223 

52 
173 
183 

88 
249 

19 
426 
169 
135 
100 
145 
241 
231 
384 
159 

59 
197 
115 
287 
200 
154 
159 
110 
334 

67 
195 
392 
376 
208 
446 

46 

78 

78 

25 

57 
112 

74 
149 

64 
463 
124 



13,489 



Illegitimate 
births. 



103 

157 

97 

126 

331 

76 

149 

42 

363 

98 

265 

94 

46 

301 

79 

79 

543 

35 

213 

167 

102 

114 

99 

53 

38 

278 

279 

97 

101 

67 

242 

280 

265 

160 

5 

304 

50 

53 

446 

113 

100 

233 

104 

86 

64 

42 

39 

663 

98 

163 

126 



12,471 



Deaths. 



158 
292 
466 
236 
506 
72 
436 
246 
234 
617 
446 
212 
133 
561 
321 
328 
904 
224 
696 
191 
300 
188 
455 
273 
316 

1,418 
319 
331 
224 
340 

1,778 
304 
407 
231 
147 
338 
421 
198 

1,272 
456 
383 
606 
168 
128 
223 
133 
153 

1,407 
187 
330 
270 
962 
851 



30,806 



219 



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222 

Table VI. — Marriages, births, and deaths in thirteen districts in the last five 

years. 



Municipal dis- 


Marriages. 


Deaths. 


tricts. 


1894. 


1895. 


1896. 


1897. 


1898. 


1894. 


1895. 


1896. 


1897. 


1898. 




28 
14 
89 
47 
26 
13 
51 

140 
43 

316 
13 
90 


43 
12 
96 
50 
23 
22 
33 

145 
42 

166 
19 
60 
19 


27 
15 
47 
31 
34 
14 
31 
128 
54 
89 
26 
46 
13 


33 

7 
67 
29 
41 
14 
21 
116 
50 
76 
20 
36 
14 


25 
11 
56 
43 
27 
115 
22 
89 
30 
51 
19 
52 
8 


203 
130 
447 
316 
190 
241 
455 
1,231 
450 
599 
79 
462 


170 
99 
527 
284 
192 
246 
344 
1,397 
423 
784 
114 
371 
123 


163 

102 
368 
289 
236 
282 
424 
1,243 
443 
572 
97 
455 
219 


417 

238 
425 
506 
292 
436 
617 
1,517 
641 
662 
153 
851 
239 


267 




144 




567 




346 




388 




371 




513 




1,418 
464 
930 
105 
471 


San Juan (1 dist.)- 

San German 

Trujillo Alto- 




289 








Births. 


Municipal dis- 
tricts. 


Legitimate. 


Illegitimate. 




1894. 


1895. 


1896. 


1897. 


1898. 


1894. 


1895. 


1896. 


1897. 


189S. 




155 

109 

282 
419 
175 
283 

70 
485 
196 
732 

47 
285 


180 
114 
322 
398 
185 
320 

90 
414 
212 
687 

40 
278 

51 


297 
103 
338 
343 
166 
326 

98 
427 
202 
690 

56 
344 

75 


170 

55 

314 

544 

176 

261 

102 

420 

204 

679 

57 

317 

64 


146 
150 
258 
326 
153 
188 

69 
384 
167 
649 

51 
164 

52 


132 


147 


139 


154 


133 


Arroyo 




313 


201 


276 


333 


249 


Coamo 




109 


142 


141 


157 


138 


Fajardo 




97 

406 
238 


118 
387 
229 


. 119 
378 
224 


98 
360 
262 


89 
278 
156 




San Juan (1 dist.)- 
San German 


Trujillo Alto 
Yabucoa... 


25 


30 


26 


39 


36 


"Vieques 




137 


167 


91 


46 







THE FLORA AND FAUNA. 

Dr. Stahl, who lias made numerous and careful studies in the 
natural history of Porto Rico, with admirable illustrative drawings 
in colors, very kindly furnished the commissioner with the following 
brief survey of the subject. His ambition is to be permitted to com- 
plete his most important work and present it to the Government at 
Washington for the use of the Smithsonian Institution. He does not 
ask compensation for his work — simply support while he is completing 
it, which would, I am assured, take no long time. 

Henry K. Carroll, Commissioner. 



THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF PORTO RICO. 
By Don Augustin Stahl, M. D., Naturalist. 

The natural history of Porto Rico is yet unstudied. Its flora will within a 
short time be fairly well known; its fauna is a long way from that point, and the 
knowledge of its geology extends only to as much as can be seen superficially by 
the eye. 

The Spaniards in four hundred years have done nothing to acquire a specific 
knowledge of its natural history. What is known to-day is from analogy with 
studies made in the neighboring non-Spanish islands— the splendid researches of 
Dr. Gundlach in Cuba, his valuable work also in this country, although this 
latter is not of a general character— and from the copious collection of plants made 
by Mr. Lintenis, which is preserved in the botanical garden of Berlin. 

The fauna is less known at present than the flora by reason of this latter having 
been given preferential study; and those animals inhabiting the seas or the depths 
and hidden places of still or running waters, as also those requiring the micro- 
scope, are still enveloped in the darkness of the unknown. In the great group of 



223 

vertebrates we have, in the first division, the mammals, represented by four only 
of the Cheiroptera. The Muriate and domestic animals have all been imported, as 
has been the mongoose ichneumon (Herpestes mongo), which has caused incalcu- 
lable damage among poultry and wild birds which nest low. It is certain that 
this animal, which has spread over the island in a most astonishing manner, far 
from being a blessing, as was expected when it killed off the rats in the sugar 
plantations, has become a veritable plague. 

Birds have had special attention from the American ornithologists, although the 
greater number of them had been previously classified. This branch is relatively 
poor, there being hardly 130 species, of which a third are birds of passage which, 
abandon the North American Continent during the winter only and come to 
enliven our woods and shores, while the marine eagle (Pandion earolinensis) 
mounts to the sources of our rivers and feeds on the fish therein. The indigenous 
birds can be distinguished from the transitory species by the greater brilliancy of 
their plumage, while the harmonious voice of the ruisenor (Mimus polyglottus) 
and that of the cotorra (Psittacus vittatus), which imitates the human voice, cause 
admiration. Many have quite delicate flesh. A species of periquito (small par- 
rot) has been extinct since the beginning of the century, and many other species, 
such as the hawk, carrao, and yaguaza, and the pigeons, partly owing to the rav- 
ages of the mongoose and partly to the barbarous destruction of our forests, which 
has also removed our most useful trees. 

The number of our reptiles and batrachians is small. We know of 7 species of 
saurians, 4 testudinata, 4 ophidians (among which is 1 boa and 3 batrachians) . Of 
the last the coqui has merited the attention of naturalists by reason of its anom- 
alous metamorphosis, leaving the egg as it does in a perfect state without pass- 
ing through the preliminary of tadpole life. We have no venomous ophidia. Our 
reptiles, as a rule, are harmless, and, with the exception of the flesh and eggs of 
the testudinata, useless also. 

Our fishes have not yet been studied. Their analogy with those of the Cuban 
coast has, however, enabled the greater part of them to be classified. The road- 
stead of AguadillaandAguada, celebrated as the spot where the immortal Genoese, 
Columbus, touched when he discovered our island on his second voyage, in 1493, 
is notable also for the abundance and fine quality of its fishes. Of fresh- water fish 
there are but few in our rivers. Species appearing in the estuaries are sea fish 
and only ascend the rivers up to where the salt water inflow terminates. Some 
of the species attain great size; some are remarkable for their brilliancy of colors, 
and some are terrible in their attacks on their prey around the coast, in the bays, 
and even in the mouths of the largest rivers. 

Without doubt, of our fauna the fishes are the most useful, giving food to thou- 
sands of poor people on our coasts. The voracity of the sharks is terrible, as is 
also that of their familiars of the family of Plagiostomi, which accompany them 
as parasites, the so-called pega (Leptecheneis naucrates) , which adheres to their 
body by its suction apparatus, situated on the back of the head and neck. Worthy 
of attention, by reason of their strange form, are the eriso, chapin, toro, and 
others, all of the family of Plectognathi, and the Hippocampus punctulatus, which 
represents the figure of a miniature horse without feet, the body terminating in a 
long tail. 

Of the second group the invertebrates, divided into articulates andmollusks, we 
find among the first the insects, a group of graceful winged creatures of which 
hardly one is directly useful to mankind, while some of them are more or less 
harmful. The color and variety of our Lepidoptera, especially of the diurnal 
species, is charming. 

The Coleoptera, whose bodies are protected by a hard and resisting armor, labor 
under the unjust charge of causing almost all the ills to which our agriculture is 
subject, not only in newly planted fields but also in those whose crops have 
already matured. The truth is, they lodge wherever they find sickly or rotten 
vegetation or dead plants, to feed on the softening roots and fibers. As a proof 
of this, they are generally to be found among the roots of sickly plants, or where 
the only vegetation is the refuse that has been cast aside and is rotting. 

The larger escarabajos are lovers of palm trees, but are to be found among the 
roots of other vegetation far removed from palm groves. The smallest of the 
Rhynchophora, scarcely visible to the naked eye, has its habitat among some of 
the Solanacese and on the most beautiful of the guayabos. Numerous hidrofili- 
nos are to be- seen swimming in pools of stagnant and deleterious waters. 

To attribute the disease of the sugar cane to the larvae of the caculo is crass 
stupidity which causes public laughter. The author of this fleeting theory for- 
merly depended on the fanatical and ignorant belief of his political friends to 
sustain it. 

The Hymenopterse, or wasp family, are represented by the bee (Apis mellifica). 
Apiculture is unknown in this country, where the bee finds material at hand for 



224 

the preparation of honey and wax. If men of understanding should be sent to 
teach our people this industry, the gain in the future therefrom would he consider- 
able. Of other species of insects there are hardly any worth the mention. The 
comejen, of the tribe of Termites, is one of the most harmful of the country, 
destroying in a relatively short time the most solid wooden buildings. The Grillo 
talpa, or changa (Gryllotalpa hexadactyla) , is an intrusive foreigner, introduced 
here to our sorrow, probably in Peruvian guano, which concealed some of its eggs 
or larvae. It has caused incalculable damage in the young plantings of tobacco, 
rice, and garden stuff, and attacks everything but leguminous plants. 

The class of Arachnida? is poorly represented. In it figure two interesting 
species. "The hairy spider (Mygale spinicrus), which excavates holes in the 
mountain sides for" a nest. It has a repulsive appearance; its bite is to be feared. 
The guaba {Phrynus palmatus) hides under fallen trees in the forests and in the 
brushwood of damp caves. This spider is wrongly feared as terribly venemous. 
It can inflict a bite with its pointed defenders, but as these are unprovided with 
poisonous secretion it is comparatively harmless. The alacran, or scorpion, is 
provided with a sting. There remain the Garrapatas Ixodes, an annoying para- 
site, which infests cattle and horses, lodging itself in the ears and around the anus. 

The Annelida? are not worth mentioning, consisting of a few species of ground 
worms and those infesting the body of man and domestic animals. 

The Crustacea?, on the other hand, are numerous both on land and sea, in the 
rivers and waterfalls. Several kinds of lobsters (family Loricata) are caught on 
the rocky shores of our coasts. In our rivers shrimp abound and some species of 
large crabs, while among the stones washed by small cascades in the deep ravines 
formed by closely-meeting mountain sides our peasants search for the buruquena 
(Epilabocera cubensis), which is of delicate flavor. To the same family belong 
the centipedes (Scolopendra) and the gongolones (Jidtis). The first-named 
inflicts a terrible bite, but the second is wrongly feared, being harmless. 

The mollusks are very numerous as well in species as in numbers. The land 
species are univalve, only one species of bivalves having been found by Dr. Gund- 
lach, near Guanica. Their color is uniform, and at first sight attracts but little 
attention. It is worthy of note that many species are to be found only in certain 
very circumscribed limits — as, for instance, the meridianal coast has some species 
entirely unknown in the rest of our little island. On the shores, either in the sands 
or adhering to the rocks, are great numbers of univalves and bivalves of varied 
form and beautiful colors. The Venus shell ( Venus dione) is one of the most 
curious of the malacologic fauna. 

The polypus and cuttlefish, of the order of Cephcdophorce, which abound in 
these waters, are much appreciated for their delicate flesh. Their great tentacles, 
provided with innumerable suckers, distinguish them from all other mollusks. 

The Radiata? are scarce in species; but members of the Echinida? and Asteridae 
families, the latter commonly known as starfish, are numerous along the shores. 

The Polypi are very widespread along the coral formations of our coast, which 
is composed in its greater part of this material, extending some way inland and 
resembling real rock formation. On the sand flats the naked polypi and different 
forms of medusa? are common. These latter, generally known here as " agua- 
viva," are to be found swimming just below the surface, their numerous tentacles 
spread out from their gelatinous bodies. They exhibit brilliant iridescent colors, 
and are to be feared by reason of the caustic effect produced by contact with their 
pulpy bodies. The finest coral growths are to be found in the depths of still 
waters. Our sponges are not very serviceable for purposes of commerce. 

The flora of our island is as rich as its fauna. From the shore to mountain top, 
from north to south, there is a profusion and variety of splendid vegetation. 

As in all intertropical countries of the character of Porto Rico, the Dicotyle- 
donea?, or plants exceeding in woody element, are more numerous than the Mona- 
cotyledonea?, and these latter more numerous than the Acotyledonea?. Belonging 
to the first family were the luxuriant and, at times, gigantic trees of our former 
extensive and impenetrable forests, among the second the majestic palms, and in 
the third the gigantic Felix fern and others of fair size which cover the argilla- 
ceotis soil of the crags and high mountains. 

If we were to divide our plants into groups according to their utility to man- 
kind, we should have to give the food plants first place. Most of these have been 
introduced from Europe, Asia, and Africa and are cane, coffee, yam, yautia, plan- 
tain, calabash, bean, gandul (a species of bean) , as well as fruit trees and other 
useful plants, such as cocoanut, breadfruit, mango, nispero, quenepa, orange, 
pomarosa, ernajagua, malla, zarza amarilla, lemon, acacia. 

Sugar cane was introduced from the East Indies; coffee from Arabia and Africa; 
rice and vegetables from Spain; the plantain, yam, yautia, cocoanut, and bread- 
fruit from Africa; mango and orange probably from the Canary Islands; the nis- 
pero and quenepa from South America. The only indigenous food plants are yuca, 



225 

malanga, gunda, yuquilla, maize, aguacate, maguey, and a few others. Tobacco 
is also a native and is to-day one of our principal crops, exceeding in quality all 
other tobaccos, with the exception of the Cuban leaf from the Vuelta Abajo district. 

Our massive forest trees supply fine woods of every description, especially veined 
cabinet woods and woods of iron hardness; but the rapid destruction of our forests 
under the devastating ax is greatly to be deplored. Unless some energetic meas- 
ures are taken, they will have disappeared within a very short time. Our peasant 
knows only how to destroy: he has no thoughts for the morrow. Cedar almend- 
rillo, capa' prieto, male cedar, laurel sabina, capa' blanca, ortegon, cana fistula 
and cana fistula cimarrona, guayacan, pendulo rojo and pendulo bianco, tachuelo, 
and many other fine trees can almost be considered extinct in the island, and we 
shall soon have to import our timber for building purposes. Whole forests of 
valuable lumber have been destroyed by burning, representing a capital lost for 
their owners. In course of extinction are also the yaya, magar, tortugo amarillo, 
maricao, ausubo, and even the oak. With difficulty the following species are 
conserved: The ucar granadillo, guaraguao, and several laurels and, in the high 
mountains, tabonueo, cucubano, sebonquillo. and others. 

The shores, almost bare of trees, now and then produce gome mangroves of the 
red, white, and button species, and magos. 

The trees we have named are the most valued for solid buildings and for cabinet- 
work. Others of less value and strength are the ceiba, pomarosa, aguacate, geo- 
geo, javilla, mamey, guama, and guaba. 

Among fruit trees producing succulent fruits are aguacate, nispero, mamey, 
mamey zapote, saimito caimitillo, austibo, pomarosa, jagua, cerezo, grosella, 
guama, pajuil, and hicaco. 

The different classes of higueros are of great value owing to the hardness of the 
shell of their fruit. 

Among medicinal toxic plants we may mention mamzanilla, tilcoy, tibey rojo, 
tabaco, carrasco, rabano cimarron, and all the araceas and many belonging to the 
family of Euphorbias. 

Distinguished for their beautiful and at times fragrant flowers are the magar, 
bello or mauricio, pendulo rojo, cana fistula, guavo, taman, tabaiba, roble, all the 
mirtaicas. In this direction the shrubs and herbs are more notable. In the win- 
ter season our pastures and mountain sides are covered with convolvuli, sinan- 
tereas, verbenas, and leguminosge, and the orchidese and other parasites display 
their blossoms on the limbs of trees. On the placid waters of the pools the 
Nymphea and Eichhorn\a azurea extend themselves. 

The foods most liked by our herbivorous animals are malojilla and guinea grass, 
both of which are exotic gramineae, the name of their introducer not being known. 
They eat also some of the native grasses, whose growth, however, is very inferior 
to those mentioned. Fifty square meters of the former will easily sustain one ox 
or horse, while three times the quantity of native grass would be necessary for the 
same purpose. 

If the flora of our north coast can be distinguished from that of the south, with 
only 1° of latitude between them, much more so the floras of the coast and high 
mountains, where the corresponding distance is 10° or 1,100 meters of height, equal 
to 28° north latitude. 

Before terminating we will mention the guano tree, useful for the fiber con- 
tained in its great capsules, which fiber we use for stuffing pillows and mattresses. 

As textile plants, we have cotton, maguey, and emajagua, and, less useful, the 
guasima and some herbaceous malvaceas. 

The scope of this article does not allow of a detailed account of the different 
plants of our flora, but we have mentioned the most common and notable ones. 

We conclude this paper with a list of the flora already mentioned, their common, 
scientific, and family names. 



Common name. 



Scientific name. 



Family. 



Ortegon .. 

Ausubo 

Ucar -. 

Capa prieto 

Capa blanca 

Pendulo rojo 

Tachuelo. 

Guayacan 

Espino rubial 

Guayabacan 

Tortugo amarillo 



Coccoloba rugosa 

Dipholis 

Bucida buceras 

Cordia ger ascanttms 

Petitia domingensis 

Citharexylum quadrangulare 

Pictetia squamosa 

Guaj acuin officinale 

Xanthoxylum ochroxylum 

Myrica divaricata 

Sideroxylon pallidum _ 



Polygonese. 

Sapoteae. 

C ombre tacese. 

Borragineae. 

Verbenaceae. 

Do. 
Leguminosae. 
Zygophylleae. 
Rutaceae. 
Myrtacese. 
Sapoteae. 



1125- 



-15 



226 

Trees whose timber is less strong and resisting. 



Common name. 


Scientific name. 


Family. 










Xanthoxylumdava hercules 


Rutaceae. 


Roble 
















Laurel 


Laizrus - 

Byrsonima spicata. 


Laurineae. 
Malpighiaceae. 































Trees with ordinary timber for building and inferior usefulness. 



Ceboruquillo 

Cabo de bacha . . . 

Mamey .. 

Mangle, Colorado 
Mangle, bianco . . 
Mangle, boton . . . 

Palo debueso 

Palo de doncella. 

Mago 

Guara. 

Jacana 



Tbouinia tomentosa . Sapindeae. 

Trichilia hirta__ Melicas. 

Mammea americana Guttiferae. 

Rhizophora mangle Rbizopboreae. 

Avicennia nitida Verbenaceae. 

Conocarpus erectus Coinbretaceae. 

Linociera compacta Olinese. 

Byrsonima lucida Malpigbiacea9. 

Hernandia sonora j LaurineaB. 

Cupania americana i Sapindaceae. 

Sucuma multiflora ■. | Sapotaceae. 



Trees whose timber is of poor quality and of slight duration. 



Jobo 

Almacigo 

Cayur 

Jaboncillo 

Palo de muneca 
Ceiba 

Palo de burro .. 
Palo de jaqueca 

Acbiotillo... 

Masa 



Spondias lutea 

Busser a gurr uf er a 

Anona palustris 

Sapindus saponaria 

Rauwolfia nitida 

Eriodendron anfractuosum 

Caparis verrucosa 

Tbespesia populnea 

Alcbornea tifolia 

Hedwigia balsamif era 



Terebintbaceae. 

Do. 
Anonaceas. 
Sapindaceae. 
Apocyneas. 
Bombaceae. 
Capparideae. 
Malvaceae. 
Euphorbiaceas. 
Terebintliaceae. 



Trees whose wood is fit for fine cabinet work. 



Magar 


Tbespesia grandiflora 

Cedrela odorata 

9 


Malvaceae. 




9 




Magnolia portoricensis 










Colubrina ferrginosas 

Exostemma floribundum 










Do. 






Euphorbiaceae. 
Do. 


Taiti 











Indigenous fruit trees. 



Guanabana 

Anon 

Corazon 

CMna dulce 

Cerezas 

Pajuil 

Guayaba . . . 

Jagua 

Caimito 

Aguacate . . 
Guama 



Anona muricata 

Anona squamosa 

Anon a reticulata 

Citrus aurantium 

Malpighia punicif olia 

Anacardium occidentale 

Psidium paniferum 

Gnipa americana 

Crysopbyllum cainito . . 

Per sea gratissima 

Inga laurina 



Anonaceae. 

Do. 

Do. 
Aurantiaceas. 
Malpigbiacese. 
Terebinthacese. 
Myrtaceae. 
Rubiaceae. 
Sapoteae. 
Laurinae. 
Leguminosse mi- 
mosae. 



227 

Trees and plants imported and propagated. 



Common name. 



Scientific name. 



Family. 



Ciruela 

Almendro 

Cafe 

Pomarosa. 
Nispero - . . 
Quenepa . . 

Coco 

Saman 

Acacia 



Mangifera indica ... 
Spondias purpurea 
Terminalia catappa 

Caffea arabica 

Jambosa vulgaris. . 

Sapota achras 

Melicocca bijuga ... 

Cocos nucifera 

Calliandra saman... 

Acacia lebliek 



Terebinthaceae. 

Do. 
Combretaceae. 
Rubiaceae. 
Myrtaceae. 



Sapindaceae. 
Palmae. 

Leguminosae mi- 
moseae. 
Do. 



Trees and plants useful for various purposes. 



Guasima 

Emajagua ... 

Guano 

Guaba. 

Higuero 

Maguey 

Juan caliente 

Malla 

Acbiote 

Bejuco prieto 



Guasima ilmif olia . . 
Paritium tiliaceum 
Ochronia lagopus.. 

Inga vera 

Crescentia cujete.. 

Agave 

Rourea glabra 

Bromelia 

Bixa crellana 

Hippocratea ovata . 



Butteriacese. 

Malvaceae. 

Bombaceae. 

Leguminoseae. 

Bignoniacese. 

Linaceae. 

Terebinthaceae. 

Bromeliacese. 

Bixineae. 

Hippocrateaceae. 



Plants considered as poisonous. 



Manzanillo 

Carrasco ..-•- 

Javilla 

Tibey bianco 

Yuca 

Tibey Colorado . . 

Don Tomas 

Rabano cimarr6n 
Bejuco de mona . 
Barbasco 



Hippomane mancinella 
Comocladia ilicifolia... 

Jura crepitans 

Ysotoma longiflora 

Janipba manihot 

Tupa assurgens 

Jatropha multifida 

Diff enbachia seguine . . 

Cisampelus pareira 

Saurella alba... 



Eupborbiaceae. 

Terebintbaceae. 

Eupborbiaceae. 

Lobeliaceae. 

Eupborbiaceae. 

Lobeliaceae. 

Euphorbiaceae. 

Aroideae. 

Menispermeae. 

Canellaceae. 



Bayamon, P. R. 



WOODS OF PORTO RICO AND THEIR USES. 
[Revised by the Director of Agriculture, San Juan, for tbe Commissioner.] 



Spanish name. 



English name. 



Specific 
gravity. 



Uses. 



Abelluello . 

Abispillo 

Aceitillo — 
Aceitunillo 
Algarrobo . 



Almendro 

Aquilon 

Ausubo 

Bucare 

Cacao cimarron 

Cafeillo 

Caimitillo 

Caimito 

Canela 

Canelilla 

Ca pa bianco 

Capacillo 

Capa prieto 

Caracolillo. 

Cedro macho ... 
Cedro Hembra . 

Cenizo 

Cerezo 

Co.jova 



Satin wood 



Gum animae or carob. . 
Indian cherry; almond 
Bullet wood 



Fire wood 



Star apple 

do 

Cinnamon . 



Cedar (bastard) .. 
Cedar 

White goose foot , 
Cherry tree 



.75 
.90 



.90 

.88 
1.09 

.77 
1.08 

.85 

1.78 

.85 

.87 



.75 
1.20 



Boards. 
Shooks. 
Cabinet wood. 
Boards. 

"Wagon wheels and other objects 
where rough usage is required. 
Boards. 

Do. 
Much used for building. 
Boards. 

Walking sticks, firewood. 
Charcoal. 

Shingles, barrel staves, charcoal. 
Boats. 
Boards. 

Do. 

Do. 
No use. 
Boats, boards. 
Hard wood for building. 
Boards. 
Cabinet wood. 
Formerly for hogsheads. 
Shooks. 
Posts and fencing. 



228 

Woods of Porto Rico and their uses — Continued. 



Spanish name. 



English name. 



Specific 
gravity. 



Uses. 



Corazon. 



Coscorron. 
Corcho 



Bull's heart of sweet 
sop. 



Cuero deSapo :.. 

Cucubano 

Cienigilla 

Dama Juana (a bush) 

Ebony. -. 

Espejurlo-bobo 

Espinillo (a very large 

tree). 

Espinorubio 

Flamboyant - --. 

Gallina (a shrub). 

Gen gen 

Geno geno 

Guaba.- - - 

Guajanillo, same as cara- 

cohllo. 

Guama 

Guanabana 

Guasabara 

Guasabarillo 

Guasima 

Guasimillo.- 

Guabara 

Guara - — . 

Guaraguao. 

Guayaba .- 

Guyacan . - -- 



Guayabota. 
Aceituna... 
Higuerillo. . 
Higuero 



Soursop . 



Hortegon 
Hucar 



Hucar amarillo. . 
Hucar Colorado. . 

Hucarillo 

Huso amarillo ... 

Huso bianco 

Huso Colorado... 

Jaboncillo 

Jagua 

Jobo 

Juso- 

Laurel bianco . . 
Laurel amarillo 

Lechicillo , 

Limoncillo 

Mahogany 

Maria 

Maricao 

Maza 

Moca 

Mora - 

Mameyuelo 

Moral ._ 

Multa 

Muneco 

Naranja 

Negralora.-t 

Nispero 

Nuez moscado . . 

Hoja menuda 

Oak _ 

Palo bianco 

Palo bobo 

Palo de hierro . . 
Palo polio 



Palo puerco. 
Palo santo . . 

Pendula 

Pimiento 

Pomarosa . . . 



Guava fruit tree 
Lignumvitae 



Gourd tree 



Soapwort . 



Bay tree . 
Tola"."'. 



Mulberry 

Species of mulberry. 



Shrub- 

Bitter orange . 



Tropical plum. 
Nutmeg - 



Shrub . 
do 



Shrub 

Rose apple . 



.65 
.90 



.84 



.82 



1.08 
1.10 



.68 



1.16 

.66 

1.09 

.66 

.51 

1.25 

1.06 

1.07 
.93 



1.30 
.63 



1.12 
.84 



.79 
1.20 



1.02 
.57 

1.06 
.59 
.48 
.91 

1.02 



.77 

.54 

1.07 



.87 
.70 
.84 
1.02 
.70 



Charcoal. 

Boards. 

Used for charcoal and to sharpen 
steel instruments and carpen- 
ters' tools. 

Hut building, firewood. 

Boards, firewood. 

Boards Tone of the fine woods). 

Firewood. 

Boards. 
Firewood. 

Do. 

Machete handles. 

Wooden pans of gold seekers. 

Shade for coffee. 
Firewood. 

Do. 
Do. 
Do. 
Do. 

Fibre used for rope. 
Firewood. 

Do. 

Do. 
Boards and cabinet wood. 

One of the hardest building woods 

of the island. 
Posts. 

Boat building. 
Boards. 
Firewood; fruit furnishes the 

peasants cups, etc. 
Hardest wood known. 
Hard wood (coffee and cocoa 
shade). 

Do. 

Do. 
Hard wood. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Boards. 

Boards, coaches, and wagons. 
Fence posts. 
Posts. 
Furniture. 
Boards, furniture. 
Firewood. 
Cabinet. 

Do. 

Do. 
Cabinet, firewood. 
Firewood. 
Coffee shade. 
Cabinet wood. 
Boards. 

Fruit used for coloring rum, etc. 
Firewood. 

Boards. 



Hut building. 

Do. 
Charcoal. 

Handles for machetes, pans for 

gold seekers. 
Charcoal. 

Boards, posts. 
Very hard wood. 
Charcoal (fruit said to be 30 per 
cent sugar). 



229 



Woods of Porto Rico and their uses — Continued. 



Spanish name. 


English name. 


Specific 
gravity. 


Uses. 






.87 
1.07 

.89 

.85 
1.11 

.55 
1.13 

..66 

1.12 
1.25 














Do. 


Roble 


Oak 

Shrub . 




















Tabonuco, a very resinous 




shadow of this tree are poisoned 
by its exhalations. Useless. 
Timber. 


tree. 










Do. 












1.05 


















the drug digitalina). 
















Yaiti 




.94 


"Walking sticks. 








Five-leaved silk cotton 
tree. 




ing wood. 




















1.11 

.74 












Shrub 










rope fiber. 











VEGETABLES OF THE ISLAND. 

Achiote . Annato seed, used for coloring rice, etc. 

Ajo % Garlic. 

Ajonjoli -Sesame seed. 

Algarroba Carob bean. 

Apio - Celery. 

Arroz - Upland rice. 

Batata Sweet potato. 

Berengena .Eggplant. 

Calabaza Squash or pumpkin. 

Cana dulce Sugar cane. 

Cebolla Onion. 

Col Cabbage. 

Eddoes. . _ A tuber used for food. 

Frijol Black bean. 

Gandul Small red bean. 

Gingamboa Seed like a small lentil. 

Guisante Pease. 

Gumbo Okra, used for soup. 

Habichuela String bean. 

Hedionda „ Small berry used by natives instead of coffee. 

Higuera Gourd used, to make peasant's cup, ladle, and spoon 

Kenep Kenep. 

Lechosa A species of muskmelon. 

Lechuga Lettuce. 

Lenteja Lentil. 

Leren Species of small potato. 

Maiz Corn. 

Malagueta Tabasco pepper. 

Mani Peanut. 

Mel6n Melon. 

Nabo : Turnip. 

JSTami .Yam, a large tuber. 

Papas Potatoes. 

Pepino Angola Angola cucumber. 

Pimienta Green pepper. 

Rabano Radish. 



1/ 



230 

Remolache Beet. 

Tallote A corrugated, pear-shaped green vegetable. 

Tanier A plant, the leaves of which are boiled and eaten. 

Tabaco — Tobacco. 

Tomate Tomato. 

Yuca Cassava, manioc, a starch food. 

Zanachoria - . Carrot. 

Zandia. _ . Watermelon. 

FRUITS OF THE ISLAND. 

Aguacate Alligator pear. 

Almendro Wild almond. 

Cacao Chocolate bean. 

Cafe Coffee. 

Caimito Small red fruit. 

Cereza : Tropical cherry. 

China . . Sweet orange. 

China injerta . Bitter sweet orange. 

Cidra Species of grapefruit. 

Coco -.- Cocoanut. 

Corazon Soursop, a large sweet fruit. 

Corozo Ivory nut. 

Coyoll Coyoll palm fruit. 

Fresa.. .Wild strawberry. 

Fruta de pan Breadfruit. 

Grosella A kind of gooseberry growing on a tree in clusters like 

grapes. 

G-uanabana Custard apple. 

Guayaba Guava. 

Guinda Species of currant. 

Guineo ... Small plantain. 

Hicaco .- -. Coco plum. 

Higos chumbo Cactus pear. 

Lima Lime. 

Limon Lemon (sweet). 

Mamey . . . Mamee, sopota. 

Mangle . . .White pulp inclosed in shell of fruit of mangrove tree. 

Mango _. Mango. 

Mangotin Mangosteen , fruit of size of apple. 

Multas _-- Mulberries. 

Naranja Bitter orange. 

Nispero . .Russet fruit, very sweet. 

Nuez moscada ...Nutmeg (spice). 

Pajuil A small pulpy stone fruit. 

Pinas Pineapples, three varieties — sugar loaf, Mayaguez, and 

Cimarron or wild. 

Platano .Plantain or banana; there are 20 or more varieties. 

Pomarosa Rose apple, an edible berry. 

Tamarindo .Tamarind fruit. 

Toronja Grape fruit. 

Uvas de playa. Seaside grape (so called in British West Indies). 

MEDICINAL AND OTHER PLANTS. 

Acerga Flavoring herb. 

Anil Indigo. 

Arrowroot 

Cana fistula. Medicinal plant. 

Calantro Herb used for soup. 

Flor de nacahuita. Dried flour used medicinally. 

Gengibre Ginger. 

Helecho Male fern. 

Mabi Bark used for liquor. 

Malanga A farinaceous root. 

Mato A small round gray bean, medicinal. 

Oregano Wild marjoram. 

Patchouli A mint-like plant. 

Perejil .Parsley. 

Tabaluco A resin extracted from a tree used as vermifuge. 

Yuquilla Ginger-like medicinal root. 



231 

THE INSULAR GOVERNMENT. 

CHARACTER OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1898. 
Seiior Luis Munoz Rivera, secretario de la gobernacion : 

Dr. Carroll. I heard a great deal about you even before I left the 
United States, and I am very glad of this opportunity to meet you. 
I desire your views on the condition of things in Porto Rico, and as 
to what would be best to be done to advance the welfare of the island. 

Mr. Rivera. If you will give me concrete questions, I will be bet- 
ter able to give you the information you desire. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the present political conditions of Porto 
Rico? Are the Porto Ricans divided on party lines; and if so, on 
what lines? 

Mr. Rivera. Under the Spanish rule in Porto Rico there existed 
two political parties — one a small one, the party of the rulers, whose 
basis was the Peninsula ; the other a large one, composed almost entirely 
of natives of. the country. The ruling party was able to keep itself 
in power for a long period, thanks to the electoral privileges which 
were conceded them. In the opposition partj^ all the Porto Ricans 
were united, but on the establishment of the autonomous regime, and 
on the declaration of universal suffrage in 1897, the Peninsula party 
was reduced to an insignificant minority, and the Porto Rican party 
was divided into two branches. One of these branches, more moder- 
ate than the other, was called the Liberal party, and the other party, 
more advanced, called itself the Radical. The Liberal party is much 
larger than the Radical party and has won in all electoral struggles 
since the establishment of autonomy in the island. Their defeats 
irritated the Radical party, which resorted to violent proceedings, 
making use at times of even personal insults, which has brought on 
a condition of affairs making politics very difficult in this country. 

When the American army took possession of the whole island in a 
definite manner on October 18, things were in the following situation: 

When General Brooke, who was of the opinion that the various sec- 
retaries should continue the exercise of their respective functions, 
continued in office the secretaries who had received their election to 
office by the votes of the Liberal party, their adversaries inaugurated 
a violent campaign against them, in spite of old unions being dis- 
solved and in spite also of the fact that the council of the island tries 
by every means to bring to its side all conflicting elements in the 
island. I do not think that any great difference exists between the 
two parties in their primary principles, and I believe the present 
opposition is owing entirely to reasons of personal rancor on the part 
of those who have determined the struggle. The citizens of Porto 
Rico are for the most part democrats (I use the word "democrats" 
in the broad sense of the word, not as indicating the tenets of any 
political party). All of them aspire to preserve the individuality of 
the country within the union of the states, and as no fundamental 
principle divides us, it is possible that concord will soon be reestab- 
lished and that the Government of the United States will find in the 
island immense opportunities for working out her objects and for 
arriving at an era of progress and general welfare. That is my idea 
of the general condition of the island. 



232 

Dr. Carroll. May it be said that tlie autonomous system is fairly 
installed? 

Mr. Rivera. When the Americans arrived the autonomous system 
was fully introduced, but to-day the government is a military one, 
and that government settles matters having any importance. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to have an explanation of the general 
scheme of government here at the time our troops arrived, and, if it 
would be just as convenient, I would be pleased to have you divide 
the subject into the three parts — the legislative, judicial, and execu- 
tive — and give me a plain exposition of each. 

Mr. Rivera. The legislative power was exercised by two chambers, 
representatives and councilors of administration, who constituted a 
sort of senate. These chambers had the power to legislate on esti- 
mates, public instruction, sanitation, charities, public works, and, in 
general, upon everything which affected the life of the island locally. 

Dr. Carroll. Were they subject to any veto power? 

Mr. Rivera. Yes; the governor-general had the right of vetoing 
the statutes voted by the chambers which required his approbation to 
acquire executive character. The opportunity of exercising this right 
of veto never arrived, because the first legislature was dissolved 
immediately on being called, owing to the war. 

Dr. Carroll. How were the members of the legislature elected? 

Mr. Rivera. The election of representatives was by universal suf- 
frage, exercised by all males above the age of 25 years. The election 
of councillors, or senators, was by indirect suffrage; that is, the towns 
elected their representatives, who in turn voted for the senators, but 
had no other function. 

Dr. Carroll. How many members were there in the senate? 

Mr. Rivera. The senate was composed of 15 members, 8 of whom 
were elected by popular vote, as before stated, and 7 members were 
named by the Spanish Crown. 

Dr. Carroll. Were the representatives all voted for on the ballots? 

Mr. Rivera. Yes ; all of them. 

Dr. Carroll. How many of them were there. 

Mr. Rivera. Thirty-two. 

Dr. Carroll. This was the system prevailing under autonomy? 

Mr. Rivera. Yes. 

THE EXECUTIVE POWER. 

Mr. Rivera. The executive power was exercised by a governor- 
general and four secretaries, one of public works and public instruc- 
tion, another of justice, another of finance, and one of gobernacion 
(government). No act of the governor was valid unless one of the 
secretaries added his assent to it — that is to say, it must have the 
approbation of at least one of the secretaries, and the secretaries in 
turn could not decree any measure without the approbation of the 
governor ; so that together the council of administration and the gov- 
ernor had charge of all executive functions, and it was their duty to 
apply all statutes passed by the chambers. The secretaries were 
required to be members of one of the two chambers — either of repre- 
sentatives or senators. The governor, besides the power which he 
exercised in company with the secretaries, took under his charge all 
matters of a diplomatic character and was the sole manager of eccle- 
siastical matters in the island by virtue of the patronato real or spe- 
cial powers conferred on him by the Holy See for that purpose, 
making him virtually the head of the church here. The governor, 



233 

together with the secretaries, named all the employees of the colony, 
and he alone the employees of his special secretarial department. But 
in each ministerial department the secretary was at the head of affairs 
and directed without hindrance of any sort all matters pertaining to 
his department. The governor-general had the right to evoke and 
dissolve the chambers and to remove his ministers at will. 

THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 

The judiciary was directed by the secretary of justice, and was 
composed of the territorial superior court at San Juan, which had 
jurisdiction of appeals from all civil and criminal judgments and 
decisions ; of the two audiencias, one at Ponce and one at Mayaguez, 
which only had jurisdiction in criminal matters; of several justices 
of first instance in the chief city of each district, who, as their desig- 
nation indicates, attended to preliminary proceedings and also suits 
of a civil character only. There was also a municipal justice in 
every city and town of the island, established to punish offenses for 
which the maximum penalty or punishment prescribed did not exceed 
one month's imprisonment, and who also had jurisdiction in civil cases 
where the amount involved was not greater than $200. 

RELIGION. 

The public treasurer paid all expenses connected with the Catholic 
Church in the island, which was the religion of the State, and in every 
city and in every town there were churches exclusively for Catholic 
worship. In Ponce only does there exist a Protestant church and 
minister. In the country there are no followers of any other religion. 

I will now compare the autonomous system with the system which 
it succeeded. Before the establishment of autonomy, or under the 
old system, the Governor- General was absolute master of the destinies 
of the country. He directed finances through a manager, who was 
his subordinate, who had under his order the chiefs of all the other 
departments, so that the country did not have a voice in any way in 
its government. The governor was surrounded by a number of influ- 
ential persons, to whom he granted favors, and on whom he depended 
to keep up the appearance of a system of representation which was at 
bottom completely false. There was a provincial deputation, with 
very limited powers, such powers as it had being purely administrative 
powers, and the budget of the country was voted by the Spanish 
Chambers, in which Porto Rico had a representation of 16 members 
and 3 senators, which representation it kept under the autonomous 
government. As regards the municipalities, they had no liberty for 
the administration of their interests, and all their acts were submitted 
for the approbation of the Governor-General, who appointed all munici- 
pal employees, naming arbitrarily every employee, even down to por- 
ters and janitors, and removing completely all initiative from the 
municipalities. It can be said that the Governor- General did every- 
thing in the government of Puerto Rico. 

Dr. Carroll. The present military government, as I understand 
it, is a continuation of the former system of government, with such 
changes as military control might require. 

Mr. Rivera. That is the case. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, the autonomistic system is not in operation 
to-day? 



234 

Mr. Rivera. I can not consider that we are to-day an autonomous 
government, because the fact of the invasion dissolved the chambers, 
and the secretaries are not responsible members of the government. 
They have to appeal to General Brooke. 

Dr. Carroll. It is a system of government ad interim, awaiting 
legislation from the United States to make necessary changes? 

Mr. Rivera. The country generally understands that, and desire 
and hope that the United States will legislate for them in- such a way 
that their road to progress will be easy. 

Dr. Carroll. Would the Territorial system of the United States 
be a satisfactory system for Porto Rico, with such adaptations as 
may be necessary? 

Mr. Rivera. I will answer that at some length. The Territorial 
system of the United States is perfectly applicable to Porto Rico — 
with a governor at the head of the country ; a secretary to consult with 
him, to keep him informed ; a manager of the treasury ; a manager of 
the post-office, and a manager of public works, which office does not 
exist in the Territories of the United States, but which is here neces- 
sary and indispensable, because public works can not be here exclu- 
sively a municipal matter. These functionaries would be sufficient to 
manage all matters of the Territory. The business of the government 
should be further simplified by the concession of absolute liberty to 
the municipalities, so that they themselves could resolve, without any 
hindrance, their own municipal problems, the administration of jus- 
tice being under the direction of the Supreme Court. There should 
exist also a legislature, with power to make laws, which should be 
submitted for approbation to the Congress of the United States. 

The country would be satisfied with this system, and under its pro- 
tection would prepare itself gradually for statehood, which is the 
highest aspiration of the natives of the country, a consummation 
which might arrive in a comparatively short period of time if the 
culture and richness of the island be taken into account, which are 
equal to the minor States of the Union itself. Porto Ricans desire 
that the military occupation should be as brief as possible, and that 
the situation at present existing shall be normalized, not being subject 
to the will of the governor or the President of the United States, but 
that the colonial life shall be subject to the necessary and appropriate 
, laws. 

To conclude, Porto Rico aspires to statehood and accepts as a 
transitory condition that of a Territory, asking that the military regi- 
men may be concluded as soon as possible. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose that the people of Porto Rico want true 
home rule, not only for the general affairs of the island but for munici- 
palities. Now, I am told that there are a great many municipalities, 
more than are really needed for the island ; that there is a great deal 
of municipal machinery, and that it would be better that some of the 
municipalities should be merely towns and villages. If that is so, I 
desire to ask whether it would not be well to inaugurate the system of 
counties which we have in all our States? 

Mr. Rivera. I don't consider the system of counties practicable in 
this country. 

Dr. Carroll. Let me explain further. These counties are judicial 
districts. At the county seats, so called, are the county courts, places 
for the registration of property transfers, mortgages, wills, etc. , a board 
of taxation, a school superintendent, etc., and the general business of 
the county is there transacted. The county is also a legislative dis- 



235 

trict. It would seem that there ought to be similar divisions here, 
and would it not be well to call them counties and give them county 
government? 

Mr. Rivera. As regards the county court-house, under the judicial 
system as at present in vogue every group of five or six municipalities 
has its judge of first instance. As to municipal matters generally, I 
think every municipality should be its own master and not be subject 
to any county council; that if it saw fit to build a road or a bridge 
or other improvement it should be free to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. They have' that right under our form of government. 

Mr. Rivera. Then I don't see the advantage of having that division. 
Is the object of the county to resolve questions affecting a number of 
communities all together? 

Dr. Carroll. Partly that and partly to stand between the munici- 
pality and £he State. For example, as districts convenient for 
electing members to the legislature; as districts convenient to the 
exercise of judicial functions; as districts convenient for the regis- 
tration of deeds and other documents; as districts convenient for the 
exercise of school superintendency; for the construction and mainte- 
nance of county roads and bridges, and for the purpose of assessment 
and collection of taxes and remittal to the State authorities. 

Mr. Rivera. I believe that such an institution or organization 
would be both practical and useful, and we possess almost the same 
institution here to-day, except that we have an anarchical state of 
affairs existing in these institutions at present, some so-called coun- 
ties being in one district for judicial matters, in another district for 
military matters, and in another district for other matters; but I con- 
sider the proposition you suggest a very practical and useful one. 

Dr. Carroll. The object of the county is to unify all those inter- 
ests and to bring home to the people the privileges of government, so 
that in a country where it may cost a great deal to travel the people 
may not have to go very far to seek governmental aid in any direc- 
tion. If the Territorial form of government is introduced here in its 
simplicity, it would probably do away with a great many posts which 
exist under the present government. Would that be an objection? 

Mr. Rivera. Not in the least. The country would be pleased to 
see the government simplified and the disappearance of useless 
sinecures. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask what were the limitations of suf- 
frage previous to the establishment of universal suffrage in 1897? 

Mr. Rivera. Voting was only allowed to those persons who paid to 
the state taxes above the value of $5 without regard to what they paid 
to the municipality, and all public servants and employees also had 
votes, no matter what their salaries. It was an original and curious 
system under which those who collected the money could vote, but 
those who paid it out had no vote ; by which means the government 
was able to retain in power its own party continually, and although 
consisting of an insignificant minority in point of numbers these voters 
were the absolute dictators of the island. It has been known to hap- 
pen in San Juan that the number of voters who were employed by the 
state were greater in number than the number of citizen voters ; there- 
fore it can easily be seen that all outside parties together had no voice 
in the government. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well to change the minimum age 
limit with respect to the right of suffrage by reducing it from 25 years 
to 21 years, as is the general rule in the United States? 



236 

Mr. Rivera. Taking into consideration the state of education of 
our people and also the difference in race — the Anglo-Saxon race being 
a considering and debating and calm people, whereas the Latin race 
is excitable and undeliberative, and at the age of 21 years a man of 
the latter race has not formed character — I think it unwise to make 
the change suggested. I consider that the Government of the United 
States should give this matter of suffrage earnest attention, because 
it is perhaps the most serious which it will have to resolve. From 
the vote will proceed the government of the country, and experience 
has shown us already that it would be extremely dangerous to hand 
over our future to the masses, who are entirely without civic educa- 
tion and who might be wrongly directed by the audacity of agitators 
who would make them their tools. I wish to emphasize the fact, before 
our interview closes, that I am earnestly in favor of the establishment 
here of a Territorial form of government with the modifications pro- 
posed, and I can say that with the more genuineness because I hold an 
office which will be swept away by the change to a Territorial form. 



THE PROVINCIAL DEPUTATION. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 5, 1898. 

Mr. Manuel Egozcue (a merchant and vice-president of the provin- 
cial deputation). I hand you some books which refer to the provincial 
deputation, which I present to you. I was at the head of this institu- 
tion for six months, during which time, I think I can say truthfully, 
the country made some advance. One of these pamphlets treats of 
the rules governing vaccination, another of the provincial lottery, and 
there are also several reports here. 

Dr. Carroll. I thank you very much for these books; I shall find 
them valuable. I am desirous of information in regard to the pro- 
vincial deputation. 

Mr. Egozcue. The promulgation of the provincial law in Porto Rico 
and, as a consequence, the establishment of the provincial deputation 
was the first, step which the Spanish Government made in favor of 
administrative decentralization. 

The ayuntamiento was governed by a law which limited all popu- 
lar action with reference to their peculiar interests, because in the 
most important branches of the administration, and in their munici- 
pal budgets, the direct inspection of the governor-general was required, 
whose authority assumed all civil and military powers ; then came the 
deputation to fill a felt necessity demanded by the liberal spirit which 
has always been manifested in the country, for thus the said munici- 
pal corporations were not subjected to the absolute judgment and will 
of the governor, except that in permanent functions a commission of 
the deputation, which was elected by the people subdivided into elec- 
toral districts, knew of the local affairs and informed the superior 
authority after a careful examination of these. The orders emanating 
from the central provincial authority have been generally executive. 

The deputation came also to give impulse to the branches of bene- 
ficencia, instruction, and public works and health, establishing an 
asylum and colleges, and giving impulse to roads and cart roads for 
the development of the wealth which was found stationary on account 



237 

of the want of the elements which would determine its progressive 
movement. 

Then, with the promulgation of the first reforms in the system of 
autonomy, the deputation occupied an important place in the adminis- 
trative life of the country, charged the country with the government 
and direction of the peculiar interests of the province, the stimulation 
of its material interests, extending to everything in general which 
has reference to public works — telegraphic and postal communication, 
territorial and maritime, agriculture, industry and commerce, emigra- 
tion and colonization, public instruction, beneficencia and health, 
assemblies, expositions, and other institutions for industrial develop- 
ment (fomento) and other analogous objects, without other limitations 
than those inherent faculties in the sovereign power which the laws 
always reserve to the government of the nation. 

The centralization of the state thus became almost annulled, and 
the Province saw administered directly and liberally its interests by 
a popular corporation ably judging of its necessities and eager to 
supply them. The ayuntamientos moved also in their proper orbit 
and the deputation was the protecting center which guaranteed their 
popular action, and assisted with its elements to render aid in those 
beneficent enterprises for their respective municipal objects. 

The provincial deputation to-day has property worth $1,145,000. 
The cities of the island are its debtors to the extent of over $150,000, 
and the deputation itself does not owe more than $70,000 or $80,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the island has no debt? 

Mr. Egozcue. No; none whatever. 

Dr. Carroll. The provincial deputation has a treasury, and the 
provincial government has another treasury. Why is that? 

Mr. Egozcue. They have separate treasuries because they have sep- 
arate functions and separate collections. Each collects its income inde- 
pendently of the other. Although connected with the deputation, I 
am in favor of its disappearance, but not until after the establishment 
of another government. 

Dr. Carroll. Was the provincial deputation under the central 
government, or did it run parallel with it? 

Mr. Egozcue. Neither was subject to the other. They were inde- 
pendent bodies, with independent functions. The high officials of 
the provincial deputation are not paid any salaries. They are elected 
by popular vote and are not subject to anybody. 

Dr. Carroll. There are two departments, I understand, which 
were under the direction of the provincial deputation. One was that 
of fomento, and the other that of gobierno. 

Mr. Egozcue. No; it was purely administrative in its functions. 
Fomento was entirely under the charge of the provincial deputation 
under the autonomistic government, but not gobierno. 

Dr. Carroll. I thought those two departments were provided for 
in the budget. 

Mr. Egozcue. They simply made distribution or apportionment of 
the expenses of the gobierno, without having anything to do with it. 

Dr. Carroll. Well, the expenses of the province which were 
approved in Madrid also included these expenses, did they not? 

Mr. Egozcue. The last ones did not go to Madrid at all for approval. 
They were approved here. 

Dr. Carroll. The budget I saw was for 1897-98. 

Mr. Egozcue. It was reformed after it was adopted, and the refor- 
mations came in the form of decrees and royal orders. 



238 

Dr. Carroll. Can we get the estimates for 1898-99? 

Mr. Egozcue. There was no new estimate furnished. As the coun- 
try was in a state of war, the Government ordered that the previous 
one should be adopted. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the last one did not go to Madrid? 

Mr. Egozcue. The provincial deputation estimate is the one that 
did not go to Madrid. 

Dr. Carroll. When was the provincial deputation established? 

Mr. Egozcue. It was established when the decentralization of power 
commenced. You will find a full statement of it in the paper which 
I have included in the several documents handed to you. The pro- 
vincial deputation was the bulwark of defense against the Spanish 
Government. It was formed by popular election. The} 7 have the 
same thing in Spain; each province has one; but there the vice- 
president is named by the Crown, while here he is elected by the peo- 
ple. It is not legislative ; it is purely administrative. It is nothing 
more than a court for the protection of the people against the govern- 
ing bodies ; for instance, against the municipalities. It had to approve 
the estimates made by the municipalities, and where they transgressed 
the law in drawing up their estimates the provincial deputation 
intervened to see that the estimates were changed in that respect and 
made to conform to the law. 

Dr. Carroll. To whom was the provincial deputation responsible? 

Mr. Egozcue. I was and still am the vice-president of the provin- 
cial deputation and one of its permanent committee. Among the 
twelve provincial deputies five are chosen by the deputation itself to 
form a permanent committee to transact its current business. The 
deputation, as a body, meets only twice a year. In all the Spanish 
provincial deputations the deputies have salaries, but in Porto Rico 
they never have had salaries. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the twelve deputies all elected on one ballot or 
slip, or were they elected by districts? 

Mr. Egozcue. By districts. 

Dr. Carroll. What districts — the military, the judicial, or are 
there distinct districts for the purposes of the provincial deputation? 

Mr. Egozcue. The judicial districts. I wish to add here that the 
provincial deputation is the only institution in Porto Rico to-day 
which represents the popular vote. The present secretaries of the 
Government wish to do away with the provincial deputation at once, 
but I think it would be a pity at present to do away with the only 
institution in the island whose officers were elected by popular vote. 
Manuel Lopez does not wish it, but the other secretaries are trying to 
justify the salaries they are drawing. 



THE AUTONOMISTIC SYSTEM. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner. ] 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. I shall be very glad if you can give us a succinct 
statement of the insular civil government. 

Mr. Manuel F. Rossy. Owing to the representations made by the 
autonomist party; owing, also, in part to the pressure exerted from 
Washington during the Cuban war and to the situation in which Spain 
found herself as a result of that war, the autonomous government of 



239 

Porto Rico was instituted. Our programme had specially in vieWtwo 
objects: One was the citizenship of every inhabitant of the island, and 
the other was the installation of local self-government. Accepting 
these views and responding to our desires, the Spanish Government 
formulated the articles of the autonomous government which were in 
force Until the occupation of the island by the American forces. The 
Spanish Government recognized the Spanish citizenship of every inhab- 
itant of Porto Rico and gave them representation to enable them to 
take part in imperial decrees in all matters relating to the national 
affairs. In regard to the second point, the Government gave us power 
to direct our internal affairs, but not to the extent which we required. 

In obedience to these two principles, the following is the autono- 
mous constitution: 

A Governor-General, named by the Peninsula Government to repre- 
sent it here in Porto Rico, who was at the same time the military and 
naval commander of all the forces stationed here. 

A local government consisting of a president and four secretaries — 
namely, a secretary of the treasury, a secretary of the government, 
one of justice, and the fourth of fomento. The secretary of fomento 
includes the following portfolios: Public works, education, agricul- 
ture, and commerce. I was minister of public instruction under the 
first autonomical government. These ministers were named by the 
Governor- General from members of the political party which obtained 
a majority in the elections. 

Dr. Carroll. What was that election for? 

Mr. Rossy. For the purpose of electing members to constitute the 
local parliament under the autonomous regime. 

Dr. Carroll. Was that the first real election the people here had 
had? 

Mr. Rossy. That was not a real election; it was so unreal that I and 
my party retired from the government. The insular parliament was 
composed of two chambers, the higher one called the council of admin- 
istration and the lower the chamber of representatives. The latter 
chamber was composed of thirty-two members, elected by universal 
suffrage throughout the island. Any male person who had attained 
the age of 25 years and resided in the island was entitled to vote. 

Dr. Carroll. Are persons under the age of 25 regarded as infants 
in the eyes of the law? 

Mr. Rossy. That is only the case respecting the right of suffrage ; 
in all other civil matters 23 years constitute majority. The council 
of administration is composed of fifteen members, seven named by 
the Govenor-General from among persons resident in the island who 
possess certain requirements (which are too extensive to go into ad 
extenso) and eight elected by the people at large. Each of these 
chambers named its president and discussed everything concerning 
the management of the chambers and concerning the legality of the 
election of their respective members. This regimen has not been 
carried out here in its amplitude, because after the formation of the 
first cabinet war with the United States intervened, the autonomous 
government was suspended, and things went on without any autono- 
mous government. The ayuntamientos or municipal corporations 
which administered municipal business came under the autonomous 
municipal law. This never was put into practice. Above the munici- 
pal government there is a provincial government, which has jurisdic- 
tion over all questions in which persons who are not satisfied with 
municipal acts seek redress or correction at the hands of this body. 



240 

It has the characteristics of a superior tribunal. The provincial govern- 
ment was for the whole island as one province. Everybody was agreed 
that this body had to disappear, because the rest of the mechanism 
had not been brought into play. That is the extent of the insular 
government as lately decreed. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you give a general view in outline of the duties 
and powers of the Governor-General under this autonomistie system? 

Mr. Rossy. The following was the theory of his duties and powers 
under that system: He was a sort of constitutional king, according 
to the European system, because he had no powers of government 
vested in himself alone. The secretaries governed in their respective 
departments, and any act promulgated by the governor, in order to 
become legal, had to have the consent of the secretaries, which secre- 
taries made themselves personally responsible for their government 
to the insular parliament. The whole system is very analogous to 
the constitutional parliament system adopted by European countries. 
In military and naval matters the insular government had no juris- 
diction. Orders came direct from the Peninsular Government. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the scope of the duties and powers of the 
secretaries? 

Mr. Rossy. The secretaries were the chiefs of the administration of 
their respective departments, in the management of which they were 
subject to the laws respecting the same and to those which might be 
promulgated by the insular parliament. In other words, they were 
executive chiefs. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the scope of the functions of the legis- 
lative department? 

Mr. Rossy. The insular parliament had the power to legislate on 
all local questions except those which involve questions affecting the 
Empire in general, military and naval questions, war, and questions 
affecting the constitution. 

Dr. Carroll. Did they have the power to fix the budget of expenses 
and salaries in the island? 

Mr. Rossy. Yes ; with the obligation of voting, in addition to insu- 
lar estimates, the amount assigned by the nation as our proportion 
of the general contribution. 

Dr. Carroll. Had the insular parliament the right of fixing the 
customs duties without reference to Madrid? 

Mr. Rossy. No; they did not have that power. This was the only 
exception to the rule above mentioned. The tariff was fixed hy a 
commission appointed by Spain, in conjunction with another com- 
mission appointed by the island, who arranged and fixed the tariff 
schedules and everything else connected with the custom-house in 
Puoto Rico. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that the tariff that the Americans found in opera- 
tion here? 

Mr. Rossy. No ; they never got further than the naming of their 
employees for the customs service. The present is the old Spanish 
system. 

Dr. Carroll. How long has it been in force? 

Mr. Rossy. I can not say with certainty; but I believe it is the 
modus vivendi which was arranged when the last treaty was abro- 
gated, in 1890 or 1891. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the present tariff satisfactory to merchants? 

Mr. Rossy. No; it is too high. It tends unduly to favor what they 
call Catalonian business men. 



241 

Dr. Carroll. Returning to the question of legislation; did the 
legislature legislate directly for the districts and municipalities, or for 
the municipalities through the districts? 

Mr. Rossy. I do not understand the question fully. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the districts here correspond to our counties in 
the United States? 

Mr. Rossy. No ; they are different. A municipal district here con- 
sists of a portion of territory embracing a certain number of houses; 
that is the basis of the municipality. There are 70 municipal dis- 
tricts in Puerto Rico. 

Dr. Carroll. What is meant by the "seven districts?" 

Mr. Rossy. That is a division for military purposes. Each of the 
70 municipal districts has its municipal government, and these munic- 
ipal governments are subject to the provincial deputation. The 
island is further divided into 11 judicial districts entirely distinct 
from the municipal and military divisions. The military districts of 
the island are the capital, Arecibo, Aguadilla, Mayaguez, Ponce, 
Guayama, and Humacao, at the head of each of which there was a 
military commander. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the composition of the municipal govern- 
ment? 

Mr. Rossy. The actual state of affairs in municipal and provincial 
government is the old one. Thej^ did not have time to get down to 
that before the war broke out. They had elections in February and 
March and war broke out in April, and municipal government 
remained as it was under the old regime. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the former municipal government? 

Mr. Rossy. The old system, which is at present in force, has a 
municipal council elected by all persons residing in the municipality, 
and is composed of members called councilors, varying in number 
from nine to twenty-four, according to the importance of the munici- 
pality. Once elected, they met and named their mayor, unless the 
Governor-General should wish to name the mayor, which he could do, 
but the person so named by him had to be one of the councilors. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the term of the councilors and mayors? . 

Mr. Rossy. The councilors remained in offi.ce four years, half of 
them being replaced every two years. The mayor held office for two 
years. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the mayor intrusted with large powers? 

Mr. Rossy. Mayors have a twofold official character. As delegates 
of the Governor- General, they receive orders in regard to political 
government; as head of the municipality, they have to execute the 
mandates of the councilors, and had, by virtue of their office, certain 
powers over priests, vigilantes, and other matters of a purely local 
character, which they exercised at discretion. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the highways controlled by the municipal gov- 
ernment or by the provincial? 

Mr. Rossy. Roads are divided into two classes — one class called 
municipal roads and streets and the other called provincial roads. 
The former are those within the immediate limits of the municipality, 
and provincial roads are those which connect the municipalities. 
Provincial roads are under the jurisdiction of the provincial govern- 
ment. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you inform me in regard to the schools of the 
municipalities? 

Mr. Rossy. The schools are governed under a law promulgated by 
1125 16 



242 

one of the Captains-General, and also by the school law of the new 
autonomous government. It is a provincial matter. The naming of 
teachers is under the immediate jurisdiction of the secretary of 
f omen to. In respect to financial matters, such as payment of salaries, 
repairs of school buildings, etc., the schools depend upon the munici- 
pality. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the mayors direct the municipal police, munici- 
pal fire department, and similar municipal matters? 

Mr. Rossy. They have charge of the police. There are further 
boards, called local boards, whose duties include the inspection of 
schools and education generally. They are named by the mayors of 
each municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. Who prescribes the text-books? 

Mr. Rossy. Formerly they were prescribed by the Governor-Gen- 
eral, but they are now prescribed by the secretary of fomeuto. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the mayors also powers of magistrates to hear 
and determine cases of any kind? 

Mr. Rossy. Absolutely none. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the range of salaries paid the Governor- 
General and heads of the several departments of the insular govern- 
ment? 

Mr. Rossy. The Governor-General has an annual salary of $20,000 
and a house, besides $2,500 for entertaining and $2,500 for furniture 
and fittings. The president of the council and the secretaries each 
have $8,000 annually, without houses. 

Dr. Carroll. Can a secretary hold more than one portfolio? 

Mr. Rossy. Each can hold only one portfolio. The x^resident can 
hold, besides the presidency, another portfolio; but he is legally 
allowed to draw only one salary. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any fees besides these salaries? 

Mr. Rossy. None whatever ; but in the corrupt times we have had 
here everybody has looked out for himself. 

Dr. Carroll. I have been informed that the cost of maintaining 
the governmental machinery of the island has been too large and 
that there has been too much of it. 

Mr. Rossy. That is absolutely so. 

Tuesday, November 1, 1898. 

Mr. Rossy . To-day affairs in the island are worse than ever, because 
the autonomous government did not have time to promulgate new laws, 
and we have our own constitution and the old Spanish constitution, 
both partly in effect, and there is continual confusion, and no one 
knows where to look for his authority. 

Until the 18th of last month there were a great many unnecessary 
employees whose salaries amounted to $32,000 a month, of which a few 
still remain. The old intendencia remains just as it was with its four 
sections — secretary's department, central administration, auditor's 
and accountant's office, and treasury — in each one of which there is a 
regular army of emirioyees. To give you an idea of the unnecessary 
and cumbersome machinery and number of employees in this depart- 
ment, suppose, for example, that a judge orders $50 to be refunded 
to a person for certain purposes. In order to collect it it is necessary 
to go through the following steps : You have to apply to three or four 
of its interior departments, in each one of which you have to get two 
or three signatures and have three or four entries made in the books 
of the office. You have to pay a "gratification" to one of the inferior 



243 

clerks in order to have him steer you through all this. Then the in- 
tendent gives his signature ordering the payment to be made, and 
finally the document is taken to the treasurer to be cashed. All 
these formalities occupy much time, frequently consuming the morn- 
ing hours of five or six days and costing in "gratifications" $5 or 
more. I have been a victim of this system in my profession as a law- 
yer which often takes me to this office. Under the jurisdiction of the 
intendencia are all the custom-houses of the island, which are also 
oversupplied with employees, and in which scandalous robberies took 
place, and still do, not by taking money from the custom-house 
directly, but by connivance on the part of some of the employees and 
certain merchants to defraud the government of its revenues. The 
former collector at the port of Ponce, who was appointed on the 22d 
of February of this year (and I mention these facts because they are 
public property) was, when appointed to office, known as a poor man, 
up to his eyes in debt, with nothing to eat and little to wear. When 
the Americans landed there, he had paid off his debts, amounting to 
15,000 or $6,000, he had bought a printing establishment for about 
$2,500, and he was living in luxury with horses and carriages on a 
salary of $208 a month. 

Everything connected with the collection of taxes and everything, 
in short, referring to the financial department of the government is 
under the jurisdiction of the intendencia. The political organization 
was under the jurisdiction of the secretary of government. The 
secretary of the government was really the secretary of the Governor- 
General and had under his jurisdiction the political management of 
the country, so that the secretaries appointed under the autonomous 
government were only figureheads and could not perform their func- 
tions independently. 

I think there will be much difficult}^ in the way of coming to a clear 
understanding of the present political situation here in Porto Rico 
because of the confusion which has been caused by changes in the 
form of government following each other in quick succession. For- 
merly there was a definite form of government which had in it no 
suggestion of self-government, all the employees being Spaniards. As 
soon as the difficulty with Cuba arose, Canovas, who was then prime 
minister, had a law passed decentralizing the government, taking 
away from the Governor- General the right to exercise certain govern- 
mental powers, such as direction of i_>ublic instruction, posts, tele- 
graphs, and some others which were turned over to the provincial 
deputation, and a more ample municipal law was promulgated. 
While the country was getting used to this new order of things, Cano- 
vas was killed and Sagasta came into power and gave the autonomi- 
cal system to the island. While this latter system of government 
was being introduced and before it had been completely established 
in all its parts the American forces invaded the island and gave us a 
military government, so that we have now a mixture of the three 
forms of government, resulting in much confusion as to the exact 
status of governmental matters in the island. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the fiscal year in this island? 

Mr. Rossy. From the 1st of July to the 30th of the following June. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any officials of the government who are in 
receipt of income from more than one source. 

Mr. Rossy. There are none. In some cases, however, when the 
chief officers wished to increase the salaries of minor employees beyond 
the limits of what they were legally entitled to receive (such limits 



244 

being those of salaries paid to employees in similar positions in Spain) 
they added to the legal salary a "gratification" or bonus. 

Dr. Carroll. I have noticed a provision for that in the budget. 
Is it to be translated as a bonus or an allowance? 

Mr. Rossy. The employees who were favored in that way collected 
the money; you can translate it as you please. 

Dr. Carroll. Was it according to law? 

Mr. Rossy. No; it was contrary to law. The salaries could only 
lawfully be equal to those paid in Spain of persons holding correspond- 
ing positions there, not in excess of them. But, in order to keep the 
letter of the law while they violated its spirit, they called the extra 
compensation in excess of their rightful salaries a "gratification." 
The colonels in the army here received $400 additional in that way. 

Dr. Carroll. It would seem that if the amounts appropriated for 
the church and the military establishment of the island were cut out 
of the budget it would make a difference of over 2,000,000 pesos. 

Mr. Rossy. Yes; about two and a half million pesos. 

Dr. Carroll. Then it would seem possible, if these two items are 
not to be provided for, to do away with some of the taxes which are 
burdensome. Moreover, there will be this difference now: There will 
be a more honest, capable, and intelligent set of officials in charge of 
the administration of the custom-house and other branches of the 
government. 

Mr. Rossy. I think it will be possible, as you suggest. 

Dr. Carroll. Suppose the Government of the United States should 
allow the amounts collected from customs and internal revenue, 
beyond the amount necessary to administer the custom-house and col- 
lect the taxes, to remain in the island for its needs? 

Mr. Rossy. It would not be safe to suggest that here. If some of 
these people knew that they were to have 2,000,000 pesos and more 
spent here thej^ would be killing each other trying to get some of it. 

Dr. Carroll. I should think it could be spent on schools and other 
needs of the island. 

Mr. Rossy. I believe the country has resources sufficient to con- 
tract a loan that would enable us to meet all our needs, and it seems 
more just that the public improvements to be undertaken here should 
be borne in part by future generations who will equally have the 
benefits of them, so that a loan for, say, fifty years should be con- 
tracted and distribute the burden of expense, rather than compel the 
present generation to pay in two or three years for public works des- 
tined to last a hundred years. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is it that Porto Rico has no debt? 

Mr. Rossy. Because the Government has always collected here 
more money than was required to meet the island's expenses. In 
June, 1897, there was $1,600,000 in the public treasury of the island, 
but it has disappeared. The Spanish Government has made way 
with it.. 

Dr. Carroll. How was the great military road built? 

Mr. Rossy. By assigning a certain amount in the budget every 
year, during a period of about twenty-two years, for that purpose. 
The people got very tired of it because of the excessive and unneces- 
sary expenditures of money in its construction. It was a great work, 
but the cost was far out of proportion to what it should have been. 
Taxation here is not heavy. What affects the poor man chiefly is the 
consumption tax, which makes it difficult for him to clothe and feed 
himself properly. Besides, as everything has been neglected, he has 



245 

no hospital to go to when he is sick and has no proper schools in 
which his children may receive an education. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any income tax here? 

Mr. Rossy. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Judge Russell, of the evacuation commission, under- 
stood that there was such a tax? 

Mr. Rossy. What Judge Russell may have had in mind was what 
is called the territorial tax, which is paid by property holders on the 
value of the lease of the property. The tax is not based on a man's 
capital, but on his income from the property he owns. For instance, 
this house might be calculated as producing $1,500 a year; in that 
case the owner would pay 5 per cent on that amount, but he would 
not have to pay any other tax on the house. This form of tax does 
not apply to stocks, bonds, or other forms of property. The tax • is 
charged on lands under cultivation, a deduction being made of 30 
per cent to cover cost of cultivation and harvesting. This tax results 
in injustice in the country districts because it is badly distributed. 
The assessors who have the work of apportioning the amount to be 
paid by each estate are a political body and favor adherents of their 
political party to the prejudice of their opponents, and they generally 
assess more in proportion for the small property holders than for the 
large ones. 



THE CIVIL PENSION LIST. 

San Juan, P. R., November 5, 1898. 

Mr. Manuel Fernandez Juncos: 

Mr. Juncos. I have been in the island about forty years and am 
familiar with the general conditions throughout the island as to poli- 
tics, customs administration, and almost any other subject about 
which you would wish to ask. 

Dr. Carroll. I desire a statement from you in regard to politics. 
I understand that you are a leader of the Liberal party. 

Mr. Juncos. Since the change of government I have abstained from 
politics altogether, so that the parties might reform themselves with- 
out the pressure of influence of their former heads. Politics to-day 
consists more or less of personal feelings which were initiated before 
the last election, but I believe that this state of affairs is only transi- 
tory and that it can easily be calmed by the good sense of the Gov- 
ernor-General, as the feelings of our political men are not really as 
violent as they appear to be. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to have you describe the general cus- 
toms here. I think that was one of the things you stated you could 
give me information about. 

Mr. Juncos. The nation, as a whole, suffers for want of education. 
Only for about sixteen years has the system of free education been in 
existence, and that very imperfectly. In rural districts the working 
people are so scattered about that they do not get the benefit of these 
institutions. The general character of the Porto Rican is a mild and 
hospitable one, his chief fault being lack of will force. This should 
be one of the points to be attended to in his education. As far as I 
can find out by my own research, the natives are well disposed toward 
the new government. From the old government they received such 
education as they have and such customs as now prevail, but these 
advantages, if they can be called such, came so modified and so 



246 

wrapped up in restrictions that the affection of the people of this 
country for the mother country has been somewhat lukewarm. 

I think that the condition of this country can be materially improved 
by the following three things : First, the implanting here of American 
laws and customs; second, by the wise direction of a stream of white 
immigration which would lend force to the inhabitants and better the 
economic conditions of the people in the next generation; and, third, 
legislation which would enable this country to place itself in close 
commercial communication with other parts of the world, which it 
ought to be able to do owing to its favorable geographical position, 
and thus acquire a large amount of commercial prosperity. The 
change of government has materially altered the estimates for this 
year. We should dispense with a great number of items which are 
not now necessary, but which are found in the last estimates made. 
The gain which will result to this country in one year by the change 
of government will not be less than $2,000,000 of income and may be 
near $3,000,000. In view of this economy it appears to me to be only 
just that a corresponding reduction should be made in the heavy 
duties and imposts under which the people are suffering I hand you 
a statement showing a few items which ought to be cut out from the 
estimates. They represented the net savings resulting from the mere 
fact of the change of government. The amount in round numbers is 
$3,119,937. I have not taken note of the military question, as the 
island is still occupied by the military body, but if that were deducted 
from the expenditures, the net saving would be materially increased. 
I would strongly advise the government to form a new estimate 
from January, because if the collection of taxes is carried on as it is 
now being done, at the point of the ba3^onet (that is, soldiers are 
accompanying the tax collectors through the country), the island will 
be left without any money whatever. 

Dr. Careoll. I had not heard of that before. When did that 
occur? 

Mr. Juncos. That is general through the island in the collection of 
taxes. Under present conditions the estimates which were compiled 
by the Spanish Government are a ridiculous thing to keep in force, 
because they include salary items for positions which now do not exist 
and for employees who are not now here. Nevertheless these items 
are being collected. 

Dr. Carroll. I notice that you include in those statements that 
you have handed to me an item of nearly $500,000 for public works 
as an item which can be omitted. Are not the public works covered 
by that item necessary? 

Mr. Juncos. These amounts are only in relation to the last esti- 
mates. The estimates were made out in July last, and that amount 
was assigned to public works. 

Dr. Carroll. For what economic year? 

Mr. Juncos. The year 1898-99. As the country was at war, and 
public works could not be commenced because of the prospect that 
they might be destroyed, I think the item should be struck out and 
a new estimate put in on a new basis. 

Dr. Carroll. These items might apply to buildings or roads or 
light-houses or anything of that sort, as I understand it. 

Mr. Juncos. It might have referred to any class of public works. 
Public works are all right, but it is wrong to leave them in these esti- 
mates. Any amount deemed necessary- can be put into the new esti- 
mate. I don't mean to say that these amounts are not necessary, 



247 

but I say that it is only right and just that the amount assessed for 
that purpose should be in a new estimate. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think most of these should be struck out? 

Mr. Juncos. No; the title under which they were classed there was 
not proper. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you an exact knowledge of all the pensioners 
included in this amount of "$362, 700. 

Mr. Juncos. Yes. As in Spain, it was the custom to pay to the 
widows of civil employees who had served a certain number of years a 
pension in proportion to the salary they received, and to widows of 
officers of the army and navy. There were also what are called retir- 
ing pensions; that is to say, military or naval officers could retire at 
a certain age and receive a pension. I should state that the pension 
fund was made the instrument of great abuse. Ministers in power 
used to send their relatives and friends here and keep them in active 
service for a while, and then these relatives would go back to Spain 
and retire on a pension for the rest of their lives. It is clear that in 
time a pension list will be established here to pension the relatives of 
those who die or to pension those who have been injured in the serviec 
of the government, but for the present I consider that the whole 
amount can be wiped out. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think that there are any claims these pen- 
sioners have which the incoming government would not be free to 
disregard? Are there none that might be due to invested funds or 
anything of that kind? 

Mr. Juncos. The Spanish Government has the obligation of con- 
tinuing those pensions which were granted wholly for state reasons; 
that is to say, for services given to the state. There are, a few pensions 
granted here both by the provincial government and by municipali- 
ties, but they will be continued doubtless by the bodies which granted 
them. I think the question you raise ought to be settled by the Peace 
Commission in Paris. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you kindly explain what is meant here by dietas 
comisiones, which appear in this list? 

Mr. Juncos. It was a gratuity given to employees, which was also 
abused from the Governor-General down. It was an amount assigned 
to employees above their salaries when they made journeys on govern- 
ment business. For instance, when the Captain-General made an 
official trip around the island he was given $1,000 for personal 
expenses, and the first thing the Captain-General did on arriving in 
the island was to make this trip, even though the preceding Captain- 
General had just made one. 

Dr. Carroll. Is this $150,000 item for subvention to the railroad 
company not a permanent obligation of the Government? 

Mr. Juncos. No. It was a contract made between the French rail- 
road company and the central Government of Spain, although the 
amount was called from the insular treasury. I don't see how the new 
Government can be made responsible for the contract, and more espe- 
cially as I understand that the Constitution of the United States does 
not allow of bolstering up by payment of subventions in private under- 
takings. This was the amount required to bring the earnings of the 
company up to the guaranty of 8 per cent of its capital. The contract 
read that the day the company earned 8 per cent from its traffic the 
Government should pay nothing. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the establecimientos pios put down here at 
$7,716? 



248 

Mr. Juncos. They are gratuities made to schools of education 
erected by religious orders, which schools at the same time make a 
charge for tuition to pupils. There is not included in this amount 
the sum granted by the Deputation fpr the Esculapian Fathers, who 
receive a house and a certain amount annually. This amount stated 
refers to a college of the kind I have described situated in Ponce. 



THE PENSIONERS. 

San Juan, P. R., November 4, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask you particularly about the class 
of pensioners and what claim these pensioners would have upon the 
United States, if any? 

Mr. Julian Y. Blanco, secretary of the treasury. Some of the 
pensioners are out of the island and there was an order that after 
July those residing in Spain should be paid there. I can not give all 
the data 'in regard to these pensioners. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like very much to have details regarding 
them and the basis of their claims. 

Mr. Blanco. The pension bureau in Madrid used to decree that 
such and such persons were entitled to pensions. Some of these pen- 
sions were granted for military service and others for civil service. 
There was a great deal of abuse committed with these pensions. 

Mr. Andres Crosas. I know a party who was a major in the army. 
At his death his widow and daughter were granted a pension. The 
widow died and the daughter got married and the whole of the pension 
was lost. Afterwards the daughter, who had a large number of chil- 
dren, lost her husband, who was a planter, and she by some hocus- 
pocus arrangement commenced to receive the pension that her mother 
used to receive. 



SALARIES AND ABUSES. 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1898. 
Mr. Andres Crosas (an American citizen engaged in business for 
many years in Porto Rico): The salary of the Captain-General of 
Porto Rico was $25,000 a year; he also had a house and servants. 
But during the term of their service here, which was generally 
three years, they managed to store up about $300,000. There is a 
problem for you to figure out — how they managed to do that. In 
fact, if the Captain-General happened to be any sort of a good busi- 
ness man he cleared out with a great deal more than that. Abuses of 
official office, however, were not confined to the Captain-General. I 
can give you the name of a civil engineer who remained here about 
eighteen months. His salary was something like $4,000 a year. He 
lived here in elegant style and was seen at every public place of 
amusement. At the expiration of the eighteen months he left here 
with $100,000. He did not resign, but asked for a furlough to go to 
Spain. It was granted. When the four months were drawing to a 
close, he asked for three months more, which were granted. When 
the three months were drawing to a close, he asked for a further 
extension of two months and got that. All this time he was receiv- 
ing his salary, and his substitute, acting here in his jdace, nft d an 



249 

increase in salary. When the term finally expired, he asked to be 
transferred to a position in Spain, and he was transferred accordingly. 

Dr. Carroll. Referring to the former government, did the Captain- 
General have vacations every year? 

Mr. Crosas. No; he generally stayed here until withdrawn. 

Dr. Carroll. Did he go to the mountains? 

Mr. Crosas. He generally went around the island; but. when he 
went, he made it out that he was visiting the island officially and, of 
course, put in a bill for it. Generally, such visits brought about 
$9,000 extra into his pocket. 

Dr. Carroll. The term of office of governors of Territories is four 
years. Perhaps Congress would wish some light as to the salary that 
should be paid to the governor, who, I presume, will be an American. 

Mr. Crosas. Yes; we want an American, a real American; not a 
whitewashed American. As to salary, some say about $6,000 a year, 
but in my opinion the Government could well afford to give him 
$12,000 a year in gold and a house. All the military forces that we 
had here, the naval and the arsenal, were paid by the island. Spain 
never paid a single cent for those objects, and this island was the 
fattening place for the Spaniards. Sometimes they called us a prov- 
ince, and sometimes a colony, but we were nothing more than one of 
those places on the coast of Africa where they go to make themselves 
rich. When the ten years' war started in Cuba, they called on the 
treasury here for assistance, and took from it -$1,200,000. I am not 
certain of the amount, because at that time I was considered a rebel 
and had to get out of the country. Then there was a remittance of 
about $600,000, and later a further remittance of about $200,000. This 
was a loan which the island made to the Spanish Government to sup- 
press the rebellion in Cuba. Well, after having that put away on 
the shelf without touching it, they pretended to say that they would 
pay that debt by making a steamer touch once a month at the island 
and each trip of the steamer would be reckoned at $13,000. These 
trans-Atlantic steamers belong to the prominent men of Spain, so it was 
a ease of playing into their hands. Thej' were to reserve freight and 
passenger spaces from here to Spain, but frequently they did not take 
a pound to Spain, though sometimes thej^ did crowd a few passengers 
in. Some time ago, according to the lowest estimate, we ought to 
have had $600,000 with which to build an aqueduct. At the time of 
the annexation of Santo Domingo, the Government took a large 
amount of that fund. Seeing that the fund in the treasury was dis- 
appearing, it was decided to build a hospital on a large scale, and 
every one of the natives voted in favor of it, not because they thought 
it would be wise, but so as to convert the money into brick and stone, 
which could not be taken away. The hospital was planned on too 
large a scale, and consequently for two years there was nothing done 
on it. There was always a case of smallpox in the jail, and they 
decided to convert the hospital into a jail. As to the penitentiary, the 
Spaniards did a wrong thing here on their evacuation fr.om the 
island. They took particular pains, as they thought it were an act of 
grace, to set free about 400 of the worst criminals — thieves and cut- 
throats—and decent fellows who are in there for petty vices are still 
locked up. I believe that those who have been liberated in that way 
are the fellows who have been robbing; and burning' around the island. 



250 

INSULAR ACCOUNTS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., February 11, 1899. 
Mr. Nicholas Daubon, of San Juan, P. R. 

Mr. Daubon. I was formerly interventor, and when General Brooke 
came, he named me auditor of revenue in the treasury. On the 31st 
of December I learned with surprise that my post was to be abolished. 
As I can not understand how any administration can exist without 
auditing, I went to General Henry with this document, in which I 
asked to be continued in the post, having had forty-one years of serv- 
ice, and Dr. Coll, to whom it was referred, sent it back to General 
Henry with an indorsement. The fact of this post being abolished 
permits Dr. Coll to audit his own affairs, which is against morals. 
The secretaries are taking to themselves functions Avhich they have 
no right to. They are returning sums which have been left as collat- 
eral to secure due performance of some service or contract. They 
have no right to do that. 

Dr. Carroll. On what plea are they doing it? 

Mr. Daubon. The accounts are not examined. 

Dr. Carroll. Were the accounts generally kept carefully under 
the Spanish regime? 

Mr. Daubon. Yes. After the American invasion everything became 
paralyzed, because the Americans were in possession of some parts of 
the island and the Spaniards of the others. I opposed the return of 
the securities, which were deposited in the treasury, because before 
returning a bond the accounts connected with that bond have to be 
examined. They haven't examined the accounts, but have returned 
the bonds and freed the sureties from responsibility. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you give me some instances? 

Mr. Daubon. Ramon Mendez Cardona, Jose Mendez Arcaya, 
Negron Sanjuajo, Luis Sanquirico, and Carlos Penaranda. There 
are many more. 

Dr. Carroll. What were they bonded for? 

Mr. Daubon. These were bonds for the faithful performance of 
their duties in the custom-house. According to the treaty of peace, 
the American Government bound itself to respect all cases which 
were decided in Spain by the court of appeals, which were then in 
progress. Spain has abolished every office in connection with the 
colonies, Cuba and Porto Rico, except the court of accounts; and if 
this court to-morrow were to order that any of these former employees 
should pay amounts for any particular object, there would be no bond 
under which to hold them responsible. 

Dr. Carroll. Did you present to General Henry these facts about 
the return of the bonds without the accounts connected with them 
being audited? 

Mr. Daubon. Yes. The accounts are in Madrid. They are being 
examined there, and these men should have been held until the 
examination of the accounts is completed and the results known. 

Dr. Carroll. Were they released by act of a court, or merely by 
act of the secretary? 

Mr. Daubon. General Heniy issued an order allowing bonds to be 
returned in certain cases where there was no claim against the per- 
son, and these secretaries have taken the order in a general sense. 

Dr. Carroll. I have been informed that a year or two ago, when 
there was a surplus in the treasury, it was transferred to Cuba and 



251 

used by Spain in the prosecution of the Cuban war. Is there any 
truth in that statement? 

Mr. Daubon. We expended money by order of Spain, for account 
of Cuba, to the extent of $1,000,000, more or less. AVhen the Ameri- 
cans surrounded this island and established a blockade, and thus cut 
off from Porto Rico its principal source of income, the Spanish Gov- 
ernment directed Fernandez Juncos to draw against the Spanish treas- 
ury for that amount, and it was done ; but as they went on making 
these payments after that date, in small amounts, Spain still owes us 
$61,000 for Cuban account. From the last ten years' war Spain owes 
us nearly $3,000,000. 

Dr. Carroll,. It was used in the prosecution of the Cuban war? 

Mr. Daubon. Yes. The money was sent in hard cash to Cuba by 
order of Spain. The mistake has been made in trying to differentiate 
between American and Spanish sovereignty as regards the treasury 
of Porto Rico. This treasury was independent, collected its own 
budget, and spent the money it collected, or a portion of it. When it 
did not have enough it had to economize. 

Dr. Carroll. You sent about $500,000 a year to Madrid to pay for 
expenses of administration of the colonial office? 

Mr. Daubon. Not so much as that. 

Dr. Carroll. It was $488,000 in 1898? 

Mr. Daubon. Porto Rico had to pay 16 per cent of the amount in 
the national budget for the administration of the colonies. When the 
liquidation of the year 1878 was made it was seen that Spain owed 
Porto Rico $3,000,000 for account of Cuba. I have documents in my 
possession to prove it. The Spanish Government ordered Cuba to 
place in its budget every year an amount to go toward this sum. It 
did so for one year and then ceased doing so. Cuba owes that to 
Porto Rico, and if Cuba is declared independent, it will be a claim 
on Cuba. 



THE CIVIL GUARD. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Plainfield, N. J., May 26, 1899. 

Sehor Lucas Amadeo, of Utuado, Puerto Rico : 

Dr. Carroll. I desire a statement in regard to the civil guard, its 
police functions, and just what that famous organization was as it 
existed in Puerto Rico. 

Senor Amadeo. It was essentially a military body, much like the 
gendarmerie of France. Its aspect or its form was not entirely that 
of a rural police; it was more of a military organization. 

Dr. Carroll. How extensive was it? 

Senor Amadeo. I think from 800 to 1,000 men; I am not sure about 
that. After the civil war in Spain this body was made up especially 
to pursue and capture bandits, thieves, etc. , and then the same body 
was extended to Porto Rico for the same purpose. General Sans was 
the first Spanish general to bring over the civil guard into Porto 
Rico, and he brought this body over just about the time of the strongest 
political strife in the island, and this general, being somewhat of a 
despotic character, employed the forces of the civil guard to subserve 
his own political ends and aspirations in the island by compelling the 
people to vote the way he wanted them to. 

Dr. Carroll. It was a fine body of men, was it not? 

Senor Amadeo. When it was first established there by General Sans 7 



252 

he employed in it a great many of the soldiers who were in Porto 
Rico already, and thus it was not such a fine body of men as it might 
be expected to be : but later, when these men were drafted from Spain, 
then the body took on the aspect which it has recently had. 

Dr. Carroll. In what way did they become oppressive, if thej r did 
become oppressive? 

Sehor Amadeo. By direct opposition to any political voice that the 
people might want to express at the polls. They would prevent them 
from voting by being very exact with their cedulas, their electoral 
cards; and political feeling being very strong between the people of 
the country and the Spanish party, the civil guard would use their 
influence to keep the people awav from the polls, either by threats or 
forcibly? . 

Dr. Carroll. That was not of their own initiative? 

Senor Amadeo. It was during the recent times, when the island was 
divided into two distinct bodies — the people of the island and the 
Spanish Government, which looked with suspicion upon everything 
that was done by the sons of the country and would oppress them in 
any measure that they wanted to take, and therefore used the civil 
guard as one of their instruments. 

Dr. Carroll. Was it most oppressive during the years known as 
the "componte?" 

Senor Amadeo. Yes; as you suggest, it was during this " componte" 
that the greatest tyranny was exercised by this civil guard — of course, 
always under orders — because the people of the country, the Porto 
Ricans, had established secret societies with the object of separating 
themselves, if possible, from the Spanish as much as they could, and 
then the civil guard not only attacked them in an indirect way, as you 
may say, but directly punished them and inflicted tortures by their 
1 ' componte " system. 

Dr. Carroll. Was the civil guard superior in influence to the 
municipal police? 

Senor Amadeo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Did their spheres of influence or power conflict at 
all? 

Senor Amadeo. The civil guard had the authority and right to 
invade any premises or territory in the island in search or pursuit of 
bandits or any political offenders that they were running down. 

Dr. Carroll. You have referred to brigandage. Did that exist 
previous to the late war? 

Senor Amadeo. No; not before the war, or was very rare. It may 
be said to have become known since the war. 

Dr. Carroll. That is pretty well over with now? 

Sehor Amadeo. Yes; completely. 



THE INSULAR LOTTERY. 

The lottery was authorized by royal decree and formed a part of 
the estimates of provincial income. The prizes were guaranteed by 
the whole of the provincial income. Of the net proceeds of each draw- 
ing, one-half was paid into the public treasury. Drawings were held 
every twenty days in San Juan. There were 27,000 tickets at $2.50 
each, divided in tenths, of 25 cents. Of the total sum, three-fourths 
was paid in prizes. These amounts could be altered to suit the pro- 
vincial requirements. The drawings were held in public. At all 
drawings armed forces were present. 



253 

INSULAR REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES. 

[Compiled from " Presupuesto General de'Gastos e Ingresos" for 1897-98.] 
Estimates of receipts of Porto Rico for 1897-98. 

FIRST DIVISION— TAXES AND IMPOSTS. 

Pesos. Pesos. 

Territorial taxes 410,000.00 

Less 50 per cent, which is to be handed over to the pro- 
vincial deputation 205,000.00 

205, 000. 00 

120, 000. 00 

251,200.00 
Total for first division 576,200.00 

SECOND DIVISION— CUSTOM-HOUSES. 

I. Customs duties: 

Duties on imports 2,631,000.00 

Duties on exports . 254.000.00 

2,885,000.00 

II. Special duties: 

Charges on loading and unloading of merchandise 
and embarkation and disembarkation of pas- 
sengers (transferred entire to the provincial depu- 
tation) ._ ." 245,000.00 

• Warehouses 1,100.00 

Fines and confiscations 5, 800. 00 

Transitory dues of 10 per cent on custom duties. - . 241, 000. 00 

247, 900. 00 



Taxes on industry and commerce 240, 000. 00 

Less 50 per cent, due provincial deputation 120, 000. 00 

Royal dues and dues on transfer of property . 148, 000. 00 

Mining imposts 200.00 

Cedulas personales (passports) 31, 000.00 

Ten per cent tax on railroad passenger and freight traffic. 11, 000. 00 

Consumption tax on petroleum . 61 , 000. 00 



Total for second division 3,132,900.00 

THIRD DIVISION— MONOPOLY REVENUES. 

I. Stamped papers: 

Bulls . 1,200.00 

Stamped papers and instruments of indebtedness 97, 000. 00 

Forms for payments to the State 32, 000. 00 

Forms for receipts and accounts 7,000.00 

Forms for drafts 17,000.00 

Forms for insurance policies and bank and company shares 4, 000. 00 

Drafts for use by the press 3,000.00 

Custom-house stamps and documents 23,000.00 



Total for the third division 184,200.00 

Postage stamps (transferred entire to the provincial deputation) . . 128, 000. 00 

FOURTH DIVISION — PROPERTY OF THE STATE. 

I.. Income produced: < 

Rent of property 100.00 

Rent of waste and unappropriated lands 

Building lots 1,000.00 

Products of slate mountains _. 100.00 

Rent from confiscated clerical property 100. 00 



II. Products of sales: 

Sale of property prior to law of 1872 2, 000. 00 

Sale of property subsequent to law of 1872 5, 000. 00 

Sale of waste and unappropriated lands 1 , 000. 00 



1,300.00 



8, 000. 00 



Total for fourth division 9,300.00 



254 

FIFTH DIVISION — INCIDENTAL REVENUES. 

Pesos. Pesos. 

I. Various classes ._ . — - 1,500.00 

Cessions and restitutions - 1,900.00 

Six per cent interest on delayed payments 2, 600. 00 

Halt anatos (clerical term for the receipts for 

titles and decorations) . . . - . - 100. 00 

Undetermined products of prison work 2, 000. 00 

Received on accounts unprovided for in estimates 4, 000. 00 

12,100.00 

II. Closed accounts: * 

First division 22,000.00 

Second division 100. 00 

Third division . 2,000.00 

Fourth division 700.00 

24,800.00 

Total tor fifth division.... 36,900.00 

Imposts for raffles and lotteries (to be transferred entire to the pro- 
vincial deputation) 145, 000. 00 

RECAPITULATION. 

Taxes and imposts _■_ 576,200.00 

Custom-houses 3,132,900.00 

Monopoly revenues 184, 200. 00 

Property of the State 9,300.00 

Incidental revenues 36, 900. 00 

Total , 3,939,500.00 

Total estimates of expenses for 1897-98 3, 536, 342. 19 

Total estimates of receipts for 1897-98 - 3, 939, 500. 00 

Surplus 403,157.81 



Estimate of expenses for the island of Porto Rico for 1S97-9S. 

FIRST DIVISION— GENERAL OBLIGATIONS. 

I. Assignment for expenses of the colonial ministry — per- 

sonal: Pesos. Pesos. 

Salary of the minister .. 960.00 

Secretary's department 21,976.00 

Registry and notarial division 1 , 544. 00 

Superior committee on the debt 856. 00 

Archives of the Indies ^ . , 216. 00 

Library and museum, colonial 688. 00 

Maintenance of archives and library 1,312.00 

27, 552. 00 

II. Assignment for expenses of colonial ministry — mate- 

rial : 

Various expenses 5, 321 . 60 

For buildings and repairs 304. 00 

.Maintenance of archives and library 6, 664. 00 

Library and museum, colonial . 336. 00 

Superior committee on the debt . .... 192.00 

Custom-house statistics..' _. ... 240.00 

Undetermined expenses . 1, 000. 00 

14,057.60 

III. Auditing of accounts — personal: Employees of the colonial divi- 

sion of auditing department 15,664.00 

IV. Auditing of accounts— material: Material and various expenses 

of the colonial division of the auditing department 1 , 128. 00 

V. Incidental expenses: 

Traveling expenses of civil and ecclesiastical func- 
tionaries 12,000.00 

Exchange and losses thereon . 30, 000. 00 

Coinage of money ._*...' 

42, 000. 00 



255 

Pesos. 

VI. Judicial fees .." 3,400.00 

VII. Interest, sinking fund, and negotiation of notes 32, 000. 00 

VIII. Pensions: Pesos- 
Civil pensions 85.000.00 

Military pensions 71,000.00 

Favor pensions --- 1,000.00 

For retired soldiers and marines, 158, 000. 00 

For those who have completed the term of service. 24, 000. 00 

Temporarily suspended 9, 000. 00 

Emigrants from America . 700.00 

348, 700. 00 

IX. Bonuses: Bonuses allowed pension classes 14,000.00 

Total of first division 498,501.60 

SECOND DIVISION — WORSHIP AND JUSTICE. 

I. Tribunals — personal: 

Superior court of the island, .. 59, 360. 01) 

Criminal court at Ponce 23, 625. 00 

Criminal court at Mayaguez 23, 625. 00 

106, 610. 00 

II. Tribunals — material: 

Superior court of the island 4,300.00 

Criminal courts 2, 100.00 

Indemnities 6,900.00 

13, 300. 00 

III. Judges of the first instance and ecclesiastical justices: 

Judges of the first instance 34,010.00 

Judges, ecclesiastical 4,200.00 

38, 210. 00 

IV. Judges of first instance and ecclesiastical justices — 

material: 

Judges of the first instance 843. 75 

Ecclesiastical justices . . -. 135. 00 

978. 57 

V. Service commissions: 

Subsistence and traveling expenses . - - 1 , 000. 00 

Notarial expenses . -- 600. 00 

Rents of buildings.... 3,720.00 

5, 320. 00 

VI. Worship and clergy — personal: 

Clergy of the cathedral 42,400.00 

Parochial clergy 124,940.00 

167,340.00 

VII. Worship and clergy — material: 

Expenses of buildings, bulls, and conciliar seminary 26, 270. 00 

VIII. Reformatory and prisons — personal: 

Reformatory _ 273. 75 

Penal prisons 58,582.30 

58, 856. 05 

IX. Reformatory and prisons— material 6, 934. 00 

Total for the second division 423,818.80 

THTRD DIVISION— WAR. 

I. Superior administration — personal: 

Salary of the Captain-General and gratuities (the 

salary is given in the sixth division) 432. 00 

Salary and gratuities, lieutenant-governor. _• 8, 288. 00 

Staff of the army, and office employees 30, 795. 00 

Staff of the army, artillery 12,025.00 

Staff of the army, engineers 16,125.00 

Staff of the army, military justice 6, 650. 00 

Staff of the army, administrative corps . . , 16, 025. 00 

Staff of the army, military sanitation 19, 150. 00 



256 

I. Superior administration — personal — Continued. Pesos. Pesos. 

Military clergy 180.00 

Gratuities 4,528.00 

114, 198. 00 
Less for vacancies and on leave 6, 853. 67 

107, 344. 33 

II. Superior administration — material: 

Staff of the army 900.00 

Government and military commands 1, 250. 00 

War audits 100.00 

The army staff 700.00 

Military sanitation 200.00 

Subordinate administration 122. 50 

3, 272. 50 

III. Permanent army corps — personal: 

Infantry 689,211.14 

Cavalry .... 4,049.79 

Artillery 149,521.51 

Sanitary brisrade 4, 542. 52 

Colonial fund 16,195.10 

Preparatory military academy 600. 00 

Invalids : 371.44 

Gratuities 9, 246. 00 

873, 737. 50 

Less vacancies and on leave 12,769.32 

- 860, 968. 18 

IV. Volunteers: Fifes and cornet bands 4, 565. 76 

V. Active commissions, reserves, and substitutes: 

Commissions in active service. 57, 036. 60 

Chiefs and officers waiting to embark 9, 000. 00 

Reserved for San Domingo pensioners 324. 00 

Disciplinary militia about to be mustered out .8, 740. 00 

Chiefs and officials acting as substitutes and super- 

, numary 23,700.00 

98, 800. 60 

Less vacancies and on leave. 5, 200. 00 

93, 600. 60 

VI. Clergy and hospital service _ 4,756.00 

VII. Various materials: 

Utensils and lighting 724.00 

Hospital supplies 63,491.75 

Military transportation 60,590.00 

Artillery supplies 9,000.00 

Engineers' supplies 10,000.00 

Rents and cleaning buildings , 5,151.00 

Water... 400.00 

149, 356. 75 

VIII. Various expenses 3, 500.00 

IX. Pensions accompanying medals 4,000.00 

X. Colonial war fund for the disabled and orphans. ... 9, 600. 00 

XL Disciplinary brigade of Cuba 11,413.64 

V 

Total of the Third Division 1,252,377.76 

FOURTH DIVISION— THE TREASURY. 

I. Administration — Personal: 

Director-General of the Treasury 12. 250. 00 

Auditing-General of the state administration 20.000.00 

Central treasury 6, 800. 00 

Clerks and employees 16,160.00 

55, 210. 00 

II. Administration— Material 3, 700. 00 



257 

III. General objects: Pesos. Pesos, 

Rents of offices... 3,110.00 

Transfer of funds 2,000.00 

Printing.. 4,750.00 

Valuing real estate 12.000.00 



21,860.00 

IV. Incidental expenses: Service commissions 2,900.00 

V. Expenses of collecting taxes and incomes — personal: 

Central administration of taxes and incomes 26, 375. 00 

Local administration of custom-houses and col- 

lectorships ._ 760.40 

Custom-house coastguards .. 657. T" 



168, 195. 00 



VI. Expenses of collecting taxes and incomes— material: 

Central administration of taxes and incomes 1, 000. 00 

Local administration of custom-houses and col- 

lectorships 3,035.00 

Custom-house coast guard 900. 00 

— 4,935.00 

VIII. Various expenses: Transportation of printed forms 4. 000. 00 

Total for the fourth division 260,800.00 

FIFTH DIVISION — NAVY. 

I. Land service— personal: 

General service 52, 209. 00 

Special service -- — 15,516.00 

General expenses - 2, 150. 00 



II. Vessel service— personal: 

Ship assigned to the station 37, 437. 20 

Hydrographic service 10, 848. 00 

Service of the commanding general and captain of 

the port 3,612.00 

General expenses 1,200.00 



69, 875. 00 



53, 097. 20 



5, 195. 00 



III. Land service — material: 

General office expenses . 3, 380. 00 

Semaphores and special service ., 1,815.00 

IV. Vessel service— material: 

Repairs and renewals . 10,681.00 

Rations 12,975.00 

Coal. 2,645.00 

Clothing.... ..... .- 300.00 

Medicines and hospital supplies 600. 00 

27, 201. 00 

V. General expenses - . 3, 300. 00 

Additional improvement of the national navy . 64, 000. 00 

Total for the fifth division 222,668.20 

SIXTH DIVISION— GOVEENMENT AND INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. 

. General government — personal: 

General government, secretarial and technical inspection 

departments. 85,940.00 

II. General government — material: 

Service commissions 1,000.00 

General government 2,000. 00 

Cablegrams... 22,870.00 

Expenses of the palace and house of acclimatization. 3,096.00 

Commission on statistics 300.00 

Unforseen expenses 3,500.00 

Technical inspections 3, 000. 00 



III. Council of administration and local tribunal of offi- 
cial litigation — personal: 

Council of administration _ 20, 000. 00 

Tribunal of litigation 5,500.00 

1125 17 



35, 766. 00 



25, 500. 00 



258 

IV. Council of administration and local tribunal of offi- 

cial litigation — material: Pesos. Pesos. 

Council of" administration ... 2, 000. 00 

Tribunal of litigation .., 500.00 

2, 500. 00 

V. Division of local administration — personal: Attention to this duty. 23, 750. 00 

VI. Division of local administration — material: Expenses for mate- 

rials and rent 2, 500. 00 

VII. Delegations of the general government — personal: Regional 

delegations 22,200.00 

VIII. Delegations of the general government — material: Regional 

delegations .... 4,000.00 

IX. Civil guard— personal : Body of civil guard 310, 075. 29 

X. Civil guard — material: Materials for the guard 41, 557. 88 

XI. Public order — personal: Corps of vigilance and security. . . 86, 480. 56 

XII. Public order — material: Corps of vigilance and security . 5,812.10 

XIII. Postal, telegraphic, and telephonic service — personal: Tele- 

graph stations 28,840.00 

XIV. Postal, telegraphic, and telephonic service — mate- 

rial: 

Telegraph stations 7,700.00 

Ocean transportation 79,406.00 

International Postal Union 200.00 

87, 306. 00 

XV. Navigation— personal: Light-houses _. 20,625.00 

XVI. Navigation — material: 

Ports 34,650.00 

Light-house examinations . 3, 000. 00 

New works, preservation and repairs of light- 
houses... 37,000.00 

Purchases, rents, and gratuities... 9.913.00 

84, 563. 00 

XVII. Civil construction — material: New works, preservation, and 

repairs 10,000.00 

XVIII. Board of control of waste lands: 

Personal 360. 00 

Material 100.00 

460. 00 

XIX. Examinations for professorships: Expenses of examination ... 300.00 

Total for the sixth division 878,175.83 

RECAPITULATION. 

First division— General obligations. 498,501.60 

Second division — Worship and justice 423, 818. 80 

Third division— "War 1,252,377.76 

Fourth division— Treasury 260,800.00 

Fifth division— Navy 222, 668. 20 

Sixth division— General government and interior 878, 175. 83 

Total 3,536,342.19 



Comparative statement of expenditures for the years 1897-98 and 1896-97. 



1897-98. 



1896-97. 



Net 
decrease. 



General obligations 

Worship and justice 

War.... _ 

Treasury 

Navy 

General government and department of interior 

Total expenses 



$498,501.60 
423,818.80 

1,252,377.76 
260,800.00 
222,668.20 
878,175.83 i 



S499.236.16 
435,68s. 22 

1,271,119.36 
281, 772. 87 
193,668.20 

1,766,642.70 



3,536,342.19 



,127.71 



$734.86 
11,869.42 
18, 741. 50 
20,972.87 
29,000.00 
888,466.87 



911,785.52 



259 

Comparative statement of receipts for the years 1897-98 and 1896-97. 



1897-98. 



1896-97. 



Decrease. 



Taxes and imposts . - - 

Custom-houses 

Monopoly revenues .. 
Property of the State 
Incidental revenues.. 

Total receipts . . 



$576,200 

3,132,900 

184,200 

9,300 

36,900 



3,939,500 



$850, 000 

3,300,000 

300,000 

10,000 

250,000 



4,710,000 



$273,800 
167,100 
115,800 
700 
213,100 



770,500 



Budget of the deputation provincial. 

[Compiled from "Presupuesto General de Gastos e Ingresos" for 1897-98.] 

ESTIMATE OP EXPENSES FOR 1897-98. 

FIRST DIVISION — PROVINCIAL DEPUTATION. 

Administration provincial: Pesos. 

Personal 64,700.00 

Material. 7,160.00 

Lottery: 

Personal 11,650.00 

Material 11,530.00 

Beneficencia: 

Personal _... ..'.." 16,391.00 

Material 33,725.00 

Public correction 25,000.00 

Various expenses 9,175.00 

Debt ;_. 35,800.00 

Closed accounts 6, 130. 48 

Total for first division 221,261.48 

SECOND DIVISION— GOVERNMENT. 

Postal and telegraphic service: 

Personal ."... 90,590.00 

Material 80,916.00 

Sanitation: 

Personal 10,780.00 

Material 1,516.00 

Vaccine station 2,400.00 

Medicinal baths 1,000.00 

Hospitals and asylums . 23,052.00 

Total for second division 210,254.00 

THIRD DIVISION — INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. 

Public instruction: 

Personal ■_ 82,295.00 

Material 37,900.00 

Public works: 

Personal 72,290.00 

Material 589,789.52 

Colonization 3,910.00 

Total for third division 786,184.52 

RECAPITULATION. 

First division— provincial deputation 221,261.48 

Second division— government 210,254.00 

Third division— interior department 786, 184. 52 

Total 1,217,700.00 



260 

Estimates of receipts for 1897-98. 

Pesos. Pesos. 

50 per cent of the territorial taxes 205. 000 

50 per cent of the tax on industry and commerce . . . . . 120, 000 

Apportionment to the municipalities . 150, 000 

475,000 

Sale of postage stamps . .. 128,000 

Tariff charges on loading and unloading merchandise and passen- 
gers . 245.000 

Proceeds of the lottery ;■_ 309, TOO 

Income from the institute and normal schools . . 5, 000 

Income from orphan asylum and school of art 5, 000 

10,000 

Closed accounts 50, 000 



Total., 1,217,700 



Summary of the hvo budgets. 

RECEIPTS FOR 1897-98. 
General budget : 

Taxes and imposts .. . §576,200 

Custom-houses • 3,132,900 

Monopoly revenues ... ..... 184,200 

Property of the state 9,300 

Incidental revenues 36, 900 

§3, 939, 500 

Budget of provincial deputation: 

Territorial and industrial taxes 325, 000 . 

From municipalities •_ 150, 000 

Tariff charges on loading, unloading, etc 245, 000 

Postage stamps. . 128,000 

Proceeds of lottery 309,700 

Other sources 60, 000 

1,217,700 

Total 5,157,200 

EXPENSES FOR 1897-98. 
General budget: 

General obligations $498, 501 . 60 

"Worship and justice 423,818.80 

War 1,252,377.76 

Treasury 260,800.00 

Navy 222,668.20 

General government and in terior 878, 175 . 83 

$3, 536, 342. 19 

Budget of provincial deputation: 

Administration, provincial. 71, 860. 00 

Lottery 23, 180. 00 

Beneficencia _- 50, 116. 00 

Various items . 76,105.48 

$221 , 261 . 48 

Postal and telegraph service 1 71 , 506 . 00 

Sanitation, etc 38,748.00 

210,254.00 

Public instruction 120, 195. 00 

Public works 662, 079. 52 

Colonization 3,910.00 

786,184.52 

1,217,700.00 

Total of two budgets 4,754,042.19 



261 

ANALYSIS OF THE BUDGET OF PORTO RICO. 

[By Senor Julian E. Blanco, Secretary of the Treasury: presented to the United States com- 
missioner November 8, 1898.] 

The last budget, approved in Madrid the 25th of June, 1897, divides expenses as 

follows: 

Pesos. 

Section 1. — General obligations: Salaries and materials of the colonial 
ministry, of the court of accounts in Madrid, of pensions, and other 
payments in Spain ... . 498, 501.60 

Section 2. — Worship and justice: Tribunals of the island, penal estab- 
lishments, worship, and clergy 423, 818. 80 

Section 3. — War: Salaries and material of the army, military sanita- 
tion and administration, transport, pensioned orders and decora- 
tions, etc '. 1,252,377.76 

Section 4. — Treasury: Salaries and material of all the offices thereof, 
expenses of collection, etc 260, 800. 00 

Section 5. — Navy: Salaries and material of this department in the 

island 222,668.20 

Section 6. — Government and interior: Salaries and material of the 
government general of the island; auxiliary centers and employees; 
civil guard and civil police; posts and telegraphs; light-houses, ports, 
public works; education 878, 175. 83 



Total... 3,536,342.29 

These expenses must be met by the following income: 

Section 1. — Territorial tax: Direct tax of 5 per cent on the net incomes 
on No. 1 : 

1. Real estate and cattle 410,000.00 

2. Industry and commerce 240, 000. 00 

3. Royal dues on transfer of property 148, 000. 00 

4. Mining dues 200.00 

5. Internal passports . 31,000.00 

6. 10 per cent on passenger tickets, transport of merchandise by 

rail and coasting steamers 11, 000. 00 

7. Consumption tax on petroleum 61,000.00 



Section 2. — Custom-house: 

Imports 2,631,000.00 

Exports 254,000.00 



901,200.00 



Special dues: 

1. Loading and unloading merchan- 

dise, embarking and disembarking 

passengers . 245, 000. 00 

2. Mercantile deposit (warehouse) ... 1,100.00 

3. Fines and confiscations . 5,800.00 

4. Transitory dues of 10 per cent on 

import duties 241, 000. 00 



2, 885, 000. 00 



492, 900. 00 



3,377,900.00 

Section 3. — State (monopoly) income: Stamped paper, instruments 

of all classes.... 312,200.00 

Section 4. — State property: Sale and rental of waste lands and gov- 
ernment property, commutation of censos (clerical mortgages) .-.-. 9, 300. 00 
Section 5. — Eventual income: 

Lottery tax and raffles ,. 145, 000. 00 

Balances of accounts, interest for delay in pay- 
ments, amounts paid after closing last budget. . . 36, 900. 00 

181,900.00 



4, 782, 500. 00 



262 

The State granted the following items to the provincial deputation 
to enable it to cover its expenses: 

Pesos. Pesos. 

50 per cent of the territorial tax 205,000.00 

Loading and unloading tax 245, 000. 00 

50 per cent of the industrial tax 120. 000. 00 

Posts and telegraphs 128, 000. 00 

Lottery 145, 000. 00 

843, 000. 00 

Leaving the state income at. . . - 3, 939, 500. 00 

Expenses... _ 3,536,342.29 

Surplus „ 403,157.71 

The autonomous constitution of this island being promulgated on 
the 11th of February, 1898, in which the insular government was 
authorized to form its own budget for local purposes, excluding gen- 
eral obligations, war and navy, understanding that it should vote the 
amount which the Spanish Cortes might agree to as expenses of sov- 
ereignty, the government drew up the budget for 1898-99 in June of 
last year with the modifications which the new regimen (autonomous) 
required, taking over the amounts which had been assigned to the 
provincial deputation which had been formerly ceded to that cor- 
poration. 

Owing to current events, the national Cortes had not yet voted their 
budget, neither had they fixed the amount which this island should 
pay for expenses of sovereignty, so the insular government left stand- 
ing the same amounts as had figured in the last budget. 

In the new budget, therefore, appeared, in section 1, expenses: 

Pesos. 

General obligations, as before 498,501.60 

Section 2 (worship and justice) was increased to 454, 773. 80 

Section 3 (war) as before 1,252,377.76 

Section 4 (treasury) was reduced to _ 225, 825. 00 

Section 5 (navy) as before .. 222,668.20 

Section 6 was divided in two: 

Government, increased to _ . 906, 070. 83 

Fomento, amounting to 886, 735. 12 

Expenses amounting to . . 4, 446, 952. 31 

To cover which the items of income were 4,782,500.00 

Leaving as before, a surplus of 335,547.69 

The outbreak of the war prevented the collection of the larger part 
of these items, and the insular government, to make up the deficiency, 
established the following transitory taxes: 

Pesos. 

Export tax on cattle . 14,000 

Import tax on tobacco from Cuba 1 2, 000 

War tax on letters and telegrams 37, 000 

Discount from salaries and pensions 71, 724 

Discount from provincial and municipal employees. 25, 000 

Total.. 120,724 

The United States Government took possession of the island by 
virtue of the protocol, and the insular government continues admin- 
istering as a council of secretaries on its behalf . Therefore the income 
can be considered reduced as follows: 

Customs collected direct by the United States Government without 
intervention of the Secretary of the Treasury §3. 377, 900 

Personal passport (cedulas) farmed out by the Spanish Government 
before leaving 31,000 



263 

Tax on passengers and petroleum, suspended by the war $72, 000 

Stamped paper, etc. , abolished by General Orders, No. 4. _ 312, 200 

Lottery 145,000 



Total reduction 3,938,100 

Former income. . .* ' 4,782,500 



Leaving the Secretary of the Treasury 844, 400 

No notice is taken of transitory dues, such as surcharge on letters 
and telegrams, as those that are not suppressed will soon be so. In 
detail the Treasury will now collect : 

Pesos. 

1. Territorial tax on lands and cattle 410,000 

2. Industrial and commercial tax . 240, 000 

3. Royal dues on transfer of property (since annulled) 148, 000 

4. Mining dues, waste lands, etc ... - - 9,500 

5. Eventual taxes 36,900 



Total 844,400 

With which to pay the following expenses of civil administration : 

Section 2. — Worship and justice. . $454, 773. 80 

Less clergy . 193,610.00 



Section 4.— Treasury 225,825.00 

Less salaries and material paid by the United States 146, 070. 00 



$261,163.80 
79, 755. 00 

89,742.90 

Fomento. including 766,928 for public works, roads, railroads and 
light-houses 886,735.12 



Section 6.— Government 906,070.83 

Less governor-general ... 76,471.00 

Tribunal of contention 6,000.00 

Post-offices 291,832.00 

Civil guard 351,633.17 

Civil police 92,292.66 818,228.83 



Total expenses 1,315,495.92 

Income.... 844,400.00 



Deficit 471,095.92 

Which will have to be taken from the amount for public works 766, 928. 00 



Reducing that amount to 295, 833. 08 

The budget for civil administration expenses is to-day as follows: 

Pesos. 

Worship and justice (without clergy) _. 261, 163. 80 

Treasury (without customs or coast guard) 79, 755. 00 

Government, reduced to 87, 842. 00 

Fomento, including only 295,833.08 for public works. 415, 639. 20 



Equal to income 844, 400. 00 

As will be seen, the United States Government to-day takes posses- 
sion of the easiest collected tax, that of the custom-house, amounting 
to 3,377,900 pesos, from which deducting the expenses for manage- 
ment thereof, or say, 146,070 pesos, there remains, net, 3,231,830 pesos, 
which covers with excess all the expenses of sovereignty paid up to 
the present, including war, navy, and colonial ministry, and pensions, 
1,975,547.56 pesos, leaving a balance for no purpose of 1,256,282.44 
pesos, with which there is sufficient to pay all the expenses of our 
present local budget without necessity for any other taxation, or, say, 
844,400 pesos, and still leave a surplus of 411,882.44 pesos. 

Against this surplus without application the recourse left to the 



264 

civil administration to meet the expenses of 844,400 pesos is either 
very problematical, as, for instance, the 36,900 pesos interest on over- 
due taxes, etc., and 9,800 pesos rent of State lands, or else is difficult 
of collection in the present unsettled state of affairs, as is also the 
410,000 pesos tax on income from property (agricultural) and the 240,000 
pesos tax on commerce and industry and the professions. 

These facts should be considered in making the budget for next 
year, but without prejudice to the immediate granting to the civil 
government such sums as it may need to cover its expenses. 

To cover the expense of the department of justice it need's at least 
261,163.80 pesos, and for urban and suburban police, at least (if order 
and tranquillity are to be restored by these bodies in place of the 
civil guard and the civil police, which formerly cost 440,000 pesos) 
200,000 pesos; to give impulse to the work on roads and public works, 
to-day paralyzed, another 200,000 pesos; a total of 661,163.80 pesos, 
which, with the surplus from custom-house receipts, 1,256,282.44 pesos, 
would still leave a surplus of 595,118.64 pesos. 

(1) The sum of 120,724 pesos, quoted as representing the transi- 
tory dues, is wrong, owing to a mistake of the Official Gazette, and 
should be 150,724 pesos. This, however, is immaterial, as the amount 
will shortly be suppressed and will disappear in toto. 

(2) The tax of 240,000 pesos on industry and commerce has been 
reduced by superior order, and I have solicited the revocation of the 
order. This tax is completely separate and apart from any tax col- 
lected through the customs, and forms one of the few recourses left 
to the civil administration for its needs, which it will be unable to 
cover if the sources of income be further suppressed or diminished. 

(3) The division of the collection and administration of taxes — the 
custom-house by the military and the others by the civil authorities or 
secretary of the treasury — causes a number of conflicts and much con- 
fusion, and, should be altered if a smooth and orderly working is 
required. Either the office of the secretary of the treasury should dis- 
appear or be converted into a mere paying branch of civil accounts, 
all collections being made b}^ the military; or else the treasury should, 
as before, take charge of all collections, including customs, and all 
payments for military expenses should be drawn against by the mili- 
tary chiefs, under authority of their paymasters. In this way the 
safes of the treasury, to-day empty, would become the central deposi- 
tory, and due inspection and vigilance of all income and expenses 
could be exercised, replacing what to-day amounts in this direction 
to a state of financial anarchy. 

Porto Rico, November 8, 1898. 



THE CODES AND COURTS. 

SYNOPSIS OF THE SPANISH CODES. 

By Seiior Herminio Diaz, Secretary of Justice. 

THE CIVIL CODE. 

The civil code in force has been drawn up by the Spanish legislative 
chambers on the following bases: 

(1) It takes as its capital inspiration the sense and intention of the 
civil institutions of historic law of that nation, regulating, explaining, 
and harmonizing the legal precepts which were in force in Spain before 



265 

its promulgation and adopting the rulings which doubtful points of 
the same had given rise to in practice. 

(2) The operation of the laws and statutes, as well as the nationality, 
naturalization, recognition, and conditions of judicial entities, are 
therein adjusted to the constitutional and legal precepts in force in 
Spain. 

(3) It establishes two forms only of marriage — the canonical and the 
civil — granting to the former the same legal consequences as to the 
latter and decreeing both indissoluble. 

(I) The juridical relations consequent on marriage as affecting the 
persons and property of the married parties and their descendants, 
paternity, and affiliation, the successive parental rights of the father 
and mother over minor children, civil effects of the union of the parties, 
and, in fine, everything relating to family law is handled in conformity 
with previous Spanish legislation, notoriously influenced in those mat- 
ters by the doctrines and precepts of the Roman Catholic Apostolic 
religion. 

(5) It does not allow the investigation of paternity, except in cases 
of crime or the existence in writing of the undoubted wish of the 
father to recognize his offspring, deliberately written with this view, 
or when a question of the possession of property arises. It allows the 
investigation of maternity and authorizes the legitimization of off- 
spring by subsequent marriage or royal decree, this latter being per- 
mitted onty when the first is impossible, and allows prejudiced third 
persons to impugn both recognition and legitimization when not 
effected within the conditions of the law. It also authorizes adoption 
by contract and judicial authority, fixing the requirements of age and 
consent, and also prohibitions preventing the inconvenience which the 
abuse of this right might introduce into the organization of the family 
proper. 

(6) Characterizes and defines cases of absence and presumed death, 
establishing guaranties for the assurance of the rights of the absent 
and his heirs, which, while allowing those concerned who have an 
interest in the estate, either by testament or legitimate succession, to 
enjoy their rights of inheritance, in no case authorizes the surviving 
spouse to remarry. 

(7) Allows the law, testament (will), or fauiilj- council to name the 
guardians of minor children, elemented persons, legally declared 
prodigals, and persons laboring under civil disability. 

(8) Fixes the legal age at 23 for civil effects, and establishes the 
emancipation from minority by the marriage of minors, or voluntary 
emancipation by permission of living persons, when the minor has 
attained 18 years of age. 

(9) Creates a registry for acts affecting the civil conditions of per- 
sons, in which should be inscribed births, marriages, recognition of 
natural offspring, legitimization of same, deaths, and naturalization; 
it directs that these operations be accredited by such inscriptions 
only, except when they have taken place before the creation of the 
registry or when the registry has disappeared. 

(10) Maintains the principle of ownership, the division of property 
(laws affecting), the principle of accession and of coownership on the 
lines of fundamental articles of historic law, and respects the spirit 
of the laws of water rights, of scientific productions, of literary and 
artistic authorship, and of mines, as ruling on its promulgation. 

(II) Defines possession in its two phases — absolute, or emanating, 
from and coexisting with right of use; limited, and springing from a 



266 

holding which can be proved to be separate and independent from the 
right of use. Upholds the results of this distinction both in the form 
and manner of acquiring property, establishing the particular results 
as affecting hereditary property; the personal unit of the person hold- 
ing property, excepting in case of indivisibility of property, and deter- 
mining the effects of such ruling by the public authorities, the pre- 
sumption being in the holder's favor; enjoyment of benefits accruing 
therefrom according to the nature thereof, the crediting of expenses 
and improvements, and the conditions attending the loss of possessory 
rights according to the class of property. 

(12) Defines usufruct, use, and habitation, and regulates the limits 
of the right of use and forms of division, firstly, by title and, secondly, 
by law. States the rights of the person enjoying usufruct respecting 
the things enjoyed according to kind and situation thereof at the time 
of the beginning and termination of the period of usufruct. Fixes the 
principles on which to decide doubtful questions in practice regarding 
the usufruct and use of mines, forests, plantings, cattle, improvements, 
obligations as to inventories and bond, registration, payment of taxes, 
defense of rights of enjoyers of usufruct and of owners, both in the 
courts and outside, and the proper and legitimate procedure in order 
to cancel such rights, all in obedience to the principle and practice of 
Spanish law. 

(13) Classifies and divides " servidumbre " (servitude as applied to 
property) into continuous and discontinuous, positive and negative, 
apparent and nonapparent, according to its condition of exercise and 
use; legal and voluntary, according to the origin of its cause. It 
respects the doctrines of historic Spanish law regarding the means of 
acquiring servitude, rights and obligations of the owners of estates 
affected actively or passively thereby, and procedure for canceling 
such rights and obligations. In special chapters defines the principal 
servitudes fixed by law respecting water rights and urban and suburban 
property. 

(14) institutes occupation as one of the modes of acquiring property, 
regulates rights over domestic animals, treasure trove, and appropria- 
tion of abandoned personal estate, and leaves in force as a complement 
of these dispositions former laws of chase and fisheries. 

(15) Preserves the essence of former Spanish legislation as regards 
wills in general, their forms and solemnities, their different classes, 
such as open, closed, military, maritime, and those subscribed to in 
foreign lands, and also everything relative to the capability of dispos- 
ing of and acquiring by will, the institution of entail, of disinherit- 
ance, bequests and legacies, conditional or terminal institution, exec- 
utors and revocation, or inefficiency of the terms of wills; organizing 
and classifying such laws as formerly existed and complementing them 
by the addition of what was thought necessary to insure the facility 
and legality of testamentary expression. 

(16) It does not allow fiduciary substitution to pass the second gen- 
eration, not even in direct line, except such substitution be made in 
favor of persons living at the time of death of testator. It divides the 
estate of deceased into three parts: (1) "Which is the legitimate inher- 
itance of the children, divisible among them in equal parts; (2) which 
he can divide as he wishes among them, and (3) which he can dispose 
of by will as he pleases. The half of the obligatory heritage, adjudi- 
cated according to proximity of parentage, without prejudice to excep- 
tions, constitutes, in default of legitimate descendants, the heritage 
of the ascendants, who can choose between taking it or having the 



267 

estate pay their sustenance. It gives to recognized natural offspring 
a share in the heritage, and if they have been legitimatized, they are 
entitled to one-half of what their shares as legitimate children would 
have been. This amount can be increased when only ascendants exist 
to inherit. 

(17) Establishes for the widow an usufruct of the deceased husband, 
limited to an amount equal to what a legitimate child, if any, could 
have inherited, and determines the cases when usufruct shall cease. 

(18) Invites to take a share in intestate estates. The ascendant 
relatives, legitimate descendants, natural offspring, brothers, sisters, 
and children of these, the widow or widower. This succession does 
not pass the sixth degree in the collateral line. When, in default of 
relatives, the state inherits, the estate passes to benevolent, or educa- 
tional institutions in the town where the deceased lived or, if there 
are none, to those of the province. As regards reservations, right of 
increase, acceptance or repudiation of inheritance, benefit of inventory, 
collation and partition, and payment of hereditary debts, it expounds 
juridical doctrines of great exactness. 

(19) Takes cognizance of simple obligations (contracts) and explains 
their nature and effect. Retains the historic idea of "mancomuni- 
dad," joint action, and, with general principles, solves the questions 
arising from the relations between creditor and debtor, and those 
arising from the subject of a contract being a thing divisible or a 
thing indivisible. It defines the elements of legal entail as affecting 
different kinds of contracts, alternative, conditional, with terms and 
with a penal clause. Simplifies the procedure for annulling contracts 
by separating into two groups, one of which is subjected to the doc- 
trines generally accepted as affecting the terms of the contract and 
the other of contracts of an essentially different element. Establishes 
general principles for the proof of contracts, and fixes a maximum 
above which all contracts of gift or restitution, of constitution, of 
rights, of renting, of property, or of personal service shall be made in 
writing, in order to be valid before a court in suits of execution or 
complement. 

(20) Considers contracts as mere titles of acquisition when they have 
for an object the transfer of ownership of some similar object. Sub- 
mits contracts to the principle that the mere coincidence of purpose 
between those contracting establishes the legal link between them, 
even in cases requiring determinate processes for the transfer of 
property and the drawing up of deeds. Establishes conditions neces- 
sary for consent, both as regards capability and legal power there- 
for, and accepts the sacred modern principles of the nature and 
object of contracts, their cause, form, and interpretation, and the 
causes of their annulment or rescindment. 

(21) Accepts the existence of quasi contracts and determines the 
responsibilities that may accrue from the voluntary acts given effect 
to thereby, in conformity with the principles of justice as understood by 
the doctrine of historic law unanimously accepted by modern codes. 
Recites the effects of culpability and negligence when not constitut- 
ing a crime or misdemeanor. Obligations arising from misdemeanors 
or crimes are left to be treated under the penal code, both in cases 
when the accused incurs civil responsibility and when this responsi- 
bility is incurred by the person under whose custody or authority 
the accused may have been. 

(22) Allows liberty of contract in antenuptial agreements, and 



268 

takes for granted that when no antenuptial contract is made the 
parties have wished to establish a legal partnership of earnings. 

(23) Antenuptial contracts can be entered into by minors who 
possess the legal conditions for marriage. These contracts must be 
subscribed to by the persons who give consent to the marriage. 

(24) Gifts of parents to children are considered as advances of her- 
itage.- Expresses the rules governing gifts between husband and wife 
during the period of their matrimonial life. 

(25) States that the marriage portion and inheritance property can 
be made the subject of antenuptial contract, but that when the mar- 
riage portion is not specialty mentioned it shall be considered as not 
included. The husband has the management of the marriage portion, 
and gives a deed of mortgage, so as to insure the rights of the wife, 
rules being established for the sale or decrease of such portion, for 
the usufruct thereof, and for the charges that it incurs, which admit 
the principles of the laws of mortgage in everything organic and leg- 
islative in the matter, leaving the woman freedom during her married 
life to undertake the defense of her property against the prodigality 
of her husband. 

(26) It explains the forms, requisites, and conditions of all con- 
tracts and their effects, keeping within the lines of historic legislation. 
Defines and fixes the nature and effects of donation, stating who may 
give and receive, the limitations, revocations, and reductions, the 
formalities to be gone through, the relative duties of giver and 
receiver, and everything tending to prevent prejudicing the offspring 
of the giver thereby, or of his legitimate creditors, or the rights of 
third persons. 

(27) In its final disposition abolishes all legal bodies ruling before 
its publication. Does not concede retroactive effects if such preju- 
dice acquired rights, and establishes the organic basis as an addition, 
allowing every ten years sach reforms as the practice and progress in 
the science of law in other countries may make advisable. 

LAW OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. 

This law determines the form of procedure of the diverse civil 
matters which can be tried before our courts. 
Its bases are the following: 

(1) Steps or petitions (suits) instituted before the courts of first 
instance, trial, and appeal can not be taken personally by the parties 
interested except in determinate cases mentioned by the law. Except 
in those cases, power of attorney must be given to a functionary, styled 
procurator (procurador), who, in the name of his client and under the 
direction of a lawyer (abogado), takes the steps in the matter. 

These procurators collect fees according to a tariff which will be 
stated later. Lawyers are subject to no tariff. They may charge 
whatever they think their work is worth, but the client has the right 
of challenging the account before the court in which the suit has been 
tried, if he thinks it excessive. The court obtains the opinion of the 
board of directors of the college of lawyers thereon, and decides. 

(2) Procurators, lawyers, clerks of courts, and judges' secretaries 
must defend gratuitously those persons who have proved their poverty 
to the court. 

(3) Establishes rules determining before which judge or court of 
first instance a suit should be heard, taking as the primary basis that 
such one as the litigants have voluntarily selected shall alwa} T s be 



269 

considered competent therefor. If any judge of court is conducting 
a case not within his jurisdiction the parties interested may request 
the judge within whose jurisdiction it falls to demand the turning of 
the suit over to him. 

(4) In one suit distinct claims not incompatible among themselves 
can be embodied if all the claims come within the power of the judge 
to pass upon and if they can all be settled by a suit of one character. 

(5) Any litigant can' recuse any judge or tribunal sitting on his 
case if such be a relative of the other litigant up to the fourth degree 
either of consanguinity or affinity, or the iawyer defending the other 
litigant if a relative in the second degree; also if any of them have 
previously been denounced by the litigant as principal, accomplice, 
or accessory of a crime; or in general, if any fact tends to affect their 
impartiality, or inclines them to favor either of the litigants. On the 
recusation being made and justified the judge must pass the case to 
the substitute provided for by the law. If he do not, and the litigant 
prove the motive of his recusation, the judge is severely punished and 
can even be criminally proceeded against. 

(6) Determines the form in which all judicial resolutions and judicial 
formalities must be drawn, the method by which the cooperation of 
other judges must be sought in cases where any steps have to be 
taken outside of the territory of the judge acting, and the period 
within which resolutions must be written. 

(7) If the litigant thinks that the judge has infringed the law by 
issuing any order or resolution in connection with a suit in process 
before him, and before final decision be given thereon, he can ask to 
have it quashed, and, on the judge refusing, can appeal to the superior 
court. 

(8) The superior tribunals, when the inferior ones fail in their 
duties, and judges of courts, when lawyers or procurators are disre- 
spectful in the conduct of the cases, can apply any of the following 
correctives: 1, admonitiou; 2, warning; 3, suspension from practice 
or employment for not more than six months. 

(9) Before any suit can be instituted the plaintiff can exact what is 
called a "conciliatory meeting," to be held before the municipal 
judge, to endeavor to arrive at an amicable arrangement. If not suc- 
cessful, then the plaintiff can formulate his suit before the judge com- 
petent to sit on it. 

(10) All questions not turning on any of the matters which will be 
detailed later must be ventilated and decided by one of the following 
forms of suits: "Declarative suit of major degree," "declarative suit 
of minor degree," "verbal suit." 

(11) Questions to be decided by major declarative suits are: Those 
exceeding 1,500 pesos value in litigation; those in which the matter 
in litigation can not be valued; cases concerning political rights or 
questions of honor; cases of personal exemption of privileges, affilia- 
tion, paternity, interdiction, and other cases turning on the civil 
status and conditions of the person. Cases to be decided by minor 
declarative suits are those in which the subject of litigation is of 
greater value than 200 pesos but does not exceed 1,500. Verbal suits 
are those where the subject of litigation has a value not exceeding 
200 pesos. 

(12) The procedure of the major declarative suit is as follows: The 
claim is presented in writing, accompanied by the documents on which 
the plaintiff founds his case and by a literal copy of the whole as 
duplicate. The judge then orders the defendant to give written 



270 

notice of his participation in the suit, which must be done within nine 
days, counting from the day following the judge's notice to the plaintiff 
that he has so advised. 

If the defendant does not comply, the case is proceeded with and the 
defendant declared in default, in which case, on the request of the 
plaintiff, the defendant's property can be attached while awaiting the 
result of the trial. 

Should the defendant, however, have complied within nine days, 
the judge orders him to put in a pleader within twenty days, in writ- 
ing, which pleader is handed to the plaintiff for written reply within 
ten days. This reply is handed to the defendant for him to adduce in 
writing new arguments if he thinks proper. 

After this, if either or both litigants have so requested, the case is 
opened for proofs. If the issue is a point of law and proofs are 
unnecessary, the parties can ask for judgment, and verdict must be 
given without further steps. 

If proofs are to be submitted, the judge orders that within twenty 
days the litigants shall submit those on which they propose to justify 
their allegations. 

Any of the following proofs are permissible: (1) Sworn examina- 
tion by either one of the litigants of the other before the judge; (2) 
presentation of public or printed documents; (3) examination of the 
books or correspondence of some merchant who, if interested in the 
case, is obliged to show them — if not interested, he can refuse; (4) 
opinion of experts ; (5) examination by the judge personally; (6) testi- 
mony of witnesses called by the litigants. 

The litigants haviug stated what proofs they propose submitting, 
and the term for so doing having expired, the judge orders the exam- 
ination of same within thirty days if ail the proofs are interinsular 
and six months if some have to be examined outside of Puerto Rico. 

The proofs are examined in the following manner: If one of the 
litigants wishes the other to testify under oath, he draws up in writ- 
ing a set of questions which he presents closed and sealed to the judge, 
who fixes a day for the examination. On this day both litigants 
appear, and in their presence the judge breaks the seal. The witness 
is then required to swear by God that he will tell the truth, and the 
questions are put to him. The judge's secretary draws up a docu- 
ment of what has taken place, containing the replies which the wit- 
ness has dictated to him. In this document both litigants can have 
embodied the questions and observations which they think necessary 
to establish the truth of the statements on which the interrogatories 
have turned. 

When public documents are to be submitted as evidence thej*, or 
certified copies thereof, drawn up by duly authorized functionaries, 
must be presented when the claim is made, or with the reply made to 
the claim by the defendant, if the documents are of previous date. If 
of later date, they can be produced during the period allowed for the 
proposition of proofs to be submitted. If either of the litigants dis- 
putes the authenticity of the original or certified copy of a public doc- 
ument, the other must ask that it be compared with the original. The 
law considers as public documents: Deeds authorized before a notario; 
certificates given by brokers of entries in the books recording their 
transactions (brokers in Spain and colonies have to keep certain books 
legally defined and are licensed under bond) ; papers granted by public 
functionaries in the exercise of their duties; extracts from books of 
registry in the public archives; certificates of birth, marriage, and 



271 

death given by the persons charged with keeping the books of regis- 
try of same; certificates of judgments and of judicial proceedings. 

If any private document is to be offered as proof, it must be pre- 
sented within the same periods as allowed for public documents. To 
be valid as testimonj^ the signatory must acknowledge his signature 
before the judge; and if he denies it, the signature must be passed on 
by experts in caligraphy in comparison with other signatures by the 
same person. 

The examination of merchants' books and correspondence must take 
place in their office in their presence or in that of their delegate and 
of the litigants if they wish to attend. The true finding of this exam- 
ination, which the judge himself must make, or his clerk, or the clerk 
of the court (escribano), if the litigants so request, is to be put in 
writing then and there and attested by all present. The litigants 
may exact the insertion in this document of any observation they 
think proper. 

The evidence of experts may be used when scientific, artistic, or prac- 
tical knowledge is required to appreciate some influential point of 
the suit. The litigant proposing this evidence must clearly state the 
object or point on which the expert has to pass. Experts are named by 
both litigants appearing before the judge, who endeavors to bring about 
an agreement between them as to how many are to be named, which 
number must be either one or three. If they do not agree, the judge 
decides as to the number, according to the importance of the case, 
and draws, by lot, one name from among several, which is decisive. 

The examination by the judge of some place or object, if necessary, 
is also direct evidence. 

The litigants can assist at such examination and can make such 
observation as they think proper. The result of the examination 
must be put into writing and signed by all present. 

The litigant wishing to use the testimony of witnesses must draw up 
a list of the questions to be asked and present a list of the witnesses 
to be called. The judge fixes the day and hour for the examination, 
at which the other litigant has the right of cross-examination. Wit- 
nesses must be sworn; and if a witness be a relative, intimate friend, 
employee, or servant of the litigant calling him or if interested in 
the suit, he can be challenged by the opposite party, and if the chal- 
lenge is upheld by reason of the above incompatibilities, the evidence 
shall be struck out. 

On the termination of the maximum time allowed for the taking of 
evidence, even if all the evidence proposed has not been produced, the 
litigants are notified to present in writing, through their attorneys, 
within twenty days, the remarks they think necessary regarding the 
testimony taken. On the completion of this the judge gives a verdict. 
Further on in this paper the right of appeal allowed by law will be 
entered into. 

(13) Minor declarative suits mentioned in paragraph 10 are shorter 
than those just treated of. Their procedure is as follows : Having 
presented the claim, the document on which it rests, and duplicate 
copy of the whole, the judge orders the defendant to put in an ap- 
pearance by writing within nine days, counting from the day follow- 
ing the notification. If the defendant does not appear within the 
stated time, he is declared in default, and the case continues. If the 
claimant so requests, the defendant's property may be attached to 
await the result of the trial. The defendant on making his reply 
should state all the arguments in his favor, whether or not he is in con- 



272 

formity with the facts alleged by the complainant. If both litigants 
are of one accord, and the question is reduced to a point of law, a 
meeting is held before the judge, in which both state their interests 
orally, and sentence is given. If the litigants should not have been 
in accord, the case is opened for proofs, and six days are granted for 
submitting testimony. The same class of testimony, offered in the 
same way, can be produced as already mentioned in "major suits." 
The term mentioned for proofs having ended, no matter whether the 
testimony has been offered or not, a meeting is held before the judge, 
both litigants state their case, and judgment is given. Later the 
appeal allowed in these cases will be stated. 

(14) The verbal suits mentioned in paragraph 10 are the most rapid 
of all. They are tried before the municipal judge. The claim having 
been presented, both litigants are ordered to appear before the judge 
at a certain day and hour. Both appear and, in order, state their 
cases. If the testimony offered can be examined then and there, it is 
so examined; if not, a day is named for such examination. Having 
examined the testimony, or the day named for doing so having passed 
without this having been clone, sentence is given. All steps in the 
suit have to be reduced to writing by the judge's secretary aud the 
document signed by all taking part in the case. Appeal allowed in 
these suits will be treated of later. 

(15) Questions involving litigation can be settled by the parties sub- 
mitting them to a court of lawyers, if they do not wish to take them 
to the courts. In this case the following rules must be observed: 
The number of lawyers composing the court can not exceed five and 
must always be an odd number. They are to be named by the liti- 
gants in joint accord. The litigants must have drawn up before a 
notary a deed stating date, names, professions, and residence of the 
signatories, the period within which judgment must be given, the 
amount of the fine to be paid by the party not accepting the verdict, 
and the name of the place where the sittings are to be held. 

After the deed is drawn and the referees or substitutes have 
accepted the nomination, they shall notify the litigants that within a 
given time they must present their briefs in duplicate. If either 
litigant neglects to do so, the case shall continue without him, with- 
out prejudice to his being called on to pay the stipulated fine. The 
briefs shall be given to the opposite litigants, granting them a certain 
time in which to propose their replies, after which time the case shall 
be opened for proofs in the form as expressed in paragraph 11. 

After the proofs have been heard, and if the litigants so wish, a 
day may be named for them to appear and make oral observations. 
After this judgment is given. If any points of discord among the 
referees fail to obtain a majority of their votes, the points in question 
shall be submitted to the judge, whose decision shall be accepted. 
Of the appeal allowed in both cases I will treat later. 

(16) With the same object as the former exists another form of 
suit called friendly composition, the procedure of which is the same 
as that recorded in paragraph 15 with the difference that those form- 
ing the court need not be lawyers. 

(17) Against judgment given in suits treated in paragraphs 11 and 
12, appeal is allowed in second instance to the court of appeals, 
which court is composed of three judges of the supreme court. In 
02'der to do this, all the testimony which has been written in the case 
is placed before the court of appeals, which fixes a day for the appel- 
ant to appear, and the secretary of the court draws up a resume of 
the case. 



273 

This resume is handed the litigants for them to express themselves 
in conformity therewith or to make known if anything has been 
omitted therefrom which should have been included. Having 
expressed their conformity, or having made the observations which 
they think necessary, they may ask that testimony be taken, but 
only when the judge of first instance has refused to accept, or when 
in any case not attributable to the litigant, he did not take certain 
testimony in the first instance, or when the time allowed for testimony 
in the first instance shall have concluded and some matter of abso- 
lute bearing shall have arisen afterwards, or when either of the liti- 
gants shall swear that some defect exits, of which he previously had 
no knowledge, or when the litigant declared in default by the judge 
shall have appeared after the time conceded for testimony. 

If both litigants are agreeable that these proofs shall be taken, the 
court shall so order it. If they are not agreeable, the court shall 
order what it thinks proper. If the court orders that the testimony 
be taken, there is no appeal against its resolution. If it does not do 
so, the right of requiring it to reconsider the matter is given, and on 
its refusing to reconsider the matter, there is a right of appeal, which 
will be treated of later. For the purpose of hearing all testimony 
before the court of appeals, the same rules are in force as mentioned 
in paragraph 11. To take the testimony, if such has been offered, a 
day is fixed for the counsel to state the case orally to the court, which 
being done, judgment is given. Against this judgment there is 
right of appeal, which must be lodged in the manner to be treated 
of later. 

(18) The right of appeal against judgment indicated in paragraph 
13 lies before the judge of first instance. The judge, upon receiving 
the brief and hearing the claimant who lodges the appeal, fixes a day 
for the appearance of both litigants, who state their case. The judge 
then gives a verdict. 

(19) When, in the cases of appeal referred to in paragraphs 16 and 
17, the party lodging the appeal does not appear before the court of 
appeals to sustain it within the period conceded, which must not 
exceed twenty days, the case must be returned to the judge for exe- 
cution without further steps. 

(20) When judges infringe the laws through negligence or igno- 
rance, the litigants have the right, if prejudiced by such action, to beg 
the superior court to order damages occasioned by such infringement 
to be paid by the judge so infringing. This claim, according to the 
amount it relates to, must be ventilated by one of the forms of suit 
referred to in paragraph 10. 

(21) Besides all the matter already treated of, the law which I am 
now analyzing determines the form in which the judgment shall be 
executed and the resolution to be adopted when the person dies intes- 
tate, when minors are living or heirs who wish for a judicial division 
of his property. The same law treats of meetings of creditors and 
failures and the steps to be taken in those cases. It is not possible 
that a paper of this scope shall go into detail about these dispositions. 

(22) When a creditor suspects that his debtor is sacrificing his goods 
oris trying to hide them, the object being to evade payment of a debt 
already due, he can ask that a sufficient quantity of goods or prop- 
erty be attached to cover the debt in question and all the expense 
occasioned by the attachment. The judge is obliged to order the 
attachment in every case in which the debt can be proven by the pre- 
sentation of documents. 

1125 18 



274 

(23) Within the same law we have a privileged suit, when the col- 
lection of a debt is in question, called executory suit. This can only 
he made use of when the debt has been acknowledged by the debtor 
in a public document drawn before a notary or privately acknowledged 
by him as having been subscribed to before a judge, or when no docu- 
ment exists, but the debtor confesses under oath before a judge that 
he does owe the amount. 

This form of suit can also be employed when the collection of a bill 
of exchange is in question, or of any security to bearer,- or to original 
policies of contract made through the intervention of licensed agents 
or brokers. 

In this suit the judge orders the debtor to pay. If he does not paj T 
immediately upon being ordered, a sufficient quantity of his property 
is attached to cover the claim, interest, and costs. If the debtor so 
require and he pay the debt, interest, and judicial expenses which 
have been incurred, the suit is not continued. If he does not pay, 
the attachment is made. Within three days after the attachment is 
made the debtor can present his evidence, which is subject to the 
creditor for him to refute, if he thinks proper, which he must do 
within four days following, after which the suit is opened for testi- 
mony, which must be proposed and heard within the next ten days 
following, after which judgment is given. The judgment must con- 
sist of one of the three following results: (1) Either the suit must 
continue until the attached goods have been sold at auction in order 
to pay the creditor; (2) it must not be continued; (3) or all the steps 
are null and void by reason of some of the regulations decreed by the 
law determining the procedure of this class of suit having been 
infringed. The right of appeal, as mentioned in paragraph 16, is 
applicable to these judgments, and against the decision of the court 
of appeals there is a right of appeal in the form which will be treated 
of later. 

(24) In the cases of eviction from either urban or suburban property, 
of obtaining alimony, of making valid the right of retraction, reten- 
tion, recovery, or possession of an object, or the prevention of the 
construction of anj^thing prejudicial or causing harm to one's property 
the law now being treated of determines the proceedings as brief as 
the necessity of the case requires. 

(25) Of the recourse to appeal treated of in paragraph 16, only the 
supreme court in full session can treat. Its records can be taken 
advantage of should the substantive law of right have been infringed, 
or the law which determines the rules to be observed in the steps of 
the suit treated of. Those wishing to have recourse to appeal for 
infraction of the substantive law must require the court of appeals to 
give the sentences against which they wish to appeal within ten days 
of their request and to provide them with a certified literal copy of 
the same. This certified copy must be presented by the appellant to 
the supreme court within fifteen days, counting from the day fol- 
lowing its presentation by the court of ppeals to the supreme court, 
which then hears arguments of both sides and decides whether there 
has been an infringement of the substantive law, giving verdict 
accordingly. 

If appeal is to be had for infringement of the law determining the 
rules which should have been observed in the steps of the suit in ques- 
tion, the appellant must present to the court of appeals a statement 
in writing of the infringements which he thinks have been committed 
and stating that the recourse is justifiable. The court of appeals 



275 

admits the recourse and sends a copy of the document to the supreme 
court with a literal certified copy of the part of the suit only in which, 
according to the allegations of the appellant, the infraction was com- 
mitted. The supreme court discusses the matter and then decides. 

(26) In the matter of former verdicts or verdicts against which no 
appeal can be had by reason of a court of last appeal having arrived 
at a decision thereon, or the verdict having been accepted by both liti- 
gants, a revision can be asked for if some decisive documents shall 
have come into the possession of either of the litigants afterwards, or 
if judgment shall have been based on documents which had previously 
been declared forgeries without the knowledge of the court, or might 
be so declared afterwards ; or if, having given judgment on the strength 
of testimony, such witnesses had been condemned later for perjury 
on the particular evidence; or if judgment had been obtained by sub- 
orning the judge or by actual violence. These records can only be 
taken advantage of before the supreme court and the procedure is 
very brief. 

(27) In its last article the law under discussion treats of the rules 
for verifying acts called "Of voluntary jurisdiction," which are those 
in which the intervention of the judge is necessary without the for- 
mal suit having been brought. 

These facts are: Asking permission to adopt, when law makes adop- 
tion necessary; the temporary guardianship of persons; the supple- 
mentary authority to contract mortgage; the procedure for putting 
into writing a verbal will; the opening of closed wills; information 
necessary when the dispensation from certain laws is applied for; the 
steps for opening a lawsuit; information regarding "perpetua memo- 
ria;" the administration of property of persons whose whereabouts 
are unknown; the voluntary auction of property and the laying down 
of the boundaries of property. 

LAW OF MORTGAGE. 

We know that a mortgage constitutes a right of real estate, guaran- 
teeing the fulfillment of a contract. The law of mortgage, as stated 
by its constructors, and as it really is, adopts the system which has 
publicity for its basis, which system, the Germanic, is highly recom- 
mended by the best writers on legal subjects. 

Publicity does not allow of hidden mortgages. Neither does it 
allow that persons of good faith can be endangered by liens on the 
property they are interested in unless such liens be found duly regis- 
tered. A person possessing rights which he has neglected to inscribe 
can not prejudice, by an omission for which he alone is to blame, a 
person who, being unaware of the same, may have acquired an estate 
or lent money thereon with a mortgage as guaranty. The registry 
is open to everyone who wishes to search the titles of real estate for 
the purpose of lending money thereon, for claiming rights thereon, or 
for any other matter in which he may have legitimate interest in 
knowing the condition of the property and the lien attached to it. 

It may be said that a person lending money on mortgage lends 
rather to the property than to the owner of the property ; the value 
of the mortgaged property becomes the debtor. The personal debtor 
is only a representative of the property. The lender does not care 
about the qualities, credit, or condition of the person to whom he lends. 
What matters to him is whether the value of the estate which guar- 
antees him payment is sufficient to insure it at due date. The debt 



276 

in these cases is not really owed by the owner of the estate as such, 
but is passed from one owner to another when the estate is sold, thus 
making the person who may own it at the time of due date the person 
who is to liquidate the obligation. The creditor is in this way well 
protected; each creditor thus knows what preference he has over 
other creditors and has nothing to fear from mortgages or liens being 
hidden, as persons can not prejudice him in his rights unless they have 
them inscribed in the registry. In this way capital is confined to solid 
and safe investment, and property owners can obtain credit in propor- 
tion to their real wealth, the circulation of money is increased, and 
new springs of wealth and prosperity are brought into existence. 
Having indicated the general principles on which our mortgage law 
is based, I will now make a resume of its special precepts. 

The law names the towns in which registries shall be established, 
so as to facilitate the inscription of mortgages. These towns are San 
Juan, Caguas, Humacao, Guayama, Ponce, San German, Mayaguez, 
Aguadilla, and Arecibo. 

It orders that the following shall have inscription in registries: 
Deeds of transfer or deeds of ownership of real estate or of the royal 
dues imposed on same; the deeds by which are constituted, recog- 
nized, modified, or extinguished the rights of usufruct, use, habita- 
tion, alienation of usufruct, mortgages, church liens, servitude, and 
of all other rights; deeds or contracts by virtue of which any property 
or royal dues are adjudicated, even if they are accompanied with the 
obligation of transfer to others or of the inversion of their amount in 
determinate objects; executive verdicts in which are declared a legal 
incapacity for administration or the presumption of death of persons 
or of those which impose punishment of interdiction or any other by 
which the civil capacity of persons as regards the free disposition of 
their property is modified ; contracts of rent of real estate for more 
than six years or by which the rent for three years or more have been 
paid in advance, or, when possessing none of the stated conditions, the 
contracting parties shall have mutually agreed to have the deed reg- 
istered ; deeds of acquisition of real estate or royal dues possessed or 
administered by the state or civil corporations or ecclesiastical bodies ; 
and, lastly, after certain formalities, documents drawn up in foreign 
countries. 

For the purpose of registry, national debt bonds and bank shares, 
and shares of mercantile companies or of ordinary corporations of any 
class, are not considered as real estate. 

Registry can be asked for by him who transmits, him who acquires 
or has an interest in sharing the right of the property to be inscribed, 
and by legitimate representatives of any of them. 

Each property inscribed for the first time shall be given a distinct 
number, which shall be correlative, and the corresponding inscrip- 
tions shall be marked with an ordinal number. 

The system adopted by the law is not that of the transcription of the 
document, but its inscription. Every inscription has to express the 
following requisites: The nature, the situation and boundaries of 
the property inscribed, or of those whose rights are affected by the 
inscription, with their superficial measurement in square meters; the 
nature, extent, conditions, and charges of the right on which the right 
which is the object of inscription is based; the nature of the deed to 
be inscribed and its date; the name or surname of the person or cor- 
poration or collection of persons interested, in whose favor the inscrip- 
tion is to be made ; the name or surname of the person or the name of 



277 

the corporation or juridic entity from whom the property or rights to 
be inscribed immediately proceed ; the name and domicile of the court, 
notary, or functionary who authorizes the deed to be inscribed ; the 
date of presentation in the registry of the deed, also the hour and day 
of its registration. 

As regards the effect of registration the general principle is that titles 
which have not been inscribed shall not prejudice a third person, who 
may not have intervened in the act or contract of the subject of the 
deed. This principle is admitted to be without exception and in force, 
even against creditors otherwise privileged. 

At times in the registration of some properties there are made what 
are known as "preventative annotations," which have for an object that 
in all negotiations engaged in by the owner of the property in ques- 
tion respecting such property such annotations shall appear. These 
annotations can be executed by him who claims the property as his 
own in a suit, by him who has claimed the constitution, declaration, 
modification, or distinction of any royal dues thereon, by him who has 
obtained under the provisions of the law an order of attachment which 
was put in force against the real estate of his debtor, by him who has 
obtained an order prohibiting his debtor from administering his prop- 
erty, by him who has entered a suit for the purpose of obtaining an 
order annulling or modifying the capacity of a person for disposing of 
his property, and by him Avho has presented for registration any deed 
whose inscription can not be effected because of some defect in the 
title. The law in each case determines the effect produced by these 
annotations. The effects of registration and annotation are lasting 
as regards third parties while the registration is not canceled or left 
without effect and during the period named within which the annota- 
tion is valid. 

On treating specially of mortgages these are described, stating that 
they constitute a real right, forming a part of the contract for which 
they serve as a guaranty and which follows the property mortgaged 
into whosesover hands it passes. 

Only the following are subject to mortgage: (1) Real estate, ina- 
lienable royal dues within the provisions of the law on real estate. 
(2) Buildings constructed on other persons' land without prejudice to 
the rights of the owner of the land. (3) The right of usufruct, in 
which case the mortgage terminates when the usufruct terminates by 
an act foreign to the wish of the person possessing such usufruct. 
(4) The mere property, in which case, if the person possessing the 
usufruct and the owner are one, not only will the mortgage continue, 
but it will also be extended to the usufruct itself, in case the con- 
trary has not been agreed upon. (5) Property formerly mortgaged, 
although a clause may exist that it shall not be remortgaged, in which 
case the right of collecting on the first mortgage is always perma- 
nent. (6) Rights of surface, grazing, water, wood, fuel, and other 
similar natural rights, in which case the rights of others participating 
in the property must always be respected. (7) Railroads, canals, 
bridges, and other works of public service, whose exploitation the 
Government has conceded for ten years or more, together with build- 
ings and land which, although not directly and exclusively destined 
to that particular service, belong to private ownership and form-part 
of the said works. (8) Property belonging to persons who are not 
allowed the free disposition of same, in cases where the formalities 
prescribed by law for their disposal have been complied with. (9) The 
right of voluntary mortgage, subject to the confirmation of this same 



278 

right. (10) Property sold with the agreement of reselling, if the 
buyer limits mortgage to the amount which he shall receive in case of 
reselling. (11) Property in litigation, if the claim in which the suit 
originates has been accorded "preventative annotation" or if the 
registration books prove that the creditor was aware of the litigation. 

The following can not be mortgaged: Income and rent due when 
separated from the propertj^ producing them; (2) movable property 
when permanently fixed in buildings, either for their ornamentation 
or comfort or for the use of some industry, except when mortgaged 
jointly with the buildings; (3) public buildings; (4) bonds issued by 
the state, provinces, or towns, bank shares, and bonds or share of 
bonds of any enterprise or company of any sort whatever; (5) royal 
dues on property, when such dues form a future but not present claim ; 
(6) servitudes, except when mortgaged jointly with the property which 
they affect, and excepting water rights in all cases; (7) the right of 
usufruct constituted by the laws to the parents on goods of their chil- 
dren, or to the surviving spouse on property of the deceased spouse; 
(8) use and habitation; (9) mines, until definite title of concession 
has been obtained, even when such mines exist in one's own property. 

The mortgage is understood to constitute a lien on the estate, its 
natural growths, improvements, pending harvests, and rents not 
received at the time of the falling due of the contract. It is also 
understood to constitute a lien on indemnities conceded or owed to 
the owner by insurers of the property mortgaged, or for sums paid 
for forcible appropriation of the property in the public interest. 

In case of the estate passing to other hands, furniture placed per- 
manently in the buildings and improvements other than repairs, if 
paid for by the new owner, are not considered as forming a part of 
the mortgage. Neither are growing crops or rents due if belonging 
to said new owner. 

When several estates are mortgaged as a guaranty for one debt, 
the amount for which each estate is liable is to be specifically stated. 
The mortgage remains in force until the whole amount of it has been 
paid, even though the debt shall have been partly paid. When a 
mortgaged estate is divided into two or more, the debt shall not be 
divided also, except by the consent of debtor and creditor. In con- 
trary cases the creditor can claim the whole amount of mortgage 
against either of the new properties formed by the division, or against 
both at the same time. Mortgages granted by persons who, in the 
judgment of the registrar, have not the right to grant them shall not 
be valid, although the grantor may later acquire such right. 

If a mortgaged estate passes to the hands of a third person before 
falling due, the payment therefor at its due date must be obtained 
from such third person. The right of foreclosure of mortgage trans- 
pires in twenty years, dating from the day in which such foreclosure 
could have been legally undertaken. 

Mortgages are divided into two classes, called voluntary and legal. 

Voluntary mortgages are those agreed upon by contracting parties 
or imposed by the owner of property constituting the subject of mort- 
gage. This can be effected personally or by persons holding power 
of attorney. To be valid they must be drawn by a notary and 
inscribed in the registry of property. All mortgages can be sold or 
disposed of or ceded, which concession must also be effected by a deed 
drawn by a notary and registered in the same way as stated above. 

Legal mortgages are those which the law allows to certain persons as 
a means of guaranteeing their property. Married women, minors, the 



279 

helpless children under control of their parents, possess this right. 
Others are those given by the husband to protect the property handed 
to him as the dower of his wife. It is given to guarantee reservable 
property of children. It is given by guardians to guarantee property 
of their wards. It is claimed by the State and municipality to guar- 
antee due taxes of the past fiscal year and those liens granted as a 
premium for insurance on the estate insured. 

On treating of the manner in which the registries have to be con- 
ducted, the law of mortgage orders, firstly, that the books of all the 
registries be alike and of the pattern ordered by the government, 
with a view of preventing frauds and falsifications. These books are 
called daybooks, and in them inscriptions are made. 

The registry must be opened on all working days, six hours each 
day. Outside of these hours all work therein is prohibited. When 
the hour strikes for closing the registry the registrar must state, on 
the first blank line following the signature of the last inscription, the 
fact that he has closed the registry for the day and the number of 
operations which have been concluded during the day. In each reg- 
istry a separate book is kept for the inscriptions of each municipality. 
On taking a document for registration an entry must immediately be 
made of the day and the exact hour of its presentation and a resume 
of the contents of the document. Within fifteen days from such entry 
the inscription or refusal, in case the document has any defect pre- 
venting its inscription, must be made. 

The books are public and may be examined by anybody interested. 
The registries are classed in three categories: First, second, and third. 
Only those holding titles of lawyers are allowed to take up the pro- 
fession of registrars, and positions as registrars are granted by com- 
petitive examinations. Those admitted by a competitive examination 
are first appointed to a registry of a third class. 

COMMERCIAL CODE. 

This code gives us a conception of mercantile law in the most scien- 
tific form. Whether an action is mercantile or not, it takes into con- 
sideration the nature of the action and the person executing it. It 
thus widens considerably the horizon of mercantile legislation, giving 
a place therein to all those transactions which the progress of the age 
and industries have brought within its scope and to all which future 
events may bring. 

Our code, inspired by these principles, considers as mercantile 
actions all those mentioned in it and all those of an analogous nature, 
thus admitting a determination "a posteriori" of mercantile actions 
which can be undertaken either by the practice or uses of merchants 
themselves or, if occasion requires, by the courts of justice. 

Accepting the principle of liberty of working, it recognizes the right 
of mankind to dedicate itself to any of the industrial or mercantile 
professions, and only exacts as an adequate condition the requisites 
which the civil code marks for the possession of a juridic entity. The 
legal incapacities, which carry with them the limiting of contracting, 
have been reduced to very narrow limits. It reduces the age of 
minority, with respect to capacity for engaging in business, to 21 
years, when the minor is emancipated and has a personal individu- 
ality. For the benefit of minors, it establishes a principle that they 
can enter into commerce, whatever be their age, when they wish to 
continue the business left by their parents or those whose heirs they 



280 

niay have become. In these eases the guaranty of their guardians is 
required. 

Married women can undertake business with the tacit consent of 
their husbands, who, if not granting it, are under the obligation to 
make their denial publicly. Married women of more than 21 3 r ears of 
age can establish themselves in business when divorced in cases where 
their husbands are under their guardianship, or when the husband 
is absent and his whereabouts are unknown, or when suffering penal 
punishment or civil disability. Foreigners are granted the same com- 
mercial privileges as Spaniards if, under their own legislation, they 
are competent to engage in business. 

Taking into consideration that the great spread of commerce requires 
publicity in its operations with a view of guaranteeing third parties 
affected thereby, the mercantile register is fully developed in the code 
and its sphere of action is broadened, making it a base and starting 
point of the largest mercantile undertakings. 

This registry is under the jurisdiction of the courts and is managed 
by an independent functionary, who obtains the position by competi- 
tive examination. His books are open to the inspection of anybody 
wishing to see their contents. There are two books. In one of them 
are inscribed the documents of corporations and mercantile societies, 
and in the other documents of private merchants, who have a right of 
option in the matter. In places where it is necessary, a third book is 
kept for the registration of vessels. 

Corpdrations and mercantile societies are obliged to keep, besides 
other necessary books, a book of minutes, which has to contain the 
resolutions passed in general meetings or meetings of directors of the 
companies with reference to their operations. It authorizes the use 
of mercantile letter copy book, and determines the manner and form 
in which merchants' books have to be kept in order to have the value 
of testimony in lawsuits and for the purpose of insuring exactness 
between the different entries in the respective books of each trans- 
action. 

Any transaction established by credible entries in mercantile books 
can be offered as testimony in the courts. 

All mercantile contracts must be guided by the commercial code 
as regards validity, capacity of the contracting parties, renovation, 
interpretation, and extinction in matters not provided for by dispo- 
sitions of the civil code. The most ample and unlimited liberty is 
allowed in the form and celebration of contracts. The proof of the 
existence of contracts is allowed by the same means as employed in 
civil law, except that evidence of witnesses in contracts whose amount 
is greater than 300 pesos is to be submitted by written proofs. 

The effects of delay count from the day following the termination 
mentioned in the terms of the contract. 

A freedom of exchanges is allowed, and they can be established in 
any place, either by initiation of the Government or by concession of 
the Government, at the request of private persons, after full informa- 
tion has been taken about their public utility. The Government 
reserves to' itself the right of conceding or refusing an official char- 
acter to the quotations of private exchanges. All possessing civil 
capacity for contracting can freely exercise the profession of middle- 
men. The exercise of the functions of stock-exchange brokers, 
exchange brokers, commercial brokers, and ship brokers and inter- 
preters is also free. A notable difference, however, is established 
between the judicial effects of contracts entered into through the inter- 



281 

vention of agents not authorized by the Government, it being neces- 
sary to prove their transactions by methods offered under common or 
civil law in all cases when such agents are not publicly accredited 
in their respective markets. 

Determines the method of forming mercantile societies, allowing 
the most ample liberty for the associates to constitute the society as 
they see fit. The government does not take any intervention in the 
internal management or in the complete publicity of whatever acts 
of the society might effect third persons. The code also treats of all 
classes of mercantile companies in existence and those that may come 
into existence later on through new combinations, but not of the 
mutual associations or cooperative societies, calculating that these 
have nothing in them of a mercantile nature, as their transactions 
are not carried on with a view of earning money. 

Limited partnerships and anonymous companies can represent their 
capital by shares to bearer or registered shares, without in any way 
taking into account the extent of their operations. These last-named 
companies are allowed to purchase their own shares or lend money 
on them. 

All commercial shares have to be registered in the name of the 
holder until 50 per cent of the nominal value has been paid up, after 
which time they can be converted into shares to bearer, if their stat- 
utes so ordain or if a resolution be passed to that effect. 

Anonymous companies are obliged to publish monthly their balance 
sheets in the monthly Gazette. 

Collective and limited companies must resolve by meeting of share- 
holders the method to be employed when they wish to liquidate. Anony- 
mous companies must during that period continue observing their 
statutes. No special form of contract is required for mercantile com- 
mission, but the commission agent must, under his signature, state 
whether he is working on commission and the name and residence of 
his principal. All contracts entered into by commission agents are 
irrevocable and have legal effect between the contracting parties. 
The principal has the right of claim against his commission agent 
when this latter shall have exceeded the limits named in the commis- 
sion. 

As regards factors, emploj^ees, and apprentices, the first named 
must have the power of attorney registered in the mercantile registry 
before entering into his position. Other employees need not be so 
authorized. 

The depositing of goods in a warehouse shall be considered as a con- 
tract, which shall only be completed when the goods are delivered. 
The depository is entitled to compensation, except when he expressly 
renounces it, and is responsible for all damage, prejudice, and loss 
suffered by the goods in his warehouse, even if the object deposited 
be money in coin. 

NOTARIAL LAW. 

The notary, according to the above law, is the public functionary, 
who must draw contracts and other extrajudicial documents. 

The notary is obliged to lend his services. If he refuses without a 
just reason he is held responsible. 

Each judicial division constitutes a notarial district, within which 
the number of notaries thought to be requisite may be named, taking 
into account the number of inhabitants, the frequency of transactions, 
the special circumstances of the locality, and the possibility of the 
notaries earning a reasonable livelihood. 



282 

On appointing notaries the government must determine where they 
are to reside. 

The notarial deinarkations of Porto Rico are as follows: 

District of San Juan : Two notaries within the citj^ proper and one 
in Carolinas for the service of that town, Rio Piedras, Rio Grande, 
Loiza, and Trujillo Alto (total, three). 

District of Caguas: One for Caguas, Aguas Buenas, and Comerio; 
one for Hato Grande and Gurabo (total, two). 

District of Aguadilla : One for Aguadilla, Aguada, Moca, Isabela, 
Quebradillas, and San Sebastian (one). 

District of Mayaguez : Two for Mayaguez, Hormigueros, Las Marias, 
Anasco, and Rincon (total, two). 

District of San German: One for San German, Sabana Grande, Cabo- 
Rojo, Lajas, and Maricao (one). 

District of Arecibo : One for Arecibo, Camuy, and Hatillo ; one for 
Manati, Barceloneta, and Morovis (total, two). 

District of Utuado: One for Utuado and Ciales, one for Adjuntas, 
one for Lares (total, three). 

District of Ponce : Two for Ponce and Penuelas ; one for Yauco and 
Guayanilla; one for Juana Diaz and Sta. Isabel; one for Coamo and 
Barros (total, five). 

District of Guayama : One for Guayama, Arroyo, Patillas, Maunabo, 
and Salinas; one for Cayey, Aibonito, Cidra, and Barranquitas (total, 
two). 

District of Humacao: One for Humacao, Yabucoa, and Naguabo; 
one for Fajardo, Juncos, and Piedras; one for Vieques and Culebra 
(total, two). 

District of Vega Baja: One for Vega Baja, Corozal, Dorado, Toa- 
baja, and Vega Alta; one for Bayamon, Toa Alta, and Naranjito (total, 
two). 

In case of death, sickness, absence, disability, or any other preventa- 
tive cause, the notary is substituted by the person who was designated 
as his substitute at the time of his nomination. If any cause should 
prevent this, the judge names a substitute from among the notaries 
of the town or of the nearest town, until the president of the supreme 
court resolves the matter. 

The substitution endures while the causes originating it endure. 

The notary must reside in the place designated at the time of his 
nomination to the post. 

The requirements for nomination as a notary are : The applicant 
must be a native, of legal age, of good reputation, and must either be 
a lawyer or have passed the notarial examination. 

Formerly the notaries were appointed by the Spanish Government. 
To-day they are appointed by the secretary of justice, with the gov- 
ernor-general's approval. 

Notarial posts are filled by the examination or contest between the 
candidates. 

Before entering on. their duties, notaries have to give bond as guar- 
anty for their actions, which bond is fixed in proportion to the 
importance of the district. 

The bond can be in money or mortgage on real estate. 

No notary can exercise any other employment in which jurisdiction 
is an attribute, or which is remunerated, or which obliges him to live 
away from his home. 

Notaries draw up the original deeds of contract or other documents 
which have to be submitted to their authorization. These have to be 



283 

signed by the contracting parties and two witnesses. These original 
deeds are held by the notaries in their own keeping, and these, when 
bound in volumes, are known as "protocol." Copies of the original 
deeds are issued to the contracting parties and are certified to by the 
notary only. 

Every notary must use a special rubric to his signature, which can 
only be altered by permission of the Government. 

The supreme court keeps a book containing the signature and rubric 
of each notary. 

Deeds drawn by notaries can not be witnessed by their relatives, 
clerks, or servants; nor bv relatives up to the fourth degree of consan- 
guinity or second of affinity of the contracting or interested parties. 

Notaries must state in the deeds that they personally know the con- 
tracting parties, or, if not knowing them, must require the presence of 
two witnesses who do. 

Notaries must state in every document its date, the names, residence, 
and professions of the contracting parties, and their own names and 
residence. Abbreviations and signs in the expression of dates and 
amounts or quantities are not allowed. 

Additions, interlineations, and erasures in the original document 
are invalid unless mentioned at the foot of the deed. 

Deeds drawn by notaries are valid all over the island. To acquire 
validity out of the island the notary's signatures must be attested by 
two other notaries. 

No other person but the notary in custody of the protocol can grant 
valid copies thereof. 

Not even judges can order the removal of the protocol from the build- 
ing in which it is kept. It can not be removed therefrom. 

No document can be examined by any person except those men- 
tioned therein, nor can a copy be issued except by them or their heirs 
except by order of a judge. 

"Within the first eight days of each month notaries must remit to 
the president of the supreme court, through the judge of first instance, 
indices of the original documents drawn by them during the preced- 
ing month, stating their classification in the protocol in the ordinal 
numbers. These indices must also state the names of the contracting 
parties, witnesses, date of signature, and object of contract of each 
document. 

The protocols are the property of the state. The notaries are their 
custodians only and are responsible for them. 

If any part or the whole of a protocol should be injured, the notary 
must notify the judge of the district, who, in his turn, must notify 
the president and attorney of the supreme court, who form an expe- 
dente to replace the part destroyed and state therein the antecedents 
of the case. 

Judges should pay visits of inspection to the notarial offices when 
they think necessary. 

The notaries of the whole island constitute a notarial association 
(college), with a board of directors, who are empowered to apply cor- 
rectives to those members who offend against professional decorum. 

Notaries can not be suspended or deprived of their functions by 
gubernatorial action. 

Notaries are subjected to a tariff of fees. 



284 

JUDICIAL ORGANIZATION. 

The judicial organization of Porto Rico is governed by the royal 
decree of January 5, 1891. 

There is a supreme court in San Juan, composed of — 

Per year. 

A president, with a salary of - - §4, 500 

A president of the chamber, with a salary of 4, 000 

Five judges (magistrados) , with a salary each of 3, 500 

An attorney (fiscal) , with a salary of _ . 4, 000 

An assistant attorney (teniente fiscal) salary . 2, 750 

A fiscal advocate (abogado fiscal) , salary 2, 250 

A general secretary (secretario de gobierno) , salary 1, 875 

Two court secretaries (secretaries de sala) , with salary of 750 

Three court officers (officiates de sala) , with salary of 750 

In both Ponce and Mayaguez there is a criminal court, each com- 
posed of — 

Per year. 

A president $3,500 

Two judges, each ... ._ 3,500 

An attorney 3,500 

An assistant attorney 2,500 

A court secretary . ...... 1,700 

A court officer . 750 

There are, besides, twelve judges of first instance for civil cases, 
called also judges of instruction when acting in criminal cases. These 
judges are classified into three catagories: Entrada (initiatory), ascenso 
(promotion), and termino (terminated), who draw the respective sala- 
ries of $1,700, $1,875, and $2,250 annually. 

The so-called escribanos (scriveners) serve as secretaries to the 
judges. The} 7 are not paid a salary, but receive fees, subject to a 
tariff. 

The judges of "termino' are five in number — two in San Juan, one 
in Ponce, one in Mayaguez, and one in Arecibo. 

There is only one judge of "ascenso," who is in Humacao. The 
judges of "entrada" are: One in Yega Baja, one in Utuado, one in 
Aguadilla, one in San German, one in Guayama, and one in Caguas. 

The two judges in San Juan, called judge of the Cathedral district 
and judge of the San Francisco district, and those of Caguas, Huma- 
cao, and Vega Baja are dependent on the supreme court. 

The judges of Ponce and Guayama depend on the criminal court of 
Ponce. 

The criminal court of Mayaguez has dependent on it the judges of 
Mayaguez, Arecibo, Aguadilla, San German, and Utuado. 

(Note. — The meaning is that the inferior courts send their cases to 
the superior courts respectively named when these cases are " instruc- 
cion de sumario," or cases in which the inferior courts have no final 
jurisdiction, but prepare the cases for trial only.) 



REFORMS IN THE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CODES. 

By Don Herminio Diaz, Secretary of Justice. 

Our laws, the majority of which are codified, are not a capricious 
system, but a collection of laws which, fitting one into the other and 
forming as a whole a fairly complete system, lay down in their pre- 
cepts the solutions which at the time of their promulgation were accepted 



285 

by the most radical and advanced European schools of lawyers for the 
intricate problems of law which juridic experience presented. 

Those laws are not so defective as affirmed by some, who, perhaps 
not having studied them thoroughly and conscientiously, do not under- 
stand them. 

Their relative worth, however, is no argument against their neces- 
sary reform at this time. These reforms are necessary not only because 
said laws had as a basis the Spanish constitution, the political princi- 
ples of which are diametrically opposed to the republican institutions 
of the United States, but also because it is necessary to adopt certain 
reforms lately made by judicial science and to modify some precepts 
and abrogate others as unproductive of good results. 

In making these modifications it is my opinion, and that of the most 
distinguished lawyers of our courts, that our law should not be totally 
lost sight of, but such precepts as have been useful and fruitful in 
our social development should be retained. 

Radicalism is exaggeration, and exaggeration is sometimes ulti- 
mately useful ; is for the moment productive always of great disturb- 
ance; and if society does not wish to witness reactions as exaggerated 
as the step in advance itself, it should endeavor to attain a gradual 
evolution, such as fruitful nature shows us in her evolutionary scheme. 

Keeping this well in mind it is absolutely necessary that any reform 
in our laws should retain the system of codification and should make 
imperative the introduction into the reformed code of all laws to be 
adopted by reason of the reform. 

On modifying the precepts thought to be defective these modifications 
should be made in the particular code affected and a new edition of 
same should be prepared. 

Thus, grouping the precepts which rule in each branch of our law, 
their study will be facilitated and ignorance of them will not be an 
excuse for their noncompliance. 

Thus, also, governors and governed will be spared the tedious work 
of consulting innumerable volumes in order to ascertain at a given 
moment the law governing questions arising, and can choose, without 
fear of error, and by simply consulting the code, the course to be fol- 
lowed in resolving such questions. 

Admitting the necessity of reforming our laws and determining the 
scope to be given to such reform, it is important to make some obser- 
vations about the process by which this work should be carried out. 

Right here, and excuse the frankness which I owe to my govern- 
ment and my country, I do not hesitate in stating that if our laws are 
modified in accordance with the recommendations of the advisory 
commissioners sent to study our needs, they will be unproductive of 
good and may cause harm. That was the procedure followed by the 
Spanish Government for four hundred years. The colonial ministers, 
without understanding us, legislated for Cuba and Porto Rico from 
their offices, which system stifled our society and prevents its growth 
by reason of certain laws circumscribing its activity. 

The advisory commissioners have been here but a few days. In 
such a short time it is not possible to study and know this country 
thoroughly. The greater part of their information has been supplied 
by egotists, who wish public reforms to take certain directions to suit 
their private interests. They have been able to j udge of our condi- 
tions only by isolated cases presented to their rapid observation. 
They have not made a previous and conscientious study of the basis 
and form of our ruling laws, to be able to appreciate their true value, 



286 

or the contrary, for which reasons their reports must be erroneous, 
deficient, and very far from the strict reality of things. 

Even admitting that on submitting their reports to Washington, 
they had, with marvelous intuition and absolute fidelity, pictured in 
detail and as a whole the internal life of our society, you, who are a 
statesman, and the Government in Washington must see that legisla- 
tion drawn in Washington for Porto Rico by men of different habits 
and customs from those of our country, would not fit in as it should 
with our social machinery, and if history does not lie the Constitution 
of the United States does not permit of it. 

The laws of autocratic societies are the expression of the will of 
their rulers, and these laws fall like bombs of dynamite and destroy 
the most sacred rights of the masses, attempting their lives, violating 
their hearths, disposing of individual property, imposing on con- 
sciences, all with a view of the aggrandizement only of the ruler. 

In the United States, habit, custom, traditions, mutual considera- 
tion, respect for others' rights as a means of respect for one's own, all 
this constitutes the being, the spirit of public and private life, and 
takes shape and is reduced to law by each of the self-governing peo- 
ples who are guided by them and who respect them as their own work 
and recognize therein all the liberty compatible with social require- 
ments. 

" E pluribus imam " is the motto of the United States, and according 
to this motto, which synthesizes the principles of the wise Constitu- 
tion, which can not change, which has to be alike for all, it is this 
fundamental principle which constitutes the nation, which gives life 
to the freedom of unity without restraint, the spirit, the variety of 
customs and characters, the distinct character of each State, the spe- 
cial idiosyncrasy of each one of the peoples, which forms the uncon- 
cpaerable union, and which palpitates in the laws and special institu- 
tions that each creates for itself according to its needs. 

Taking all these remarks into consideration, it appears to me that 
if it is not at this moment possible to satisfy our ardent desires that 
Porto Rico be declared a Territory of the Union, leaving to our 
chambers, elected by the people, the work of modifying the laws as 
they think proper on the basis of the Constitution, it would be well 
if the governor of the department should decree such reforms as 
proposed by the secretary of justice in consultation with our most 
eminent lawj^ers and as called for by the unanimous voice of public 
opinion. 

Thinking thus, sir, I beg you to allow me to submit for your 
approval the necessary general orders, introducing into each one of 
our laws the reforms and modifications which I proceed to state and 
which should be adopted with haste, as the island needs them urgently. 

CIVIL CODE. 

(1} Fix the age of majority at 21 years. 

(2) Suppress all laws relating to matrimony which tend to connect 
the religion of Rome with civil matters. 

(3) Give civil effects only to civil marriage, leaving contracting 
parties at liberty to contract religious marriage or not, as they think fit. 

(4) Allow divorce for all forms of marriage, giving this disposition 
retroactive effect. 

( 5) Suppress the ' ' family council. " 

(6) Establish liberty of legacy. 



287 

(7) Abolish the contradiction found in some of the precepts of this 
code, and clear up others whose ambiguous and obscure wording lead 
to different interpretations, bringing all within the American Consti- 
tution. 

(8) Shorten the term of prescription of real estate. 

MORTGAGE LAW. 

(1) Unification of this law and its codification, making it one legal 
body only. 

(2) Suppression of brief (expediente) of possessory title, shorten- 
ing the period now in force for the proceedings in titles of dominion. 

(3) Ordering that the substitutes of the registrars be lawyers with 
title accepted in the island. 

(4) All documents presented for registry to be inscribed, unless 
there exists cause in the registry for not so doing; for instance, the 
property to be registered already being inscribed under the name of 
a different person from that figuring in the deed. 

If the document be defective, the registrar to state same in writing 
on inscribing it. 

(5) The procedure of appeal against the only instance in which 
the registrar shall have the right to deny registry to be simplified and 
shortened. 

(6) The attributes given by law to the minister of colonies to pass 
to the secretary of justice, who will always act with previous approval 
of the general commanding. 

COMMERCIAL CODE. 

(1) Will determine when the merchant can suspend payment before 
declaring himself bankrupt, adopting measures to protect and guar- 
antee the creditors who to-day are at the complete mercy of the debtor 
until an arrangement is made between them. 

(2) Dictating dispositions defining exactly the rights engendered by 
the contract of current accounts and determining their judicial effect. 

(3) Indicating the form of making contracts by telegraph, cable, 
and telephone in order to establish their existence when necessary. 

(4) Embodying in the code the laws here ruling respecting banks, 
making the necessary modifications and explanations. 

NOTARIAL LAW. 

(1) Unifying this law and its codification in one legal body only. 

(2) Allowing the practice of "notaries" to all at present allowed so 
to practice and to all allowed to practice as lawyers in Porto Rico. 

(3) Allowing these to reside and open their office in any city or town 
they wish and to give their services in any part of the island without 
the restrictions to-day imposed. 

(4) The present notarial tariff of fees to contimie in force. 

(5) Certified copies, in any number, of documents in any notary's 
office to be given to parties interested or persons authorized by them 
to ask therefor. 

(6) Originals of notarial deeds to be filed in the supreme court and 
notaries to send the volumes of originals in their possession every ten 
years or before in case of death, illness, absence, disqualification, or 
any other motive preventing them from practicing. 



288 

(7) All attributes to-day conceded by this law to the minister of 
colonies of Spain and to the president of the supreme court shall pass 
to the secretary of justice, who shall always act with the approval of 
the Governor-General of the island. 

. LAW OF CIVIL PROCEDURE. 

(1) Litigants shall be allowed to conduct their own cases, and shall 
be at liberty to name a representative to do so, if they please, if such 
representative live in the same town where the suit is conducted. 
This privilege is forbidden under the present law. 

When living in another town they shall be obliged to name a repre- 
sentative, and, for their own good, a lawyer also in the case. 

(2) In cases heard before judges of diploma the three instances at 
present necessary shall be reduced to one instance, with right of appeal 
to the supreme court. 

(3) Dilatory incidents and useless formalities shall be done away 
with in universal suits of intestates, wills, meetings of creditors, and 
bankruptcies. 

OTHER CIVIL LAWS. 

(1) In the law organizing the civil registry, law of mining, public 
forests, patents, railroads, forcible expropriation, intellectual prop- 
erty, chase and fishery, water and associations, and in instructions 
for the drawing up of public documents requiring registration in the 
registry of property, the necessary reforms for the simplification of 
procedure which these laws exact for the realization of the acts and 
acquisition, conservation, and defense of rights conceded by them 
shall be made. 

PENAL CODE. 

(1) Referring to the application of punishment for authors, accom- 
plices, or accessories of crimes or misdemeanors, the principle shall be 
adopted that the sentence named by the code shall be applied, but that 
judges may, in consideration of their estimation of the greater or lesser 
gravity of the offense and of extenuating or aggravating circumstances, 
determine the time that the punishment may last. 

(2) All crimes shall be defined. 

(3) Many deeds now unduly considered by our code as crimes shall 
be considered as misdemeanors. 

LAW OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE. 

(1) The absolute publicity of trial from its inception shall be ordered ; 
the accused shall not be imprisoned ' ' incomunicado. " 

1 2) Preventive imprisonment shall be subject to habeas corpus. 

[3) Judges of instruction shall try small crimes punishable by major 
arrest. 

(4) Other crimes shall be tried by jury. 
San Juan, P. R., April 12, 1899. 



289 

THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM. 

San Juan, P. P., November 8, 1898. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Chief Justice Don Servero Quinones: 

Dr. Carroll. I would be very much obliged to you if you would 
give me a clear idea of the judicial system of this island as it now 
exists, together with such suggestions as you would like to make as to 
changes under the new government to be established here. 

Mr. Quinones. I will reply with much pleasure to the questions 
which you care to put to me. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you please begin by giving a statement of the 
judicial system as it now exists? 

Mr. Quinones. As regards procedure? 

Dr. Carroll. As regards the constitution of the courts, as to what 
the judicial system is, what it comprehends, the audiencia territorial, 
with the scope of its powers, the courts of first instance, with the scope 
of their powers, and the municipal magistrates, with the scope of their 
powers. 

Mr. Quinones. Our judicial system consists, first, of subaltern or 
inferior judges, who are called municipal judges. These judges have 
limited powers in civil cases. They can hear and give judgment in 
cases where the amount involved does not exceed $200. In criminal 
cases they have jurisdiction only over misdemeanors. They are besides 
obliged to prepare the preliminaries in major criminal cases. Both in 
civil and criminal cases their documents and sentences are appealable 
to the judge of instruction and first instance. These justices are 
named at the beginning of the fiscal year for two years by the presi- 
dent of the audiencia. They have jurisdiction also in what are called 
suits of consolation; that is to say, they try cases as arbitrators between 
litigants. 

In the ascending order we next come to judges of first instance and 
instruction. These judges hear appeals from the municipal judges. 
They also hear civil cases in which the amount involved exceeds $200, 
with appeal to the audiencia territorial. They prepare criminal causes 
to be passed to the audiencia of the criminal branch. There are two 
criminal audiencias and one audiencia territorial, the latter being 
established in San Juan," and the other two at Mayaguez and Ponce, 
respectively. The audiencias in Mayaguez and Ponce only take cog- 
nizance of criminal cases, and appeal lies from their sentence to the 
supreme court of Madrid. The audiencia territorial has a chamber 
which is called the criminal department. It has jurisdiction over 
criminal causes within its territory. This is a bird's-eye view of the 
judicial system in the island in which I have not taken into account 
the supreme court at Madrid. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose that appeals to Madrid are now, naturally, 
broken off. 

Mr. Quinones. The right does not now exist. 

Dr. Carroll. And at the same time appeals are not allowed to the 
Supreme Court at Washington? 

Mr. Quinones. No; there is no appeal to the tribunal there for 
this reason: All suits on appeal are in suspension and await action 
from Mr. McKinley. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you understand that cases of appeal now pending 
at Madrid lapse by virtue of the change in the status of the island? 
1125 19 



290 

Mr. Quinones. That is a very grave question, which all the lawyers 
here are thinking about very deepby. Before the signing of the pro- 
tocol a great many cases were appealed to Madrid and were in litiga- 
tion, but I suppose that the final treaty of peace at Paris will probably 
dispose of the question. In other cases, where right of appeal has 
been granted from the Supreme Court, the parties are awaitng deci- 
sion from Washington. 

Dr. Carroll. The judicial system of the United States in the States 
and Territories, and in both State and Territorial courts, embraces the 
system of juries. First, the grand jury, which is an inquisitive body 
called together generally at the beginning of the term of a court to 
inquire into criminal cases and to report indictments if they find prob- 
able cause, which indictments are brought to trial in course of time by 
the district attorney or prosecuting officer of the court, and these 
indictments are always tried before the court with one or more judges 
presiding and a jury of twelve men, and it requires the unanimous 
vote of the twelve jurymen for either a sentence of guilt or acquittal. 
The jury judges of the facts of the case, while the presiding judge 
always lays down the law. You are, of course, familiar with all this. 
I simply state it for the purpose of basing upon it a question as to 
whether, in the establishment of a Territorial or other governmental 
system in the island, the jury system could be adopted here to advan- 
tage. 

Mr. Quinones. I think not for the present, as I do not consider the 
people in general sufficiently well educated to pass on questions of 
that sort, and because just now political feeling runs very high. 

Dr. Carroll. There might be some difficulty in adopting a system 
of government and a judicial system for this island under the United 
States Constitution which should leave out the jury system, particu- 
larly the jury-trial system. I suppose that if the defendant in any case 
were to demand trial by jury, under the Constitution of the United 
States he could not be convicted unless he had such trial. 

Mr. Quinones. If the adoption of the jury system is a constitutional 
right of citizens of the United States, no matter what the result might 
be in this country, we would be bound to accept it and would be glad 
to accept it. Yet, as a lawyer and a man of conscience, I prefer judges 
by prevention rather than judges by adoption. Under the system of 
the audiencias as it to-day exists, all trials are conducted before three 
judges at least, who are men of high standing in their profession. 
These judges hear orally the accused, the witnesses, documents, and 
everything relating to the case, and I am of the opinion that the 
trained legal criterion of these three judges is more satisfactory than 
that arrived at by a jury. In cases which might involve the passing 
of capital sentence, or life imprisonment, the law requires the attend- 
ance of at least five judges. 

Dr. Carroll. There are not that many in the audieneia territorial, 
are there? 

Mr. Quinones. There are eight altogether. 

Dr. Carroll. Are all of them here? 

Mr. Quinones. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the criminal judges in Ponce and Mayaguez 
considered a part of the audieneia territorial, or are they separate 
from it? 

Mr. Quinones. In criminal matters they exercise their functions 
within their jurisdiction absolutely independently. 

Dr. Carroll. Ah appeal, then, in a criminal case goes to Madrid? 



291 

Mr. Quinones. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. There are many in the United States who agree with 
you that the judges, who are trained lawyers and who are generally 
impartial men, are more likely to give a correct judgment in many crim- 
inal cases than a jury; but it is the practice in all criminal courts/of the 
United States for the judge to give a review of the testimony when 
the case is submitted to the jury and to instruct the Jiiry upon all 
the legal points, and then to lay the facts as developed by the testi- 
mony so clearly before them.tkat they will b« able to consider them 
and arrive at a right judgment. Are there any suggestions which you 
have to make with regard to changes in the judicial system, or any 
special features which you think it would be well to retain? 

Mr. Quinones. Do you refer to judicial proceedings or to a judicial 
constitution? 

Dr. Carroll. To both. 

Mr. Quinones. I think it would be advisable, for the present, to 
retain our code of laws known as the Civil Code as it exists, with some 
slight modification. This code has been our law in civil matters since 
1890. It was formed by the codification of the old laws. It treats of 
domestic relations, of contracts, and everything relating to civil 
rights. 

Dr. Carroll. What about the criminal code? 

Mr. Quinones. I would say the same of that. There are some 
slight alterations which should be made in that code. 

Dr. Carroll. The Territorial system of the United States, as well 
as the system of State government for the various States, includes an 
attorney-general, who is the chief law officer of the State. It is his 
function to advise the executive department in all cases where legal 
counsel is required. It is also his function to superintend the opera- 
tion of the various district or prosecuting attorneys throughout the 
State or Territory. Would it be advisory to ingraft that system upon 
the judicial system of this island? 

Mr. Quinones. In each audiencia there is an officer called the 
fiscal, whose duties are not a part of the administrative branch, but 
do include that of seeing to the correct interpretation of the laws as 
they exist. He has his assistants, who are all under his direction and 
attend to the carrying out of his branch of service in the various dis- 
tricts. These are simply his subordinates and carry out the work as 
he directs them, but their principal function is chiefly exercised in 
criminal cases. In civil cases they have jurisdiction only when the 
law expressly grants it, as in the case of orphans, demented persons, 
and persons who have no legal protection. 

Dr. Carroll. Who represents the State in the prosecution of per- 
sons on trial for criminal charges? 

Mr. Quinones. The fiscal. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the fiscal appear also in civil cases? 

Mr. Quinones. Just the same as in criminal cases. It will be very 
advantageous if our system of civil procedure can be considerably 
simplified. Under the existing Spanish law the system is a lengthy 
and a costly one. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you explain in what respects the system is 
intricate and costly? 

Mr. Quinones. The cost has already been lessened by the abolition of 
stamped paper. Formerly there were some proceedings which could 
not be taken because the stamp fee was one half dollar on each page. 
As to simplifying the procedure, this could be done by taking out cer- 



292 

tain steps in a case now required by existing law. Much of the 
present circumlocution in litigation could be removed without affect- 
ing the ends of justice in the least degree. 

Dr. Carroll. We have a good deal of the same difficulty in civil 
proceedings in the United States, where very often civil cases drag on 
for years in one court or .another. Dickens wrote a book, as you 
may recall, to indicate the circumlocution in the English courts. 

Mr. Qtjinones. In Spain they have had lawsuits which have lasted 
for a century. ' < • • 

The ultimate aspirations of this country are toward statehood, but 
we recognize that this can not be granted at once; but we desire to 
have an autonomistic form of government as ample as the one we were 
granted recently by Spain. 



THE COURTS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you give me a general idea of the system of 
judicature here? 

Mr. Francisco de P. Acuna (abogado). In the first place, we have 
municipal judges, whose jurisdiction extends to cases involving up to 
$200, with right of appeal to judges of first instance. The municipal 
judges also have the right to try criminal cases of a petty kind. 

Judges of first instance have within their jurisdiction all cases of a 
civil character, with a right of appeal to the supreme court and with 
a further right of cassation established by law to the court of appeal 
in Madrid. This applies to civil law. As to criminal cases, the 
judges of first instance, who are called judges of instruction, prepare 
cases, and when prepared they are taken to the criminal audiencia, of 
which there are two, one in Ponce and one at Mayaguez, which are 
criminal exclusively, and the audiencia territorial, of this capital, 
having both civil and criminal jurisdiction. Each audiencia has a 
number of courts depending upon it. 

Now, I wish to recommend to the commissioner the convenience of 
altering the system of civil procedure analogous to the criminal pro- 
cedure. Judges of first instance should prepare statements of dis- 
cussion and evidence between the litigants, which statements or 
summaries of the case should be passed on to the audiencia in one 
single hearing. In this way a multitude of clela}^ on the part of per- 
sons of bad faith, whose object is to draw out legal proceedings, will 
be avoided. 

There should be established a tribunal of cassation to take the place 
of the same tribunal existing in Madrid, which has occupied itself 
with supreme court questions up to this day. This is necessary in 
order to have a court of review to pass on acts of the lower courts; 
otherwise verdicts will depend on one court only , as to-day there is 
no supreme court as there was formerly. These matters are for future 
consideration only; other questions require immediate consideration 
at the hands of the Government with respect to suits which have 
already been referred to Madrid and as regards suits which were in 
preparation for reference to Madrid. It is extremely necessary for the 
Government to decide immediately whether it is obligatory to suppress 
or do away with the necessity of appealing to the supreme court in 



293 

Madrid or not. Under the hypothecary law the right of appeal exists 
against the decisions of the registrars of property to the judge; after 
that to the audieneia; after that to the management of the regis- 
trars of property in Madrid. This last right should be suppressed 
immediately. 

In mercantile law we have suits in bankruptcy, and the proceeding 
is extremely long and costly, with great prejudice to creditors. These 
proceedings should certainly be curtailed, substituting meetings of cred- 
itors with powers to arrange all affairs in the bankruptcy proceedings. 
There is also a proceeding for the suspension of payments, which pro- 
duces disastrous results to commerce. The administration of his own 
case by a merchant declaring himself unable to meet his engagements 
should be taken from his hands. I suppose that the high powers of 
the United States will feel inclined to establish the jury system here 
in criminal matters. I do not consider the status of this population 
sufficiently high to give this method of justice good results. It is 
preferable to leave the system of criminal justice as it exists to-day. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it work satisfactorily? 

Mr. Acuna. . Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Without undue delay or bias? 

Mr. Acuna. The administration of justice has gone on all right. 
There have been cases where some judges have not been scrupulous, 
but that has been owing to the judge and not to the law. 

Dr. Carroll. We have juries in civil and criminal cases. In crimi- 
nal Jaw we have the grand jury, which inquires into cases referred to 
it by police justices or the prosecuting attorney. The grand jury is 
also instructed by the court to inquire into any abuse of the law by 
officers. In case they find anything against any person in any part of 
the municipality they may make a presentment to the court, and in 
case they believe it probable that a crime has been committed they 
present an indictment to the court. 

Mr. Acuna. With us the fiscal can also denunciate, as it is called, 
any crime or illegal act which comes to his knowledge. 

Dr. Carroll. Can he institute proceedings, on his own motion, in 
civil or criminal cases? 

Mr. Acuna. Yes. The court has to admit his accusation and open 
proceedings to try the person accused. The jury is not necessary in 
petty cases. The moment the jury system is established here it will 
be necessary to change the entire system of judicature. 

Dr. Carroll. In criminal cases the jury are the judge of the facts, 
while the presiding judge decides all questions of law. 

Mr. Acuna. Here tribunals perform the same part that juries do in 
the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose if anyone brought to trial here, under the 
laws of the United States, were to appeal to the Supreme Court in 
Washington and ask for a trial by jury, under the Constitution of the 
United States he would have to be granted that trial; but if the 
accused made no such appeal, the matter might pursue the usual 
course here. It would be better to establish a jury system right 
away. 

Mr. Acuna. There is here a distinct difference between proceedings 
of private parties and those in which the State is a party. We have 
a separate court called the administration court, which takes under its 
jurisdiction charges against high officials as regards infringement of 
the law of this country, as well as against any other independent cen- 
ter of government in the island. This court is composed of the presi- 



294 

dent of the audiencia and two judges, and to deliver sentence two 
members of the provisional deputation, who must be doctors of law, 
are further required. For procedure in such cases there is separate 
legislation, distinct from the legislation applicable to civil procedure. 
It will be better if in these cases the judges are taken from among 
the judges of the audiencia without having doctors of law from the 
deputation, and these are questions which, without any inconvenience, 
could be submitted to Washington on appeal. 

Dr. Carroll. Suits between private parties under our system 
would not be carried to the Federal Supreme Court unless some 
question were raised involving the construction of a provision of the 
Constitution or a law of Congress. 

Mr. Acuna. I consider in the matter of the registration of property 
that the Spanish law is good as it stands, but the administration of it 
by the employees is very corrupt and causes great prejudice to per- 
sons who have to make use of these services. If a document is pre- 
sented to the registrar for registration, he has authority to refuse 
inscription for the document, for which he has to give his reasons. 
The trouble is that the registrar is not held accountable for having 
refused to inscribe a document, even when the document conforms 
completely to the requirements of the law. A person who has been 
refused inscription for his document has the right of appeal as in 
other civil cases, but even if he gains his appeal he has no remedy 
against the registrar. On review the court will issue a mandamus, i 
but there is no remedy by which to recover the costs on the appeal. 
The registrar has an authority which is entirely unnecessary in this, 
that if the judge of first instance or the president of the audiencia 
decides against his decision, he has the further right of appealing 
himself, which causes immense harm to property holders. 

Dr. Carroll. You would recommend an immediate change, then, 
in the powers of the officials in that office? 

Mr. Acuna. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you point to the law in which the officials of the 
registrar's office have this power? 

Mr. Acuna. It is found among the first paragraphs of the hypothe- 
cary law. I consider that from the decisions of the registrar of prop- 
erty there should be only one appeal, and that should be to the sala 
gobierna audiencia. The registrar can absolutely intervene and pre- 
vent the sale of property if he does not wish the sale effected, and he 
sometimes takes advantage of this to say to the party interested in 
securing the inscription of the document, "If you don't give me so 
much money, I won't register your document. I will appeal it all the 
way to the Madrid court." The present registrar of this district is a 
lawyer, but he is away on leave, and he is allowed to appoint a, sub- 
stitute, whose acts he is accountable for. I think that the office of 
registrar of property should not be a purely mechanical one. It should 
always have a seal of judicial examination to it, but the appeal from 
the registrar to the sala gobierna audiencia should be immediate and 
be decided within four or five days. 

Dr. Carroll. How are the judges of the supreme court and the 
courts of first instance appointed? 

Mr. Acuna. Under the old rule judges were all named by the colo- 
nial minister in Madrid, but under the autonomistic government which 
has been in force since February of this year they were named by the 
council and secretary and approved by the Governor-General. 

Dr. Carroll. What was their term of office? 



295 

Mr. Acuna. There was no limit. In the autonomistic government 
the Government could remove them by process in case of any laxity 
in their administrations. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the salaries of the judges? 

Mr. Acuna. Judges of first instance have distinct salaries accord- 
ing to their grade, entrado, ascenso, and termino. The first receive 
about $2,000, the second $2,500, and the third $3,000. Judges of the 
audiencia receive $3,000, the president of the sala gobiernaand fiscal 
$5,000, and the president of the court is allowed $500 more for expenses. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they allowed any fees of any kind? 

Mr. Acuna. To accept a fee would be considered a crime. 

Dr. Carroll. How many judges are there of first instance? 

Mr. Acuna. In the capital there are two, and there are ten all 
together. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that the right number? 

Mr. Acuna. That is two too many. In Vega Baja and ITtuado they 
are unnecessary. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there capital punishment here? 

Mr. Acuna. Yes; by means of an iron collar, which is screwed 
about the neck ; but in the few cases where it was ordered reprieves 
have come from Spain. The last cases were under military rule. At 
least six or seven years have passed since there was a case under 
civil administration. 



CRIMINAL AND CIVIL CASES. 

Arecibo, P. R. , January lJf, 1899. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Alfredo Arnaldo, judge of first instance and instruction of 
Arecibo : 

Dr. Carroll. Does your jurisdiction extend to all criminal cases? 

Judge Arnaldo. Over all criminal cases which are brought for 
action here, except cases of arson, robbing in gangs, and robbing in 
the country, as to which tribunals or commissions take the place which 
was held by the criminal court of Mayaguez. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you hold court here or at Mayaguez? 

Judge Arnaldo. Here. 

Dr. Carroll. I want to ask you some questions about the character 
of the crimes which are most common in this part of the country. 

Judge Arnaldo. These times we are now passing through are 
extraordinary. Most cases brought before me are either burning of 
estates or robbery directed against persons, and all bearing the char- 
acter of collective crimes — that is, of conspiracy with the intention of 
robbery. 

Dr. Carroll. Leaving out of view these extraordinary crimes, 
what are the more ordinary ones? 

Judge Arnaldo. Generally small thefts from the coffee estates and 
assault. But there is really a very small amount of crime here. 

Dr. Carroll. Do cases of disorder come before you or before mag- 
istrates, such as the breaking of the peace — the more serious of such 
cases? 

Judge Arnaldo. Any violation of the municipal ordinances is tried 
by the municipal judge, but he has not jurisdiction over any other 
matters. 



296 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any other magistrates in the city besides 
the mayor, or person who hears eases of violation of municipal ordi- 
nances'? 

Judge Arnaldo. Within this district, only myself. I would sug- 
gest, as a very important point, that a great many of these disorders 
and robberies are committed, I think, from political bias. I think 
that people who have committed these crimes have, in very many 
instances, done so foolishly thinking that in that way they are helping 
the American forces. Before the American invasion here there was a 
great political turmoil, and to-day the result is being noticed. There 
are many crimes being committed for which there is no proof, and 
many persons are committed on charges for which there are false 
proofs, and for that reason I think that all persons detained upon 
such charges ought to be let out. 

Dr. Carroll. That is, you think members of one party are attempt- 
ing to have those of the other found guilty, although they may not be 
guilty? 

Judge Arnaldo. Those who were at the head of Spanish politics 
had absolute power, and, having the monopoly of every privilege, they 
are naturally odious to the people in general. Upon the American 
occupation this feeling naturally broke loose and found vent in these 
various disorders, and, besides, there was a theory that property was 
going to belong to everybody. That was the opinion held by the 
country people. 

Dr. Carroll. I have seen it stated that the military officers have 
reported from various points that it is impossible to have these crimi- 
nals who are guilty of crimes against property brought to judgment; 
that in many cases after they have been brought to trial they have 
not been sentenced, although the proofs were overwhelming. 

Judge Arnaldo. As regards the Mayaguez court, that is not so. 
That court is too severe. The people here are very shrewd in defend- 
ing themselves. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much delay in bringing criminals to trial? 

Judge Arnaldo. The penal system could not be worse. To begin 
with, they have to form what they call a summary, which covers from 
500 to 1,000 sheets, and the work of preparing this is in the hands of 
the judge of first instance and instruction. The summary is the initia- 
tion of the case. Then the case passes to Mayaguez from here, and it 
is six months before there is a hearing. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the fault with the penal code or with the method 
of procedure? 

Judge Arnaldo. It is with the procedure. It requires too much 
detail. 

Dr. Carroll. I have understood that the penal code is a good one. 

Judge Arnaldo. Yes; but the method of procedure requires simpli- 
fication. We have a project for the simplification of legal procedure, 
of introducing the jury system, so that cases can be terminated within 
twenty days. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be, in your judgment, a wise thing so to 
modify the present law as that people shall not be allowed to be put 
in jail without an immediate hearing of some kind? 

Judge Arnaldo. We have a law at present which requires that 
within twenty-four hours they go to the prisoner and take his decla- 
ration; but it means nothing. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States, when a man is arrested he is 
generally taken before a justice of the peace, and he has the right to 



297 

ask for an immediate hearing, or his counsel may waive an immediate 
hearing and await a hearing- before the grand jury; but in every case 
the man has the right to demand a bearing. 

Judge Arnaldo. The introduction of the jury system here is an 
indispensable improvement. 

Dr. Carroll. No man can be arrested in the United States unless 
by an officer of the law and without a warrant from a justice of the 
peace, except when taken by an officer who finds the man actually 
engaged in the commission of the crime. The warrant is issued on 
an affidavit of the person who makes the complaint. 

Judge Arnaldo. It is actually true here that there are persons in 
our prisons whose cases are being tried in Mayaguez. 

Dr. Carroll. There is one other point about the system in the 
United States. If anyone there swears out a warrant falsely, the 
injured party can proceed for false imprisonment at civil law and 
recover heavy damages. 

Judge Arnaldo. The same thing exists here. When the judge 
pronounces sentence exonerating the man from a crime he also accuses 
the person who instigated the case of false witnessing. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that many persons are now in jail of 
whom it is likely some are innocent; that some persons out of pure 
motives of revenge have put charges against their names and had 
them put in prison, and that it is a custom here after a person has 
been in prison a month or so for the prison or court authorities to tell 
him to go, and nothing more is done about the matter. 

Judge Arnaldo. The situation is even stranger than that. After 
putting the person at liberty, the case still goes on at Mayaguez. 
When they have found out all about it they send it back here. It is 
a gigantic work that counts for nothing. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me they ought to have a court here to 
inquire into the serious cases — the more serious police cases. It would 
be wise to have in every city a court that could deal with them at 
once. 

Judge Arnaldo. They should be correctioual tribunals. 

Dr. Carroll. Corresponding to our police courts in New York City, 
for example? 

Judge Arnaldo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. It must put the municipality to great expense in 
having so many prisoners confined for so long a time? 

Judge Arnaldo. Yes; it is a crying evil. The number of reams of 
paper consumed every month in the preparation of summaries is 
amazing. 

Dr. Carroll. Did you have to use stamped paper for that? 

Judge Arnaldo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think a petty jury would do for the trial of 
cases of arson, burglary, and murder? 

Judge Arnaldo. Yes: 

Dr. Carroll. It is a theory of the courts of the United States that 
the people shall be represented in this case hj^. lawyer called a prose- 
cuting attorney, whose business it is to prepare the case and put it in 
shape for trial. Then 'the judge sits and judges between the State 
and the criminal. Is that the theory here? 

Judge Arnaldo. Yes; the same thing. 

Dr. Carroll. Then no change is needed in that respect? 

Judge Arnaldo. It is the procedure which needs correction here. 

Dr. Carroll. Would there be a .place in this system for the grand 



298 

jury? (Here Dr. Carroll explained at length the functions and duties 
of the grand jury.) 

Judge Arnaldo. I think it would be preferable to leave the prefer- 
ment of complaints to judges. 

Dr. Carroll. One theory in connection with the grand jury is that 
it will be a protection to innocent people, and prevent some cases 
coming before the court which should not be brought there. 

Judge Arnaldo. It is an ingenious system and has its merits. 

Dr. Carroll. But would not be expedient here? 

Judge Arnaldo. As regards the change of judicial system, it should 
be done wholly because towns here are small and people are all friends 
of each other. 

Dr. Carroll. That is a difficulty we have in the United States, 
and for that reason challenges of jurymen are allowed on the part of 
the district attorney. For example, be may challenge a juryman 
because he finds that he was a business partner or a relative of the 
accused. 

Judge Arnaldo. The same system is followed wherever they have 
a jury. 

Dr. Carroll. Some lawyers in San Juan were doubtful about the 
success of the jury system here. 

Judge Arnaldo. I think it would be wise, without doubt. This is a 
Latin country. We have followed the old Roman system; but to-day, 
as we are entering a period of more upright administration of justice, 
the people should administer their own justice. 

Dr. Carroll. I think the objection on the part of the lawyers of 
San Juan was owing to a misapprehension of the scope of the jury, 
thinking that laymen were to be brought in to decide questions of 
law, which is not the case. Were there many cases in the island of 
burglary or murder before these outbreaks that have occurred since 
the occupation? 

Judge Arnaldo. There has always been a great deal of petty thiev- 
ing, but not burglary. 

Dr. Carroll. What about murder? 

Judge Arnaldo. Very little of that. In this country one can always 
pass through any part with any amount of money and without fear of 
molestation. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much in the way of offenses against property ; 
is there much litigation over titles to property? 

Judge Arnaldo. Since the registration of property was introduced 
lawsuits have increased considerably. There are not many to-day. 
We have a very fine law of registration. 

Dr. Carroll. Does that law require that all parcels of property 
shall be registered? 

Judge Arnaldo. No. Registry is voluntary, but as inscription of 
property brings advantages, naturally owners desire to have their 
property inscribed. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any questions arising in the courts regard- 
ing the property passing by descent, for instance, from father to son? 
Is it necessary that the will shall be probated and that the son shall 
be placed in possession of the title by a process of law? 

Judge Arnaldo. That depends upon whether the heir is a minor 
or not. If he is a minor, then they have to appoint guardians. The 
will is taken to the registrar, who inscribes it and that becomes evi- 
dence of ownership. If the father dies intestate, they make a docu- 
ment of intestacy, and that is inscribed. 



299 

Dr. Carroll. Are mortgages also inscribed? 

Judge Arnaldo. Everything is inscribed that has any bearing or 
any effect upon real estate titles. 

Dr. Carroll. When did the last capital punishment occur here? 

Judge Arnaldo. In 1882. 

Dr. Carroll. In the law regarding murder, do they distinguish 
between murder and manslaughter of different degrees? 

Judge Arnaldo. There is plain homicide; then there is homicide 
with aggravating circumstances, and there are classifications. There 
is a high grade of murder called infanticide, and this is always pun- 
ished by capital punishment. The penalty for murder committed in 
a row is fourteen years of penal servitude. 



COST AND DELAY OF PROCEEDINGS. 

Gobo, P. R., January 15, 1899. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner, at the residence of Mr. Leopold Strube, whose 
estate lies partly in the municipality of Arecibo and partly in Utuado.] 

Mr. Strube. Recently I had trouble with a man who made a per- 
sonal attack upon me. The next day after the attack he tried to steal 
my horse. I followed him up instantly, and caught him and the 
horse and made my complaint to the commissioner of the district. 
The value of the horse was only about $25. The next day I had to 
make my statement before the judge at Arecibo. Every horse here 
has a certain brand, and I had to show the brand of my horse. The 
judge gave me my horse in deposito. The next day the same man was 
here again making trouble. The case had to go from Arecibo to 
Utuado, because the offense was committed in that district. Three 
days later I went to Utuado to see the judge, and to inquire whether 
or not I had to make another statement before him. He did not seem to 
know whether it was necessary or not, but told me that probably I 
would not have to make another statement. He also told me that the 
case w r ould be tried in Mayaguez in June or July next. At that time 
I will have to go there with my witnesses. The man is now at large, 
and if in the mean while, as is probable, he leaves this district — for all 
that class of men are here to-day and the next day somewhere else — 
they will not be able to find him. Then I will have to bear the cost 
of my journey, which will be about $50, besides the loss of time. It 
will be a week at least. This week is in addition to the two days 
already spent at Arecibo and Utuado. I would have to get to Maya- 
guez the day before the hearing, and could not well leave there until 
the day after. It takes two days to go and twx> days to return. 

Dr. Carroll. Why did you go to Utuado? 

Mr. Strube. I went first to Arecibo. My land lies partly in Arecibo 
and partly in Utuado, where the man stole the horse, but I caught 
him in the Arecibo district. That fact appeared in my statement, and 
when the Arecibo judge saw it he delivered him to the judge in 
Utuado. The man was immediately released without bail. 

Dr. Carroll. If you had a village government here, you would 
have a man on the ground to hear such a case at once. It would be 
a great improvement in the administration of justice to have a judge 
here. 

Mr. Strube. Yes; but the difficulty is in getting a justice. 



300 

WORK OF JUDGE OF FIRST INSTANCE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 17, 1899. 
Mr. Jose L. Casalduc, ex-notary of Utuado, now procurator and 
property owner: 

Dr. Carroll. Are you fiscal for the municipal district or the judi- 
cial district? 

Mr. Casalduc. For the judicial district. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the name of the judicial district in which 
Utuado is situated? 

Mr. Casalduc. It is the judicial district of Utuado, comprising 
Utuado, Lares, Ciales, and Ad juntas. 

Dr. Carroll. You have no criminal court, I believe, in this dis- 
trict. You have to go to Mayaguez for that? 

Mr. Casalduc. Yes; we go to Mayaguez. 

Dr. Carroll. But I understand that you have a judge of first 
instance here. 

Mr. Casalduc. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Does he prepare cases for the criminal court? 

Mr. Casalduc. Yes. It would be more convenient to have an audi- 
encia of Utuado. We should be connected with that of Ponce, as we 
are within easy reach of Ponce. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be better still to have a court here in 
Utuado to hear and determine criminal cases, with appeal to the audi- 
encia territorial? 

Mr. Casalduc. Under the new rule which has been promulgated 
in San Juan three judges hear the case, and when there is appeal 
five judges sit. 

Dr. Carroll. That is, three judges in Mayaguez, Ponce, or San 
Juan? 

Mr. Casalduc. In San Juan; but the three judges who tried the 
case originally form part of the court of appeal. 

Dr. Carroll. That is contrary to good juridic principles, is it not? 

Mr. Casalduc. Where they had a voice in deciding a case originally 
they would not go back on that decision. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you can not get any independent judgment from 
them? 

Mr. Casalduc. Formerly these appeals went to Madrid, and this is 
an attempt to dispose of them somehow. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose that when the civil government of Porto 
Rico is established there will be an appeal to the Supreme Court of 
the United States. What class of cases are determinable here in 
Utuado? 

Mr. Casalduc. Criminal cases are only prepared here and sent to 
Mayaguez. 

Dr. Carroll. What about ordinary police cases, such as petty 
thefts? Must they go to Mayaguez also? 

Mr. Casalduc. All have to go to Mayaguez. The people take 
special pains not to give any information about robberies or about 
any crime committed, because they understand that they will be 
called to Mayaguez, and that means several days lost without any com- 
pensation. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they not paid for it? 

Mr. Casalduc. There was an order directing the payment of 



301 

expenses, but the employees of the court got together and whenever 
bills for such expenses were presented these employees said there was 
no money. Eventually these employees bought up these claims and 
had them cashed themselves. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the only cases that are heard here and finally 
determined are violations of municipal ordinances? 

Mr. Casalduc. Small cases that are called in the Spanish code 
faltas, which can only be punished by imprisonment for seven days 
or so, are tried by the municipal judge, and appeal lies from his sen- 
tence to the judge of first instance. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the judge of first instance in such cases final 
decision? 

Mr. Casalduc. Yes; and in civil cases the judge of first Instance 
gives verdict, with an appeal to the audiencia territorial. 

Dr. Carroll. What suggestions would you make of reform in the 
constitution of the courts and in judicial procedure? 

Mr. Casalduc. Small cases, such as robberies for small amounts, 
and police cases generally should be tried by juries composed of per- 
sons taken from the place itself, which cases should have a prelimi- 
nary hearing here, and afterwards, if necessary, be sent elsewhere. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you not think the audiencia should be estab- 
lished here? 

Mr. Casalduc. Yes; that is what must be done. This being a cen- 
trally located town, should naturally have such an institution. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you would have one here, instead of compelling 
people to go to Mayaguez? 

Mr. Casalduc. Yes. In that way most of the small crimes would 
not go unpunished. If a man to-day should rob me of my horse, I 
would not make an accusation against him, because it would cost me 
$50 to make the journey to Mayaguez. 

Dr. Carroll. There is a jail here, I suppose? 

Mr. Casalduc. There is no building here specially for that purpose. 
We luwe a provisional prison, but it is in very bad condition. There 
is not a single penitentiary in the island. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there not one at San Juan? 

Mr. Casalduc. There is a prison there, but not a penitentiary. 

Dr. Carroll. By penitentiary do you mean a place for reforming 
criminals? 

Mr. Casalduc. Yes. Here they mix up the real criminals with 
those who are not natural criminals. They do not teach the prisoners 
any trade nor give them any work to do. The prisons here really are 
schools for bandits, because those who go in not as criminals, but as 
transgressors of the law, come out criminals. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you do with juvenile offenders? 

Mr. Casalduc. They put them in the prison with the rest of the 
prisoners. They are very behindhand in these matters. Another 
thing worth mentioning: The judiciary should be well paid, to remove 
the judges from temptation. They receive small salaries, while the 
secretaries of the government are paid enormous salaries. The gov- 
ernment can remove judges whenever it sees fit. That was the rule 
and I presume is still. Take, for instance, a judge of first instance 
in Ponce, who has to take cognizance of from 4,000 to 5,000 cases a 
year. He receives $187 a month only. He is naturally exposed to all 
sorts of temptations. 

Dr. Carroll. What do the clerks make? 

Mr. Casalduc. They have no salaries at all. They have fees. 



302 

Dr. Carroll. I should think it would be better to give them a 
fixed salary. 

Mr. Casalduc. It is owing to this fee system that justice runs as 
it does here. Anybody who wants to get out of prison can do so if 
he has $100. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a tariff of fees for the clerks? 

Mr. Casalduc. There is a tariff in civil cases. There is no tariff 
in criminal cases. 

Dr. Carroll. Does not the criminal pay for his defense? 

Mr. Casalduc. The rich ones do; but you don't see the rich ones 
up for trial, because they buy themselves off before the case comes 
up for trial. A popular saying here is that "The prison was not 
built for people with black coats." 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any suggestion of amendments of the 
penal code, or is it generally satisfactory? 

Mr. Casalduc. It ought to be reformed where it relates to petty 
crimes. For instance, if you have a servant in your* house who takes 
$25 from you, he can be sentenced to six years; that is, for what are 
called domestic crimes. 

Dr. Carroll. Then they make a distinction as to domestic crimes? 

Mr. Casalduc. They punish the servant the more, because in addi- 
tion to the robbery, he is guilty of an abuse of confidence. 

Dr. Carroll. What would be the sentence of a man found guilty 
of burglary? 

Mr. Casalduc. There are several subsections to that. The penalty 
would depend on whether it were done during the day or at night and 
whether or not there are two or more persons concerned in the bur- 
glary. If it takes place in a country district, and there are more than 
one, the sentence is twelve years. 

Dr. Carroll. In that case is it supposed to be a conspiracy? 

Mr. Casalduc. It is supposed to be in band or brigandage. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the element of conspiracy enter into that? 

Mr. Casald uc. They call it robbery in gangs, and everybody who 
has a direct or indirect part in it is liable to imprisonment. • 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many cases of petty theft? 

Dr. Casalduc. It is the case that happens the most here, and if the 
present procedure were changed the crimes would soon be stopped. 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been any serious crimes in this munici- 
pal district in the last eight or ten years, apart from such as inay have 
grown up as a result of the war? 

Mr. Casalduc. There were very few. The people had a terror for 
the civil guard — it was not a respect for the law — and now that that 
terror has disappeared with the disappearance of the civil guard, I 
don't know whether there will be such cases or not. 

Dr. Carroll. There have been no capital cases here? 

Mr. Casalduc. A case of homicide is so unusual that a case of assas- 
sination would create a great deal of excitement here. 



SPECIAL TRIALS OF BANDITS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Mayaguez, P. R. , January 2Jf, 1899. 
Maj. Charles L. Cooper, of the Fifth United States Cavalry, made 
a statement the substance of which is as follows : 
There were a great many depredations committed in this district by 



303 

persons who had cause for revenge against proprietors. Cases accumu- 
lated before the civil courts, which seemed either to be powerless or 
indifferent to the trial of them. In consequence of this slowness of 
action, General Henry constituted a military commission of three per- 
sons, with the secretary, and this commission tried three or four cases 
of a minor character. The sentence of imprisonment was imposed in 
prisons of the United States. This seemed to stimulate the civil courts 
to action, as it was intended to do. Major Cooper believes that it would 
be a wise thing to institute a mounted police for the rural districts, 
composed of natives. He spoke of the police of the city as excellent 
men, and he believed that by organizing a secret service the marauders 
could in many cases be apprehended and be brought to justice. The 
cases before the military commission were tried under international 
law, as declared by Lieber in 1862 or 1863. Major Cooper stated that 
the planters very seldom took measures for self-defense, because it 
was a principle of law that they were not allowed to defend themselves, 
but were held responsible before the court for any act committed in 
defense of their domiciles. He said he had been told this over and 
over again by Porto Rican lawyers. On examination of the penal 
code it appears that defense of one's person or family or domicile is 
justifiable, but it is stated that subsequent proceedings in such cases 
included imprisonment of the defender and such a course of legal 
responsibility as to deter people from the ordinary means of self- 
defense. It is claimed that this is not due to the law itself, but to the 
corruption of the courts, and that judges appointed from the Penin- 
sula took this means of adding to their income, requiring persons who 
were arrested for acts committed in self-defense to pay a good round 
sum to regain their liberty. 



PROCEDURE IN CRIMINAL CASES. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San German, P. R., January 26, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. I recognize you as one of the judges who presided at 
a trial in Mayaguez which I attended a few days ago. Has the trial 
been concluded? 

Mr. Joaquim Servera Silva, registrar. It was finished Tuesday 
morning. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the result? 

Mr. Silva. The sentence will be published on Monday. The court 
has already arrived at its decision. I will have to go and sign the sen- 
tence on Monday. They publicly put in provisional liberty three of 
the prisoners, having taken that step because three of them will be 
acquitted. 

Dr. Carroll. I would be very glad, indeed, if you could give me 
the steps that were taken in that case from the beginning to the end. 
I saw a part of the case, and I would be glad to get a better idea of 
the Spanish method of procedure. 

Mr. Silva. There was in this case a private accuser, who is called 
a "denouncer." The denouncer was the aggrieved person, Don Juan 
Sein. Immediately after the denouncement the judge of instruction 
took the first steps to inquire about the matter. 

Dr. Carroll. Was the complaint made to him? 

Mr. Silva. They first complained to the alcalde verbally, and then 
a complaint was made in writing to the municipal judge of Anasco. 



304 

Dr. Carroll. Did the alcalde sign any document or do anything 
to expedite the case? 

Mr. Silva. Under the Spanish law any aggrieved person has the 
right to make complaint to any government official, and this official 
is obliged to refer the complaint to the competent judicial authority. 

Dr. Carroll. Then it was placed in the hands of the judge of first 
instance. 

Mr. Silva. The judge of first instance in this case is what they call 
the instructing judge, who looks into the case, attending to the claims 
of the denouncer. The judge takes the necessary steps to prepare 
the case. When the judge of first instance considers that he has 
obtained all the necessary proofs and data within his power, he draws 
up a summary and passes the case on to the audiencia. 

Dr. Carroll. Does he cite witnesses? 

Mr. Silva. Yes; he calls witnesses and examines them under 
oath. The testimony given before a judge of first instance is not 
considered as evidence, and the same witness may testify in a com- 
pletely opposite way before the audiencia without rendering himself 
liable to punishment for false swearing. The reason for this is that 
the Spanish civil guard here used to illtreat people, and before the 
judge of first instance they would give any sort of evidence to get 
away from the guard. But when reforms were introduced here the 
Spanish law said that the conclusive evidence was only that given 
before the audiencia. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that law or only practice? 

Mr. Silva. It is a new law of criminal procedure. There are two 
exceptions to the rule above stated. For instance, when the judge of 
first instance has to take cognizance of a matter which has to be 
inquired into on the spot, and which the audiencia could not examine 
into, such as blood stains, which would not last until the audiencia 
could meet, or the evidence of a witness who desires to leave the 
country and make his formal statement before doing so. 

Dr. Carroll. From the judge of first instance is the case reported 
directly to the audiencia or to the fiscal? 

Mr. Silva. The case is passed from the judge of first instance to 
the audiencia. The audiencia examines the summary, and if it does 
not consider that the case has been properly drawn — for instance, if 
certain witnesses have not been examined who should have been — they 
return the case to the judge of first instance, recommending what they 
consider convenient in the case. Should they consider the case com- 
plete in its drawing by the judge of first instance, they draw up a 
document in which they put on record that the case has been properly 
drawn up by the judge of first instance, and they pass it over to the 
fiscal. The fiscal then studies the case and prepares a preliminary 
opinion and passes the documents over to the defending counsel, who 
present in writing their preliminary defense. The court then studies 
the preliminary defense and appoints a day for the first hearing. 

Dr. Carroll. How is the case opened by the lawyer for the prose- 
cution — in an address to the court, as is the custom in the United 
States, or do they proceed at once to examine witnesses? 

Mr. Silva. Each party has his well-defined duties in the case. The 
court is opened by the president asking each person the regulation 
questions as to age, birthplace, etc. ; then he allows the fiscal to address 
each of the prisoners, asking such questions as he thinks convenient. 
After the fiscal is through the lawyer for the defense may also put 
questions to the prisoner. The witnesses called by the fiscal are first 



305 

examined and then the witnesses called by the defense. Should the 
court think it necessary to take evidence at the scene of the crime, it 
has the power to constitute a commission from among the judges and 
hold court on the spot where the crime was committed. When all the 
evidence of witnesses has been taken, the evidence of documents or of 
exhibits, such as clothing, chemical substances that have been analyzed, 
and other inanimate testimony generally, is taken. Then the presi- 
dent calls on the fiscal to substantiate or correct his original accusa- 
tion, which he does. He also calls on the lawyer for the defense to 
substantiate or rectif}^ his original defense, which he does by writing. 
Then the court retires and within three days gives sentence. 

Dr. Carroll. Is a majority sufficient to convict? 

Mr. Silva. Yes; and dissenting votes are put into writing, with the 
reasons therefor, together with the documents of the case, which are 
sent to the supreme court. 

Dr. Carroll. In case verdict of death is decided upon, what is the 
next proceeding? 

Mr. Silva. In all sentences the prisoner has the right of appeal, 
but in such a grave sentence as that of death, whether the prisoner 
appeals or not, the law implies that the prisoner appeals, and the case 
proceeds as if appeal had been made. 

Dr. Carroll. In the trial of a case are there rules governing the 
fiscal or lawyers for the defense in raising points of law? 

Mr. Silva. Yes; they can only call as witnesses those whom they 
have named in their previous documents. Under the old system they 
used to be able to call witnesses at will and could spread the case out 
to any length by saying they had new witnesses to call. 

Dr. Carroll. The method of criminal procedure in the United 
States is very different from this, and I will give you a brief outline 
of it. Perhaps you are already familiar with it. 

Mr. Silva. No; I do not know the jury system of the United States, 
but I know the jury system of Spain. 

Dr. Carroll. In cases of the commission of a crime the matter is 
brought to the attention of a justice of the peace. Unless the prisoner 
waives a hearing, he proceeds to give a hearing at a date determined 
upon. The prisoner usually has counsel from the time he is put under 
arrest, and this counsel may waive all proceedings before the justice 
of the peace, knowing that the case must come before the grand jury. 

Mr. Silva. That is the same system as in Spain. 

Dr. Carroll. In case it is a bailable offense, the offender may be 
released by furnishing proper bonds to await the action of the grand 
jury. In a more serious case of crime the offender is held in prison. 
The grand jury is composed of from twenty to twenty-four men. The 
case goes from the justice of the peace before the grand jury, being 
presented to the grand jury by the fiscal, or prosecuting attorney. The 
prosecuting attorney names the witnesses he has, and the grand jury 
may allow him to examine them or they may proceed to examine them 
themselves. After they have heard all the witnesses who are witnesses 
for the accusation, as it is an entirely ex parte proceeding, they pro- 
ceed, by vote of the majority, to determine whether there is probable 
guilt or not. Then, if they vote that there is probable guilt, the prose- 
cuting attorney proceeds to draw up a formal indictment, in which the 
offense or offenses are stated in legal terms. The foreman of the 
grand jury then presents this indictment to the court which instructed 
it. The judge then causes the prisoner to be brought before him. 
1125—20 



306 

The charges in the indictment are stated to the prisoner, and he is 
asked to plead guilty or not guilty. He usually does so through his 
counsel. Then the prosecuting attorney moves that a date be set for 
the trial of the case. This may be agreed to by the counsel for the 
defense or they may ask for a longer time for preparation. Before the 
case comes to trial the counsel for the defense umy present a demurrer 
to the indictment, alleging that it is defective and moving to quash 
the indictment. On a day appointed the court hears arguments for 
and against that motion, the prosecuting attorne} 7 representing the 
people. If the judge decides that the indictment is good, a day for 
the trial is set and the commissioner of juries is notified to have a 
number of persons qualified to sit as jurors present on the trial day. 

From the persons present they proceed to select jurymen, putting 
it to each man whether he is a relative of the accused or an enemy or 
in any way interested or biased in the case. If it appears from this 
or any other reasons that any person can not give a fair verdict in the 
case according to the testimony, the judge tells him to step aside. In 
addition to this, the law allows a certain number of absolute chal- 
lenges, both by the counsel for the defense and b3 r the prosecuting 
attorney. The jury duly impaneled and sworn, the prosecuting 
attorney proceeds to state his case, giving a history of it, and he then 
proceeds to call his witnesses, whom he examines himself. Then the 
witnesses are turned over to the counsel for the defense, who have 
great latitude in course of cross-examination. When a witness is 
asked a question which the counsel on either side considers objection- 
able, the counsel tells the witness not to answer, and appeals to the 
judge, giving the grounds therefor. The counsel on each side insists 
that the judge shall keep in his own place, and if he asks too many 
questions, the probability is thej r will ask him whether he is inclined 
to try the case as well as to judge it. After the witnesses for the 
prosecution have been heard, the counsel for the defense opens with 
an address, in which he reviews the evidence given by the prosecution 
and indicates the theory that the defense will take in the case. Then, 
when all the testimony is in, the lawyers on either side address the 
court in support of the testimony that has been given. Then the judge 
charges the jury; that is, he instructs them in points of law, it being 
understood that the province of the jury is to determine the facts 
according to the evidence, while they receive their instructions in the 
law from the judge. The jury then retire to a room set apart for them, 
in which they are free from all public interruption, and there they pro- 
ceed to consider what their verdict shall be. It requires a unanimous 
verdict of guilt to establish guilt. There are many other incidental 
steps in a case of this kind. For example, before the case is tried 
there may be a writ of habeas corpus sued out before a law judge and 
an inquiry held as to the process by which a prisoner is held. It is to 
prevent imprisonment on false accusations. Does the Spanish jury 
law correspond to this in any respect? 

Mr. Silva. There are a great many points of similarity. In such 
points as the right of challenge, the retiring of the jury, the right of 
examining jurymen before they are impaneled, and in several other 
points there is almost complete resemblance. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it your judgment that the jury system would work 
well in the trial of criminal cases in the island? 

Mr. Silva. Before replying to that I should have to think quite a 
good deal. The jury system is a great system, but if it is going to be 
given to the people, it requires that the people who are going to dis- 



307 

pense justice thereby should have a considerable degree of culture and 
education. 

Dr. Carroll. That is not considered at all necessary in the United 
States. It is simply required that a man should have his natural fac- 
ulties, a fair mind, be able to weigh evidence, and be honest enough 
to give his verdict on the side on which the weight of evidence inclines. 
The counsel on each side give a complete analysis of the testimony so 
as to instruct the jury, and the judge presiding in the case gives a 
complete explication of all points of law, and tells them that they 
must be governed by those instructions. 

Mr. Silva. I supposed that in the United States a juryman is required 
to know how to read and write. According to what you require of the 
juryman will be the success of the system. They are not required to 
examine documents. 



DEFINITIONS OF CRIMES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Humacao, P. R. , February 1, 1899. 
Mr. Salvador Fulladosa, judge of first instance and instruction: 

Dr. Carroll. I wish to ask you some questions about judicial mat- 
ters. What is your judicial district? 

Mr. Fulladosa. My district embraces Humacao, Fajardo, Naguabo, 
Vieques, Yabucoa, Juncos, and Piedras. 

Dr. Carroll. Your function, I suppose, is to prepare cases for the 
audiencia? 

Mr. Fulladosa, As the judge of the district, I have subordinate 
judges in each municipality. In civil cases matters not exceeding 
$200 are settled by the municipal judge, with right of appeal to me as 
district judge. In criminal matters the municipal judge or alcalde 
has to prepare the case within a period of three days and send it to 
me, and I have to see whether it is prepared right and that no neces- 
sary parts of the case are missing. If the case is not fully prepared, 
I cite witnesses before me and continue the preparation of the case 
until I consider that it is fully drawn up. Then I sign it and send it 
to the court in San Juan for trial. In civil cases I have jurisdiction 
to any amount and give judgment here, besides my jurisdiction to 
hear and determine cases on appeal from municipal judges. 

Dr. Carroll. Then your functions as judge are really confined to 
civil cases? 

Mr. Fulladosa. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. There is no reason in the world why you should not 
be judge in criminal cases also. 

Mr. Fulladosa. There existed here formerly a law by which judges 
throughout the island could sentence in criminal cases, but when oral 
trials were introduced that power was taken away. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States a larger power is given to the 
fiscals. The latter prepare the brief on the part of the people, while 
the attorney for the defense prepares the brief in behalf of the pris- 
oner. 

Mr. Fulladosa. It is most ridiculous that a man who steals a plate 
should have to be tried in San Juan. The system causes a block in 
the wheels of justice. » 

Dr. Carroll. It is a judicial absurdity. 



308 

Mr. Fulladosa. My function in criminal cases is merely that of 
preparation, which is hardly the proper function of a judge. It is my 
duty to classify crimes prepared by me for trial; to say whether the 
case should go up for trial under one heading or another, or whether 
the alleged offender should be set at liberty. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the existing law with respect to arrest of a 
person who, for example, is charged with being guilty of arson or rob- 
bery? Can a person who sees him in the act arrest him without 
process? 

Mr. Fulladosa. Yes ; everybody has that right, but not the legal 
obligation to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. That is the law in the United States, but in all other 
cases no one can be arrested except by process duly issued by a mag- 
istrate. 

Mr. Fulladosa. Here it is the same ; a person can not be arrested 
unless a judge issues an order for his arrest. 

Dr. Carroll. What justifies a judge in issuing a process of that 
kind? 

Mr. Fulladosa. The judge can issue an order for imprisonment on 
the denuncia of any person. The person arrested is held provisionally 
for twenty-four hours, during which time the judge cites the person 
making the charge to determine whether there is cause to hold the 
person for seventy-two hours as required by law. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the law require that the order of arrest shall 
recite the charge for which the person is arrested? 

Mr. Fulladosa. When the arrest is made by the marshal the 
order says that such and such a person must present himself to 
respond to an accusation of such and such a person. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that shown to the person when he is arrested ? 

Mr. Fulladosa. The alleged offender is called to appear before the 
judge, or is arrested under a warrant. It does not do to tell the per- 
son why he is arrested, because he might prepare himself for a defense 
beforehand ; he might put himself in communication with persons for 
that purpose. They are very clever here. 

Dr. Carroll. It is an elementaiy factor of justice in the United 
States that a man should not be arrested without knowing why he is 
arrested. 

Mr. Fulladosa. I am speaking now of simple offenses, not of grave 
crimes. We presume that a person is guilty until he has proved him- 
self innocent. 

Dr. Carroll. Then a person might be arrested here and not know 
whether he was arrested for disorder or assault or for murder? 

Mr. Fulladosa. Before he is put in prison he knows what he is 
arrested for. There are exceptional cases; for instance, a quarrel in 
a country district, where a comisario has to arrest all persons in the 
neighborhood, who might turn out to be guilty. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any such thing here as giving bail? 

Mr. Fulladosa. It is quite general. I am a great believer in bail. 

Dr. Carroll. What classes of cases are bailable? 

Mr. Fulladosa. Those punishable by imprisonment for three or 
more years, but not generally charges of a grave character such as 
robbery, homicide, and arson. Crimes and offenses are all classified. 
For example, there is robbery with violence and robbery without vio- 
lence, and each classification has its appropriate bail within the class 
of bailable crimes. A great 1 deal depends also on the judge and the 
antecedents of the prisoner. The judge has a discretion in the 
matter. 



309 

Dr. Carroll. In case a person is arrested in Vieques for theft, 
does it require that the person making the charge and the thief be 
brought here before you? 

Mr. Fulladosa. The municipal judge in Vieques keeps the pris- 
oner in jail there three days while he is preparing the brief. The 
brief and the prisoner are then sent here. If he is to be liberated, 
he is liberated from here, as the judge there can not release a pris- 
oner after he has once put him in prison. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that true of small cases? 

Mr. Fulladosa. Of every case. That is the law, and it governs 
even in a case where a man in Vieques is arrested for stealing a 
chicken. There is only one exception to the rule, which I have stated 
somewhat too broadly, namely, in the class of cases called f altas, which 
are tried by the municipal judge and are punishable by imprisonment 
for not more than thirty days. Where, for instance, a peon, passing 
through a cane field, cuts a stalk of cane and sucks it and is caught 
in the" act, that would be a falta, punishable by imprisonment up to 
thirty days without sending the man here to Humacao. If, however, 
the peon, after having eaten one stalk, should cut more and take it 
away with him, then his offense would be larceny, and not a mere 
falta, the reason for the distinction being that in the first case the man, 
on the spur of the moment, and from a sense of immediate need, takes 
the cane and at once eats it, whereas in the second case the element 
of immediate need is not present, but the peon appropriates the prop- 
erty of another for his future use. 

Dr. Carroll. In case a man is brought over here from Vieques for 
some petty offense, who bears the expense of the trip? 

Mr. Fulladosa. All the municipalities comprising the district. 
This is the head of the prison district, and its expenses are paid by 
the municipalities in this judicial district, each paying a proportion. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you sit sometimes in the audiencia in particular 
cases? 

Mr. Fulladosa. No. 

Dr. Carroll. In Mayaguez they sometimes ask judges of other 
courts to sit with them, and while I was there they had two of them 
sitting with the regular judges to try a case of arson and robbery. 

Mr. Fulladosa. I could be called, but I have not been. They can 
name me a judge in commission. 



AMERICAN LAWYERS AND THE COURTS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., February 10, 1899. 
Mr. F. H. Dexter, an American lawyer and agent of the Cuban 
and" Pan-American Express Company: 

In my judgment conditions do not now exist to justify American 
lawyers in their hope of practicing in the courts of Porto Rico. 
According to General Orders No. 1, issued by General Brooke upon 
the occupation of San Juan by the American forces, the laws then in 
existence which were not inconsistent with American institutions or 
which had not been abrogated by orders of the military government 
remain in force, and up to the present time no order has been issued 
changing the laws in Porto Rico covering the matter of judicial pro- 
cedure and the regulation of practice in the courts of the island. 



310 

The code in force in Porto Rico is the old civil code, or Roman code, 
and is written in Spanish. This code is considered different from the 
practice which obtains in all the States of the American Union, with 
the exception of the State of Louisiana. Very few American lawyers 
have studied this code beyond their college course outside of the 
State of Louisiana. It seems to be the understanding of those in 
authority, justified by the necessities of the case, that the Porto Rican 
laws, so far as local matters are concerned, will remain in force for 
some time to come. While the American military government and 
Congress will gradually promulgate orders and adopt legislation affect- 
ing matters of a general concern, such as those regarding the relations 
between Porto Rico and the United States and foreign countries, such 
as the regulation of shipping, navigation and tariff, exchange, and 
similar questions, the body of municipal law, in my judgment, will be 
gradually and slowly modified or abrogated. These municipal laws, 
in addition to being a feature of the government of Spanish posses- 
sions and having a traditional dignity, are perhaps better adapted to 
the wants and conditions of the people of this tropical country than 
many of our laws which are in force in the American Union. I do 
not mean by this to say that the American system of laws is not bet- 
ter than the system in force here; but in the exercise of sound judg- 
ment and wisdom it would appear to me that to change the system of 
laws which is so intimately ingrafted into the institutions and lives of 
the people here would be to create great confusion. In fact, it would 
appear to be a physical impossibility. 

Soon after the occupation of the capital of this island by the Amer- 
ican forces a number of intelligent lawyers of good standing came 
here from the United States with the idea of settling here and prac- 
ticing their profession. So far as I have been able to learn, none of 
these gentlemen know the Spanish laws or the code now in force here. 
Some of these gentlemen desire to practice in the courts here, and 
they were refused this right by the then acting minister of justice, 
Senor Hernandez Lopez, on account of what I have expressed hereto- 
fore, namely, that they did not know the Spanish law or language. 
These gentlemen addressed a complaint to General Henry, who 
referred the matter again to Mr. Lopez, minister of justice, and desired 
him to state his reasons for this action. Mr. Lopez reported in due 
time to General Henry, and gave the following reasons: He stated 
that the laws governing Porto Rico at this time were still SjDanish laws; 
that according to the judicial procedure and the said code applicants 
for admission to practice in the courts of Porto Rico should pass an 
examination provided by the civil code relative to attorneys, and 
should have certain qualifications of residence and training, which it 
appears these gentlemen did not possess. Upon the strength of this 
recommendation General Henry refused to permit the American law- 
yers to practice in the courts of Porto Rico unless they could pass the 
required examination which was demanded of native lawyers. 

Although desirous myself of enjoying the privilege of practice in 
the courts of Porto Rico, I must admit the justice of this rule. A 
license to practice law is not only an implied guaranty but an express 
certificate on the part of the authority granting the license that the 
holder of it is familiar with the practice of the court in which he is 
authorized to practice and has complied with all the qualifications 
and requirements demanded of those who practice in these courts. 
If an American lawyer, not conversant with its practice or the code 
should try to practice, injustice might be done. 



311 

REFORMS DEMANDED. 

[Hearing before the United. States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., March 10, 1899. 

Alfredo M. Aguayo (formerly judge of first instance in Ponce). It 
is my opinion that the Spanish law relating to criminal cases ought to 
be reformed. It is contrary, in my opinion, to the Constitution of the 
United States in that the Constitution guarantees to every man a fair 
and impartial trial before a jury of his own countrymen. 

Dr. Carroll. I should be pleased to have you state the proceed- 
ings in detail which are had in a criminal case. 

Judge Aguayo. As soon as the judge has information that a crime 
has been committed he sends for the accused and has him arrested 
and takes his declaration in court secretly. Then he puts him imme- 
diately into a room where he is without communication with anyone. 
The judge then sends for all the witnesses who can give him infor- 
mation in the matter. He receives them secretly, one by one, and 
takes their declarations and cross-questions them. Meanwhile the 
defendant does not know what is being done against him and can take 
no steps whatever. He is absolutely in the dark. He does not know 
at all what is going on. Within two or three days he is allowed to 
communicate, but not until after the summary of the case against 
him is completed is he allowed this privilege or given any hint as to 
what has been done. He can name his lawyer, but the lawj^er is not 
allowed to present to the judge in this stage of the proceedings any 
proof which the judge does not care to accept. This sumario (sum- 
mary) usually occupies in its preparation from a month to a month 
and a half. The reason of this delay is that everything is being done 
in writing, and society and the world at large, which is also interested 
in the case, knows nothing at all about it, and is naturally unwilling 
that this state of things should continue. Should the newspapers 
publish a proof which has been adduced before the judge, its editor 
would be punished immediately. When all the proofs have been 
gotten together, the judge of first instance declares the summary con- 
cluded, and all the papers are passed on to the audiencia, where the 
oral proceedings are begun. 

The reasons why all the steps of the summary should be published 
from its inception, in my opinion, are many. First, because the pub- 
licity would insure the cooperation of everybody, and all persons hav- 
ing proofs would bring them forward ; secondly, it would enable the 
defendant to produce all the proof on his side; third, it would consti- 
tute a guaranty against the venality of judges, as the public would be 
immediately informed of all mistakes and infirmities committed by 
the judge; fourth, the secrecy of the summary produces in the public 
conscience a sort of terror, and all witnesses, as a rule, have to be made 
to testify by force, whereas if the hearings were public from the begin- 
ning a sort of civic dignity would induce persons to testify on their 
own volition, and witnesses would see that what they testified to was 
accepted as evidence and that their words had value. I think that 
before any other steps are taken in the matter of changing the laws a 
general order should be issued directing that all judicial proceedings 
from their inception be public and that the defendant be allowed to 
name his lawyer and make use of his lawyer before the declaration is 
made. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States secrecy is only observed when 



312 

the case is before the grand jury and it is proceeding to inquire 
whether an indictment may be had. 

Judge Agtjayo. The difference between the American and the 
Spanish, sj^stems is that the American is an accusatory system and 
the Spanish an inquisitorial system. Under the American system 
there can be no trial until after there is a specific charge made, but 
under the Spanish system there is a trial before the charge. 

Dr. Carroll. The Spanish idea is that when a man is charged 
with a crime he is guilty unless proved innocent, is it not? 

Judge Agtjayo. No; not exactly. Their principle is that the judge 
is charged to discover the crime and that he need not consult any- 
body. His business is to ferret out the crime. I think the attorney 
should be present at all the trials from their start to their finish. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that the judge of first instance should 
be a judge of oyer and terminer to hear and determine cases, not 
only on the civil side but also on the criminal side. 

Judge Agtjayo. I think that the jury system ought to be established 
here soon, and that the trial shoidd be oral and not in writing, as now. 
Cases can be concluded in one day by oral proceedings instead of 
from eight days to a month and a half by written process. This is a 
very important matter. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that the judge of first instance might 
be clothed with the power to hear and determine cases with an appeal 
from him direct to the superior court, and that the audiencia territo- 
rial of Ponce and Mayaguez might be abolished to simplify proceedings. 

Judge Agtjayo. That is the way it used to be here before. It was 
the system here ten years ago. 

Dr. Carroll. Some of the cases could be prepared before the 
municipal judge if necessary and sent up to the judge of first 
instance for trial. 

Judge Agtjayo. That is the way they are prepared now. All 
municipal judges should have greater amplitude in their powers. 

Dr. Carroll. I think so, too. 

Judge Agtjayo. The principal thing is that all trials should be public 
and should be oral instead of in writing, as a means of insuring speedy 
and fair trials, and so that the whole country may know what is going 
on in their courts of justice. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that the judge in the audiencia has 
too large powers with reference to the trial of a case; that the func- 
tion of the man who sits upon the bench ought to be to hear and 
determine, and not in any way to question the witnesses with the 
idea of bringing out testimony to fit his own theory of the case. 

Judge Agtjayo. Yes; he has a great deal of power. 

Dr. Carroll. And he exercises his power arbitrarily sometimes to 
shut off questions asked by the defendant's counsel. I noticed in the 
proceedings in a case at May aguez that the court was very arbitrary 
in refusing to permit a defendant to ask questions, which, in my 
judgment, he had a perfect right to ask. As I understand it, a judge 
of first instance is a judge in civil matters, but is not a judge in crim- 
inal matters, but rather a district attorney, in that he prepares the 
case against the defendant. 

Judge Agtjayo. In civil cases I have the right to give judgment, 
but not in criminal cases. In criminal cases I can only prepare the 
summary and pass it on to the audiencia. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that the system in Spain? 

Judge Agtjayo. No; the criminal procedure here and in Spain are 



313 

alike up to and including the preparation of the summary ; but after 
finishing the summary the case goes to the jury in Spain and the 
jury gives verdict. 

Dr. Carroll. How many jurymen do they have? 

Judge Aguayo. Twelve. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it require unanimity to give verdict? 

Judge Aguayo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. The judges of the audiencia here make up the sen- 
tences among themselves, do they not? 

Judge Aguayo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Secretly? 

Judge Aguayo. Yes; and this secrecy is not only a bad thing, but 
a useless thing. I have been accused of revealing the secrets of the 

summary in this case against . In every criminal case, as every 

witness goes out of the court and tells his friends what he has been 
testifying about, there is no such thing really as secrecy. 

Dr. Carroll. The congress that met here in San Juan in October 
drew up a scheme of reforms, and in it they demanded the "public 
votation of sentences." What did they mean by that? 

Judge Aguayo. They simply meant that instead of the judges retir- 
ing to consider their sentence secretly they should consider it publicly. 

Dr. Carroll. It does not seem tome that that is a necessary reform, 
because the jury always retires for that purpose. 

Judge Aguayo. No; it does not seem to me necessary, either. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't see why the judges should not retire to con- 
sider what their verdict shall be. Do you distinguish in the Spanish 
law between a verdict and a sentence? 

Judge Aguayo. No. In our law the judge is a judge of fact and 
law, and makes the verdict and sentence in one. He judges about the 
facts and applies the law. 

Dr. Carroll. I think those functions ought to be made distinct. 
Under our system the jury makes up the verdict on the facts and the 
law is given by the judge. Then the judge, on the basis of the ver- 
dict, pronounces the sentence. 



VARIOUS REFORMS. 
STATEMENT OF ANTONIO SANCHEZ RUIZ. 

Aguada, P. R., November 12, 1898. 
In my opinion the most important of existing laws is the Civil Code, 
which is a codification of all the laws of the class. On the other 
hand, the laws of civil and criminal procedure and the Penal Code 
appear somewhat deficient, judging by the questions which daily are 
brought before the tribunals, to which said laws are not adaptable. 
Not feeling myself competent to consider in detail each and every 
one of them, I will point out only article 42 of the Civil Code, which, 
while recognizing two forms of matrimonj^ the civil and canonical, 
makes it appear that the first form can be employed only by persons 
not professing the Catholic religion. The mere reading of this article 
shows that it trespasses on 'the liberty of worship. There is in force 
a circular from the audiencia to the justices ordering them not to 
perform the civil ceremony between contracting parties of the Catholic 
faith. This circular should be declared void and article 42 amended 
as follows: 

Two forms of matrimony are recognized, civil and canonical; contracting parties, 
whether Catholics or non- Catholics, are free to choose either form. 



314 

In the law of civil procedure it is very necessary to shorten the 
period to the strictly necessary number of days for the notification 
of decisions, which decisions should be considered in force the day 
after notification. There should also be a prudent reduction in the 
appointed number of days allowed for appeal, and also in the pro- 
ceedings of judicial sales by auction, in orcler to put a stop to delays 
prejudicial to litigants. 

The extension of the jurisdiction of municipal judges to cover the 
hearing and decision of cases of eviction of tenants, even in cases of 
precarious property, also giving them the right to sit on cases not 
exceeding $500 in dispute, is desirable. 

In criminal procedure there should be a shortening of the time of 
detention from seventy-two to twenty-four hours, and of provisional 
imprisonment, to the least possible time. The charge should be pre- 
pared promptly, so as not to deprive an innocent person of liberty for 
any length of time. 

The amount of bond should be regulated in proportion to the crime, 
not leaving it to the caprice of judges, as this often causes great 
prejudice to the accused parties. 

Let trial by jury be instituted as in other countries, and put an end 
to the ' ' audiencias de lo criminal. " 

In the Penal Code, proceed to abolish the death penalty, and also 
that of perpetual imprisonment, as being incompatible with the Ameri- 
can spirit of democracy. 



SALARIES INSTEAD OF FEES. 
STATEMENT OF JOSE M. ORTIZ. 

Manuabo, P. R., February 2£, 1899. 

(1) Make committals to prison difficult; favor other classes of pun- 
ishment in place thereof. 

(2) Any person suing, or entering suit, to give bonds previously 
and in sufficient amount to enable him to be held responsible for the 
consequences of the suit in case it result adversely to him. 

(3) Suppress or modify the present system of governmental pro- 
ceedings, by which it frequently happens that only the testimony of 
persons wishing to injure the accused party is taken. The defense 
allowed the accused under this system is very rudimentary. 

(4) Clear and widely published tariff of fees allowed to lawyers, 
notaries, doctors, engineers, registrars of real estate, etc., and the 
application of serious and quick correctives for those who charge 
more than legal rates. 

(5) Suppression in San Juan, Ponce, and Mayaguez of oral trials for 
misdemeanors. These are very troublesome and prejudicial to per- 
sons of small means and annoying to persons of social standing, who 
are obliged to appear in public court to prosecute or defend, for 
which reason they prefer to leave unpunished many crimes and delin- 
quencies, to the encouragement of thieves and bullies. 

(6) The payment of a salary to municipal judges and their secre- 
taries; their failure to receive any is the cause of the existing immo- 
rality, which is covered up. 

(7) Lessening of the cost of citations, subpoenas, and judicial let- 
ters, and, above all, of the estimates for embargoes (attachments), so 
terribly ruinous for debtors. Many small debtors owe their ruin to 
this scandalous judicial procedure. 



315 

(8) Imprisonment for those who can not produce means to cover 
their due debts, unless they can show justifiable circumstances in 
excuse. 

(9) Cheapen and simplify the costs and steps of mortgaging. 

(10) Establishment of the right of divorce, with the right of remar- 
riage, although both parties be living. 

(11) Modification of the commercial code with respect to maritime 
traffic. In this particular shipowners and freighters are unduly 
favored, and importers are afforded but small protection. 



REVISION OF METHODS OF PROCEDURE. 

Utttado, January 17, 1899. 
Mr. Felix Santoni (lawyer). We think that the subject of laws 
should also have careful attention. We desire especially that the 
Penal Code should be revised. The Civil Code also requires some cor- 
rections; but as the Civil Code has been more or less an outcome of 
the wish of the people, we think that to a certain extent it should be 
respected. What is needed is a thorough revision of the methods of 
procedure, which under the 'Spanish Government were very badly 
applied. Good laws on the statute books are not alone sufficient. 
We need to have a good administration of them. Italy, which in my 
judgment has the finest set of laws of any nation, suffers more from 
bad administration in the legal sense than any other country, as the 
laws are not administered as they are written. 



AS TO CORONERS. 
STATEMENT OF DR. C. LOPEZ, OF FAJAKDO. 

It is very necessary to recognize the importance of the employment 
of doctors for coroners who can give their whole time to their official 
duties without having to spend any of it on other matters. In Porto 
Rico coroners are appointed only in San Juan, Ponce, and Mayaguez. 
In other points of the island doctors in private practice have to per- 
form the important duties of coroner. Those named by the munici- 
palities have no time to attend to such work as chemical analysis, 
expert testimony, etc., and it is anomalous for them to pretend that 
they are able to attend to other duties; but these doctors are fre- 
quently obliged to attend on the audiencias to give expert testimony, 
calling for journeys of 5 leagues to 15 leagues over bad roads, crossing 
swollen rivers, etc., so as not to fail of compliance with the official 
call under pain of being fined. The expenses of these journeys are 
not paid, nor are they indemnified in any way, and many times judg- 
ment is deferred for want of several witnesses, or for other causes, 
and the doctor has to return to his town to await a new citation. The 
fees set aside to compensate witnesses and doctors are $4 for the first 
and $16 for the second. These amounts are seldom paid, sometimes 
because they have not been claimed in time and frequently because 
the witnesses do not put in a claim, owing to the delay occasioned. 
In this latter instance there are always speculators who will buy up 
these claims for one-half of their value. 



316 

I myself have traveled from this city to the capital three times to give 
expert testimony, and I have not been able to collect a cent. The 
doctor has to hand in information and make the autopsy of deaths 
occurring in quarrels, by wounds, suicides, sudden deaths by light- 
ning, poisoning, etc. This is very tedious work. In these cases the 
State pays $17.50 for each post mortem, which sum it sometimes takes 
three or more years to collect. The last autopsies conducted in the 
island, for which about $20,000 are owing, will never be paid, because 
the Spanish Government surrendered sovereignty, and all attempts to 
collect these amounts before they left the island were fruitless. 

In cases of wounds and other matters calling for judicial attention the 
law requires two titular doctors to participate in the inquiry, and in the 
towns where there is only one he must call the nearest doctor. The 
fees received were only the actual out-of-pocket expenses of the jour- 
ney at the rate of $4 a league; that is to say, $2 for the journey and 
$2 for the return, and it was frequently necessary to wait six or more 
months if the municipality did not have the funds with which to make 
payments. This is the naked truth about what takes place with 
regard to titular doctors. 



TRIAL OF SANTIAGO IGLESIA AND RAMON RIVERA ROSA. 

The commissioner deems it advisable to present the court records 
of the trial of these two men, who are artisans and were engaged in 
helping on a strike when they were placed under arrest. The case 
is important as showing the Spanish method of trial and the Spanish 
policy toward labor, though it occurred under military rule. 

Note. — This trial, in common with others coming within the prov- 
ince of the Penal Code, passed through two stages: The first (instruc- 
cion), preliminary investigating proceedings before the judge of instruc- 
tion in San Juan, and the second (juicio oral), oral trial before the 
higher criminal court of the same city (audiencia), with a bench of 
three judges. As an insult to a Government official was, and still is, 
an offense under the Spanish law, which has not been repealed, it 
was only necessary to prove the authorship of the articles and that 
the judges should consider them insulting in order that the prose- 
cuting attorney should win his case. Therefore the oral suit was not 
a court trial in our sense of the word. No witnesses were examined, 
and the attorneys presented their cases to the court in writing. As 
no shorthand notes are taken of court proceedings in Porto Rico, the 
" expedientes " filed as records of the trial contain only the official 
steps taken, attorneys' pleadings (reduced to five arguments and five 
rebuttals), and the verdict; that is to say, once the fact of the author- 
ship and publication being brought home to the accused, the question 
was merely whether the bench thought that the law in question was 
applicable to the offense and whether the deed constituted such 
offense. 

The "expediente" of the preliminary proceedings is a collection of 
papers numbering 48 pages, most of which are printed official forms 
filled in. 

Title page: Names of both the accused, accusation, date, district, 
judge, etc. 

Then follows the first page of El Porvenir Social, the paper of which 
Rosa was editor, and the matter of which constituted the offense. A 
brief summary of the matter is given herewith. 



317 

THE PERSECUTION OF SANTIAGO IGLESIAS CONTINUES. 

As soon as I was informed, that Tony intimate companion, S. Iglesias, had been 
sent for by the secretary of government, 1 went in haste to ascertain the cause of 
the call, and finding him in his house, qiiestioned him, and here give the result in 
the form of an interview. At 4 o'clock Iglesias was in his house with several 
workmen friends, when a policeman arrived and informed him that Munoz Rivera 
wished to see him. He went to the office of the secretary. 

INTERVIEW. 

Munoz Rivera. Tell me, is there a workman's club in Sol street, 62? 

Santiago Iglesias. The workmen have rented a house there with the object of 
forming an association. 

M. R. I understand that your meetings are with the object of inciting the peo- 
ple to illegal acts. 

S. I. That is untrue. They meet to defend labor and uphold the Government 
which came to Porto Rico to end despotism and robbery. Therefore, at our meet- 
ings we only attack the rogues who, under the Spanish Government, exploited us 
workmen. 

M. R. Where is this club; and under what authority have you formed it; and 
do you hold meetings? 

S. I. It is at 62 Sol street, and we meet under the guaranty of the great Republic, 
which allows liberty of association and protects the lawful, rich and poor alike. 

M. R. You are a foreigner and have no right to mix in politics or the defense of 
any class. Under the Spaniards you were imprisoned and, owing to me, obtained 
your liberty, and I thought 

S.I. (To himself.) That is false. It was you who had me imprisoned, where you 
held me for seven months. You made General Marin believe that 1 was an anarch- 
ist and propagandist of assassination of the Spaniards, and you did the same with 
General Brooke. 

M. R. — that on being released you would have other ideas. I counsel you to 
leave the country. I speak in the name of the military government, and if you 
don"t you will have a bad time. 

S. I. (Rising indignantly.) In order to defend the working classes I will swear 
allegiance to the United States, and will continue my labor as before. I shall not 
leave. 

Then follow editorial comments occupying the whole page, in which 
both Iglesias and Rosa revile the Spanish Government, and accuse 
Munoz, who was secretary at the time of the invasion, of continuing 
the old practices. Strong language is used, in which the words ' ' thief ' 7 
and similar terms occur. 

Note from secretary of justice to judge of first instance saying that 
he had received the foregoing from Muiloz Rivera and asking that 
action be taken if it lie. 

Note from judge citing the accused to appear. 

Document establishing the authenticity of the newspaper and 
authorship of articles. 

Written copy of articles and editorial comments. 

Note from police informing of seizure of the edition and returning- 
order authorizing same. 

Document committing accused to imprisonment pending investiga- 
tion, and printed documents of notification, seizure, receipt for pris- 
oners, and usual prison formalities. 

Subpoenas of witnesses (persons testifying that paper was edited by 
Rosa and published, etc.). 

Note asking for penal antecedents of accused. 

Reply that Rosa had been prosecuted for "disorderly conduct." 

Document from judge stating that accused have no penal history 
bearing on the present case. 

Document requisitioning baptismal certificates of accused for identi- 
fication purposes. 



318 

Document from accused naming Manuel Rossy as their lawyer. 
Index of documents and indorsement transmitting this summary to 
the audiencia for trial. 

This ends the "sumario" before the judge of instruction. 

AUDIENCIA. 

Title page: Name of accused, date, names of judges, accusation, 
district, etc. 

Letter from judge of instruction passing the case to the audiencia. 

Order of the secretary of the court to bring the case to trial in con- 
formity with the law of criminal procedure. 

Order to pass the summary to prosecuting attorney for the period of 
five days. 

Document setting day for trial. 

Document from prosecuting attorney stating his case as follows: 

1. That the articles published constitute an offense. 

2. That S. Iglesias and R. Rivera Rosa are responsible for the 
articles. 

3. That their publication constitutes an aggravation of the offense. 

4. That each should be imprisoned for the term of four months and 
one day. 

5. That the accused do not incur an}- civil responsibility, [i. e., 
damages can not be claimed by complainant.] 

PROOFS OFFERED. 

Confession of accused. 

Documentary evidence: Copy of the paper produced; identification 
of accused by documents produced. 

Document giving the lawyer for the defense five days in which to 
prepare rebuttal of above. 

Document of Manuel Rossy, lawyer for the defense, in rebuttal. 

1. Accepts the relation of facts as stated. 

2. Denies that the articles constitute an offense. 

3. Does not accept the pleading that his clients are responsible 
either civilly or criminally. 

4. Denies that publication constituted an aggravation. 

5. Accused should be acquitted without costs. 

Sentence (16 written pages) in substance: It having been proved 
that the accused were the authors of the articles (written in full) and 
that they published them, and that in view of the prosecuting attor- 
ney's charge not having been refuted in court to the satisfaction of 
the bench, an offense against the secretary of government was com- 
mitted according to article 265 of the code, and that the publication 
constituted an aggravation thereof, as tending to publicly discredit a 
government official, we condemn the accused to imprisonment for the 
term of four months and one day, suspension from the right of hold- 
ing public office and loss of civil rights during that period, and the 
paj^ment of half the costs. Imprisonment already suffered to be 
deducted from the term of the sentence. (Signed) : Jose C. Hernan- 
dez, Rafael A. Meto y Abeille, Angel Acosta. 

Indorsement of attorney stating that in view of the decree of 
amnesty of May 15, 1899, action is to be stopped in this matter. 



319 

THE MORTGAGE, NOTARIAL, AND REGISTRATION SYSTEMS. 

DUTIES AND POWERS OF NOTARIES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 26, 1899. 

Dr. Cakroll. What are the duties and powers of a notary? 

Mr. Mauricio Guerra (notary and lawyer). The formation of public 
documents between private parties, attending to legal interests, mak- 
ing all wills, and all extrajudicial business. The duties of a notary 
are to comply fully with his duties; to give bond for the faithful per- 
formance of those duties, so that should any discrepancies occur 
through carelessness or ignorance he can be held responsible. 

Dr. Carroll. How is a notary qualified for his work and how 
appointed? 

Mr. Guerra. By competitive examination, before competent per- 
sons — judges of the high court. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they give a diploma? 

Mr. Guerra. Notaries receive a diploma direct from the King of 
Spain. The college of examiners, which consists of all doctors of 
law, gives notice that an examination is to be held. All persons hav- 
ing university titles can apply for examination. One person is 
examined at a time before the board of examiners. They have 100 
ballots, and they divide the subjects up into 10 and examine the 
candidates on the 10 subjects. If they pass in one subject they receive 
10. At the end of the examination the candidate who has the greatest 
number of votes comes out ahead. A report of the examination is 
sent to Madrid, and the King issues a royal order conferring the title 
of notary on the person who has gained it. In order to be notary a 
person must first possess the title of abogado (lawyer). The abogado 
is a defending lawyer. 

There are no distinct titles for civil and criminal lawyers. The 
duties of the notary lawyers include the searching of titles, drawing 
up of deeds, etc. Thej 7 draw up, in fact, all kinds of documents; 
every kind of protest where it must be made formally and in writing, 
such as a protest on a bill of exchange. The number of notaries 
admitted to practice in each of the principal towns of the island is two. 
These were granted their title after undergoing a competitive exam- 
ination, but were only admitted to practice on payment of a large fee 
to the Spanish Government, which fee gave them the right to practice 
for life, and excluded other notaries from practicing until a vacancy 
occurred in the ranks. My right to practice cost me 117,000, and 
should the monopoly be abolished by the American Government this 
amount will be a total loss to me. The sum paid for this right consti- 
tutes an investment just as in the States when a man buys a seat in 
the stock exchange, which is transferable property. The notary here 
was allowed to offer a substitute for acceptance by the Government, 
and was paid by this substitute usually the sum which he had himself 
expended or a greater one, according to the value of his practice. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the function of a notary include the taking of 
affidavits? 

Mr. Guerra. If you wish to take an original affidavit you can do so 
before the notary ; but for affidavits connected with legal work you 
have to take it before the audieneia. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there fees established by law for the various 
kinds of work for the notary? 



320 

Mr. Guerra. Yes. On deeds drawn which can be valued it is so 
much per cent of the value of the deed. It is 80 cents for every $1,000 
up to $10,000. In deeds that can not be valued it is $3 per sheet of 
document. It is the same in the case of contracts. If the notary must 
leave his house and go outside the limits of the capital, he receives 14 
a sheet additional. 

Dr. Carroll. Are deeds recorded in full in the registers? 

Mr. Gi-UERRA. The original of the deed remains in the power and 
possession of the notary. It is the copy which is registered. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it simply filed or is it written out in the book. 

Mr. Guerra. Only the extract is copied into the book, including 
the name of the persons authorizing the document, the amount in 
question, the name of the notary who drew up the document, and 
other essential points. In case the copy is lost a further copy can be 
given at any time from the original in the notary's possession. This 
only applies in the case of immovable property, such as real estate. 
The copies are made on stamped paper and are called testimonies. 

Dr. Carroll. From what causes do titles to real estate become 
clouded? 

Mr. Guerra. When once the title is registered, it can become 
defective by using fraud. 

Dr. Carroll. What about the use of stamped paper for documents? 

Mr. Guerra. They have to be made on stamped paper. Since 
stamped paper and royal taxes were established here transactions 
involving notarial work have diminished greatly, as people do not 
want to incur heavy expenses. These royal taxes are dues paid to 
the Crown on transfers of property by one party to another. 



NOTARIAL REFORMS. 

STATEMENT OF VENTURA EIVAS. 

So as to better the public service of notarial matters, it is necessary 
to establish at least two notarial offices in the head towns of districts, 
such as Utuado, Arecibo, Humacao, and others of the island of impor- 
tance, as at present exist in Ponce, Mayaguez, and the capital. The 
number of inhabitants of each of these districts makes this necessary, 
and the public would be saved two sources of injury — one, the delay 
in the drawing of deeds, especially when the only practicing notary is 
absent and the supplementary notary, who usually lives at a distance 
and has to leave his own office and the affairs of his clients in sus- 
pense, must be waited for; and, secondly, to correct the monopoly 
caused by having one notary only, who is thus wont to charge higher 
fees than permitted by the tariff, high enough already in some of its 
items. The change would assure to the public dispatch in the serv- 
ice and moderation in the fees. 

It is necessary, therefore, for the welfare of the public, and espe- 
cially the owners of property, the persons who mostly pay notaries' 
fees, that notarial freedom be extended and that new posts be filled 
by persons showing the proper diplomas and having more than ten 
years' practice as protocolists, giving preference to those who have 
practiced with notarial lawyers, as to-day in the island more than half 
of the notaries have no other title than of the old-time escriba'nos, 
with the experience they have since gained, and being confirmed in 
their positions when the notarial college of Porto Rico was created. 



321 

These reforms would facilitate the entering into contracts, somewhat 
restricted formerly also by the high price of stamped paper and royal 
dues and notarial and registrars' dues, now abolished. 

It should also be noted that Utuado, having been transferred to the 
judicial district of Lares, Adjuntas, and Ciales, a new notarial district 
including these places has sprung into existence according to law, and 
therefore this city should be provided with a registry of property. 
This concession was granted by the insular cabinet during the last 
days of Spanish domination, it being incongruous that notarial deeds 
drawn in Utuado, Adjuntas, Ciales, and Lares should continue being 
registered in the registries of Arecibo, Ponce, and Aguadilla, which 
are situated in different judicial districts. With regard to Arecibo, 
it is hereby stated that in virtue of steps taken by the notary of that 
place before the Spanish Government the notariats of Camuy and 
Hatillo have been included in his office, while a separate office should 
exist in each place. 

It is confideutly expected that the Government in Washington will 
be pleased to favor the general interests of the country by instituting 
the reforms named, as, although the notaries now established may suf- 
fer somewhat pecuniarily, the general welfare is above the good of 
a few. 

Utuado, P. R., January 16, 1899. 



REGISTRATION OF PROPERTY. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San German, P. R., January 26, 1899. 
Joaquim Servera Silva, registrar and abogado: 

Dr. Carroll. Now, I would like to ask you a few questions with 
regard to registration. I would like, if you please, an outline of the 
system of registration. 

Mr. Silva. It is the way to acquire a legal right against a third 
party. If a man should sell property to one person and the day after- 
wards sell it again to a second person, if the first sale should not be 
registered and the second sale should be, the second sale would hold 
good, but without prejudice against the first person to proceed against 
the seller civilly and criminally. The character of the register is two- 
fold. It is public and special. It is public in the sense that it is 
open to everybody. Anybody who wants to find the condition of 
another man's property can examine the register. It is special in the 
sense that a man who wishes to lend money to another man on prop- 
erty which the borrower says he has no sort of mortgage or lien, by 
means of the register he can find out whether mortgages have been 
filed on that property at any previous date. It is special in the sense 
that whereas old mortgages were granted generally on a man's whole 
property without specifying what property it referred to, now mort- 
gages have to cite specially what house or what field or what portion 
of a man's property they affect. The act of registration in Porto 
Rico is a very important one, for when once the registrar has given 
inscription to a document brought to him for registration it is not 
contestable except by a court of law. 

Dr. Carroll. Then does the registrar regard it as a part of his 
duty to see that a mortgage which has been inscribed is the sole mort- 
gage or is not interfered with by any other mortgage? 
1125 21 



322 

Mr. Silva. He is responsible for the legality of the title that he 
inscribes. He can take three steps — refuse inscription, put it off until 
further examination has warranted it, or inscribe it as it is. He is 
held responsible for it after inscription is made. 

Dr. Carroll. That is very different from the American system. 
Mortgages and deeds may be inscribed at the county clerk's office 
which may prove afterwards to have no value in law. It is for the 
purchaser there to ascertain, through an examiner, whether the prop- 
erty he is purchasing he gets by a good and valid title. Does this 
provision as to the law of registration requiring you to satisfy yourself 
that the document offered is a valid document not often give rise to 
great delay in transfers of title from one person to another? 

Mr. Silva. The hypothecary law requires the registrar to say within 
fifteen days whether lie will or will not inscribe the property. 

Dr. Carroll. It has been stated to this commission that sometimes 
when a document is offered for registration the registrar raises ques- 
tions as to defects in the instrument and says that they must be cor- 
rected, but that he will undertake to correct them on payment of a 
fee, it being an abuse of the law. 

Mr. Silva. That grows out of the fact that the hypothecary law 
gives the registrar the right to practice as a lawyer also, and he takes 
advantage of his position as a lawyer to settle such questions. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that not regarded as an abuse of the law of regis- 
tration? 

Mr. Silva. That has its pros and cons. In a great many instances 
registrars have invented defects so as to be able to remedy them in 
their own way. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that in registering a document, as a 
deed or a will or a mortgage or a lien, you don't spread the document 
in full upon the pages of your records, but only a part of it. 

Mr. Silva. They don't make a transcription, but an inscription. 
They only attend to certain points which the hypothecary law has 
made necessary. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States they spread the whole docu- 
ment, whatever it rnay be, upon the records in full. Therefore in 
case a deed is lost a record of it will be at the county clerk's office. 

Mr. Silva. That is the notary's business. The notary who draws 
up the deed, and is present at the signing of it, has to keep the origi- 
nal. The document going to the party interested is therefore only a 
copy. 

Dr. Carroll. What fees are allowed to be charged by law for 
registry? 

Mr. Silva. There is a legal tariff for the mere inscription, not for 
the judging as to the validity of the inscription. The law also allows 
charges for searching the documents in the registrar's office. 

Dr. Carroll. Has most of the property in the district of San Ger- 
man been registered? 

Mr. Silva. I have not been here a long time, but I think there is 
much of it still unregistered. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the theory of the law regarding property 
rights where the property is unregistered? Is it that the man in pos- 
session has a right to be in possession unless proof from records is 
given to the contrary? 

Mr. Silva. When a person in possession of property which has not 
been inscribed or to which he has no documentary title wishes to 
inscribe it he applies to the judge for what is called a document of 



323 

possession. The judge gets all the evidence on the question that he 
can, witnesses are examined, and on this testimony a document is 
issued, and the person declared in the document to he the owner can 
then apply for inscription. 

Dr. Carroll. A person in possession of property can not be ousted, 
I suppose, unless proof from records is given that he is not the real 
owner? 

Mr. Silva. You can not remove anybody unless the person seeking 
to oust the one in possession has a better title. The person in posses- 
sion is presumed to be the owner. 

Dr. Carroll. How is public property held? This building, belong- 
ing to the municipality of San German — is it inscribed in the register? 

Mr. Acosta. I think this particular house has been. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that true also of the cemeteries? 

Mr. Silva. No; they are not inscribed. 

Dr. Carroll. Are church titles usually inscribed also? 

Mr. Silva. No ; I know of no case where it is. 

Dr. Carroll. It is understood that the church building is the prop- 
erty of the church, is it not, or the property of the municipality? 

Mr. Silva. It is understood that the churches belong to the parish 
as a religious body. 

Dr. Carroll. The ground was contributed, I suppose, by the city; 
the furniture by private persons. 

Mr. Acosta. We have a hospital here which was built and given by 
the people. And the church has property; it has its own property. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it a matter of record that the hospital belongs to 
the municipality? 

Mr. Acosta. The archives will be found to contain evidence that 
the donations were given with that view by the people of the town. 
Mr. Quinones's family made large presents to San German. 

A Gentleman present. Under the old administration, the clergy 
had the right of administering all charities, and they are trying to 
establish their right now to such administration, but not to the prop- 
erty as property. No doubt the hospital belongs to the poor people, 
as it was given to them; but the church, which tries to invade all 
rights, has tried to invade the right of administering the hospital. 



FEES FOR REGISTRATION OF PROPERTY. 

Summary by Senor Joaquin Servera, Silva, registrar of San German. 

Pesos. 

1. For the examination, recording presentation, marginal notes, or footnotes 

of any title of five estates or less, whose inscription, annotation, or mar- 
ginal note may be solicited, excepting cancellations, and considering as 
one title the document or documents which may call for a record of pre- 
sentation 0.75 

2. If more than five properties are referred to, the following scale will be 

observed: 

From 6 to 10.. 1.00 

From 11 to 20 1.50 

From 21 to 30 2.00 

From 31 to 50 2.50 

When this number is exceeded, the first 50 shall be charged as per above 
scale; for all above 50 estates worth 300 pesos or more, 5 cents each; those 
worth less, 2 cents each. 

3. When the title to be examined by the registrar exceeds 50 folios, each 

folio in excess - .02 

4. When the value of the property or rights referred to in the title do not 

amount to 300 pesos, no matter what number of folios, properties, or 
rights referred to... 25 



324 

CANCELLATIONS. 

Pesos 

5. For all operations of any class presented for cancellation or redemption 

of mortgages, censos, or royal dues, including the entry of presenta- 
tion, and marginal notes for each estate: 

If the estate or equity be of less value than 300 pesos 2. 00 

From 300 to 1,000 2.50 

From 1,000 up 3.75 

If the cancellation be refused or suspended, the previous numbers of the 
tariff shall be charged. 

SPECIAL NOTES, INSCRIPTION, AND ANNOTATION. 

6. When the presentation does not call for inscription or annotation, but for 

marginal notes in the old or new registry, for each one .50 

For each note comprehended in article 24 of the respective laws, the same 
sum. 

******* 

MANIFESTATIONS OF ENTRY, CERTIFICATIONS, AND SEARCHING TITLES. 

8. For manifestation of registry, for each property of whatever value .50 

9. For the first page of literal certification (inscription), without reference 

to the value of the property or equities referred to _ . . 1 . 00 

10. For successive pages, one-half of the last fee. 

11. For each entry of which a certified copy is granted: 

Estates of less than 300 pesos value _.. .75 

Estates value of 300 pesos or more ..' 1.00 

For the relation in one certificate, although more than one property be 
referred to, only one charge shall be made. 

12. When certificates contain statements or references that no entry of a 
determined class of estates or royal dues exist: 

Each estate or right of less than 300 pesos .35 

Each estate 300 pesos or more ._ .50 

* * * * * * * 

14. For search in the old or new registry for personages, without reference 
to estates or rights for each person or year .10 

GENERAL RULES. 

(1) In order to determine the fees, the value of estates is considered to be the 
amount they are transferred lor plus the amount of the mortgage when this latter 
subsists. 

(2) The value of censos, pensions, or other liens of perpetual, temporary, or 
redeemable nature shall not be added to the price of transfer. 

(3) When this is effected under lucrative title it is understood that the value 
of the estate be diminished by the amount of the liens of any nature which may 
bear on it. 

(4) With respect to the right of usufruct, use, and habitation, the value is con- 
sidered as one-fourth of the estate, and with respect to new proprietorship, three- 
fourths of same. 

( 5 ) The collection of fees for contracts of renting shall be based on the amount 
to be paid for the whole period of the contract. If no period is mentioned, twelve 
yearly payments shall be taken as a basis. 

(6) For the guidance of fees for inscription or annotation or marginal notes of 
service (slave), 5 per cent of the price denominated. 

(7) So that the registrar may graduate his fees to conform to this tariff he must 
charge according to these headings, but may take advantage of the rights con- 
ceded him under article 461 of the Hypothecary Law and Rules of Cuba, and 440 
of Porto Rico, not collecting when the title's liens are mentioned, which are exempt 
from fees. When the title does not mention the value of an estate, the registrar 
shall require the party presenting it to name the value on a slip of unstamped 
paper, which shall be filed in the office. Should he refuse to do so, the registrar 
may collect under the maximum scale, or any he chooses. 

(8) When for the purpose of fixing the value of any estate or equity or royal 
due to be transferred it may be necessary to compute any lien affecting it or any 
other property whose special responsibility therefor be not determined, a note on 



325 

unstamped paper must be presented, detailing all the properties subject to the 
lien and the value of each one of them, so that the registrar may compute what 
amount of the lien corresponds to each, so that the one wishing inscription may 
bear his pro rata share. 

(9) Registrars should receive no fees whatsoever, unless the person paying be 
given a receipt in detail, corresponding to the stub to be kept in the office, which 
must be signed by said party. If unable to write, a witness may sign for him at 
his request. 



LAW OF FORECLOSURE OF MORTGAGES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 17, 1899. 
Mr. Felix Santoni: 

Dr. Carroll. I shall be glad to have from you a full explanation 
of the law respecting the foreclosure of mortgages, how it is clone, 
how long it takes, and the whole method of procedure. 

Mr. Santoni. There are two ways of foreclosing a mortgage, namely, 
the proceeding which is called the executive proceeding and another 
special proceeding which is governed by the hypothecary law. Nearly 
everyone who brings an action prefers to proceed under the latter. 
The proceedings consist of presenting the application to the judge 
according to forms prescribed by the law, accompanied by a copy of 
the mortgage as it exists in the civil registry. The judge thereupon 
issues an order to the debtor directing that he must pay the amount 
of the mortgage debt within thirty days, or in default that his prop- 
erty will be subjected to sale by public auction. 

If the debtor does not pay the estate is put up at public auction, 
pursuant to the direction of the judge, and the sale takes place with 
a view to realizing from it the amount of the debt. If at the first 
auction sale an offer is made for two-thirds of the set price that is 
advertised in the Official Gazette, the estate is adjudged to the person 
making the bid. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the amount of the debt is not the minimum 
amount of the sale? 

Mr. Santoni. The knockdown price is determined by a represen- 
tative of the debtor and a representative of the creditor; but if in the 
first auction sale there are no bidders, another sale is had, and the 
price is lowered until they get some one to bid. They take off 25 per 
cent of the amount agreed upon by these representatives of the debtor 
and the creditor after each order for a resale. That is, if when the 
property is put up at auction there is no bid to the amount of two- 
thirds of the agreed figure, they take off 25 per cent from the amount, 
and put it up again at that price. Upon the payment of the mortgage, 
the debtor has to see that the debt is canceled in the civil registry. 
If he fails to do this an action still lies against him, and he is liable 
to have the estate put up at auction, although he could bring, in such 
a case, a criminal action against the creditor. 

Dr. Carroll. When the estate is sold for less than the debt, and 
the amount is turned over to the creditor, is that considered a satis- 
faction of the debt, so that the creditor can not proceed against other 
property? 

Mr. Santoni. The debtor still has the right of action for the balance, 
under the law of mortgage. 

Dr. Carroll. Have creditors been in the habit here of worrying 
debtors by the power they possess? 



326 

Mr. Santoni. Yes. There are now a great many processes on foot. 

Dr. Carroll. Merchants and bankers claim that they have lost a 
great deal by lending monej^ to agriculturists. 

Mr. Santoni. Commerce here has always had its own way, and if 
they have lost anything they are to blame. The agriculturist sends 
his crops to the merchant, who will not fix the price at ouce if he thinks 
prices are going to fall. Otherwise he fixes the price at once. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there an office here for the registration of titles? 

Mr. Santoni. The island is divided into different districts for regis- 
tration purposes. This town registers in Arecibo. There are other 
towns in this judicial district which have their place for registration. 
Adjuntas, for instance, registers in Ponce. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it convenient to have those offices distributed in 
that way? Would it not be convenient to have one here? " 

Mr. Santoni. If it were possible to realize what we were talking of 
last night, municipal autonomy, it would be possible to have one in 
every municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it costly to register property? 

Mr. Santoni. The present rate is sufficiently high. The registrars 
receive no salary, but collect fees for registration. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be better to allow a salary instead of 
fees, to prevent the abuse of the law? 

Mr. Santoni. It would be much better. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have much litigation over titles? 

Mr. Santoni. No; very little. The civil courts here are mostly 
taken up with commercial questions. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the proceeding in will cases here, where a 
man leaves a will for the distribution of his property? 

Mr. Santoni. If there is a simple will in which a father constitutes 
his wife or sons owner of the property, all that is necessary to do is to 
register that will in the civil register, and that constitutes them own- 
ers of the property. If there is any difficulty over a will, the question 
usually becomes a source of long litigation. 

Dr. Carroll. How is a will proved to be the last will and testament 
of the deceased? 

Mr. Santoni. The registrar requires that the documents proving the 
birth and death of the person shall accompany the will. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there witnesses to the signature to the will? 

Mr. Santoni. I have been speaking on the supposition that the will 
is made by a notary. The will is proved by the notarial stamp. 



FORECLOSING ON RURAL ESTATES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. P., January 17, 1899. 

Mr. Francisco Pla y Tort. I am a coffee planter and a Spaniard. 
My estate is at Santa Isabel. 

Dr. Carroll. How large a plantation is it? 

Mr. Pla. Four hundred acres, with a production of 300 quintals of 
coffee. I owe between sixteen and eighteen thousand dollars. My 
estate is worth from thirty to fifty thousand dollars. I pay 12 per 
cent per annum interest. A portion of this debt falls due this year 
and the rest next year. 



327 

Dr. Carroll. Is it all in one mortgage? 

Mr. Pla. I owe two different people. One part of the money is dne 
already". One of my creditors has already begun proceedings against 
me and has put an attachment on the property, including some which 
is not my own. 

Dr. Carroll. For what reason? 

Mr. Pla. Because he fears that, owing to the critical times through 
which we are passing, I will not be able to pay the money I owe. 

Dr. Carroll. Does he propose to sell your crop at once? 

Mr. Pla. His idea is to put it up at auction. 

Dr. Carroll. At once? 

Mr. Pla. He will have to go through certain legal forms first. The 
attachment is the first step. 

Dr. Carroll. Do your creditors propose to liquidate and get out of 
the country? 

Mr. Pla. I am not in a position to tell you that with certainty. 

The Alcalde. That is the general opinion here. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you kept the interest paid? 

Mr. Pla. I have paid my interest regularly every year. I have 
almost killed myself trying to meet my debts. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you pay once a year? 

Mr. Pla. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you appealed to the creditor to give you accom- 
modation until you shall have an opportunity to get the money else- 
where or to pay it off? 

Mr. Pla.' Yes; but he will not listen to me. 

(Mr. Pla produced a letter from another creditor telling him that if 
he did not pay at once he would foreclose one of the mortgages, as 
their own debts (those of the creditor firm) have to be attended to, 
and they could sell his estate to one of their neighbors.) 

Dr. Carroll. How can they proceed, when the mortgage is not 
yet due? 

Mr. Pla. One of the payments has fallen due, but not the whole of 
it. I have written to them telling them that I am trying to get 
together 20 or 25 quintals of coffee to pay off a part of the debt. 

Dr. Carroll. How much time do you need in order to' be able to 
save yourself from foreclosure? 

Mr. Pla. To pay off my debts I want at least six years. 

The Alcalde. A year ought to enable you to look around to find a 
banker to take up these obligations. 

Dr. Carroll. If an order were issued postponing the bringing of 
these actions, it would be an extraordinary remedy, and the question 
is for what time it would be necessary to postpone these mortgage 
proceedings. 

The Alcalde. What we have to do is this : We will have to get our 
estates valued by experts, and then send to the United States to inter- 
est the capitalists in our property. We have more than sufficient 
property to guarantee the money covered by these debts. I think it 
would be necessary to postpone proceedings a year. 

Dr. Carroll. It is a serious question whether the cessation of 
foreclosure proceedings for the term of one year should be ordered. 

A Gentleman present. Then grant it for six months. The Spanish 
Government itself had granted a year just before the war, recognizing 
the gravity of the situation. 

Dr. Carroll. In these same cases or in others? 

A Gentleman present. As soon as war was declared the Spanish 



328 

Government gave that period, but when the Americans came in the 
order was recalled. 

Dr. Carroll. Was that order recalled at the time of the American 
occupation or just before? 

A Gentleman present. The Spanish Government before with- 
drawing its forces annulled the decree and let the creditors loose, 
because they are their own people. 

The Alcalde. I will give you my own case. I am a merchant and 
an agriculturist and owe $16,000. My- debtors owe me more than 
$25,000. The same crisis which attacks everybody has prevented 
these debtors from paying me. I have not cared to take advantage 
of my right to foreclose on the mortgages I hold, as I might do under 
the law, because I know the people are not in a position to pay. I 
have a property of 300 acres which at a very low valuation is worth 
$30,000. To-day I am in a serious position for want of $5,000 which 
has fallen due, a part of the debt. Therefore, I, who have property 
worth more than $60,000, may find myself in a ruined position for 
want of $5,000. If I had brought my debtors to the courts I could 
have collected from them by a forced sale of their properties, but I 
should have ruined them in so doing, and I would not do that. 

Dr. Carroll. What rate of interest do you pay? 

The Alcalde. Twelve per cent per annum. I pay the bank 9 per 
cent. The 12 per cent I am paying to merchants here. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the crisis of which you speak that has caused 
this difficulty? 

The Alcalde. The war has brought about the crisis. The larger 
merchants have closed our credits completely. The wholesale mer- 
chants are desiring to liquidate with a view of leaving the countiy. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you had just as good crops as usual? 

The Alcalde. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. And they bring the same price? 

The Alcalde. ISTo; prices are only half as high. 

Dr. Carroll. Is this same state of affairs true among the sugar 
planters? 

The Alcalde. The same thing. 

Dr. Carroll. They said nothing about it at Arecibo. I ask the 
question because I want to know how general this condition may be. 

The Alcalde. Arecibo is the town that is pressing Utuado. It is 
the center of capital for this region. The house of Rosas, which owes 
everything it has to the district of Utuado, has sent around notices 
stating that it is liquidating, and demanding payment of all outstand- 
ing debts. 

Mr. Bartholome Mayol. They are actually putting under the ham- 
mer an estate worth $107,000 for a debt amounting to $27,000. I have 
600 acres of land. This estate owes $27,000 onby on mortgage. Besides 
this, they are selling other property of mine — my mercantile house on 
which they hold a second mortgage, and which will probably be sold 
for a very small part of its value. These proceedings have already 
had the effect of stopping my credit with other mercantile houses 
with which I have been doing business. I am in the same position as 
the alcalde. I am owed more than $60,000. All my debtors wish to 
pay me in land, but my creditors won't accept payment in that form, 
so that it would be no object for me to force my debtors. I think that 
with the year of extension of time for which we ask I should be able 
to find some financial institution that would help me out, because I 
have a large margin of guaranty to give for any loan they might make. 



329 

Dr. Carroll. Is this condition general among the plantations of 
this district? 

Mr. Mayol. The condition is quite general. Four or five years ago 
this district was very far behindhand, hut great impulse has been 
given in the years since then, and property has been made on bor- 
rowed money. I know of an estate here worth 190,000 that is being- 
sold for a debt of sixteen or eighteen thousand dollars. 

Mr. Sostenio Catalon. I have an estate which is worth $60,000, 
and for which I was offered that amount a few years ago in cash. It 
consists of 180 acres all planted in coffee, and produces from 500 to 
600 quintals. There are improvements on it in the shape of build- 
ings, etc., of the value of $16,000. They have put an attachment on 
my property for $1,000 which I owe. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that all you owe? 

Mr. Catalon. I owe about $8,000, but I should have got enough 
from my estate this year to pay all my debts, covering everything. 
If things continue normally as they are now, I could collect every- 
thing in a short time. 

Dr. Carroll. Would your creditor not accept coffee in payment? 

Mr. Catalon. He would not accept anything. He has commenced 
attachment proceedings, and it is the kind which is called without 
contemplation — that is, they won't contem plate any other course. The 
creditor is Juan Piza, at San Juan. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you anything further to say? 

Mr. Catalon. I wish to have the judicial proceedings held over a 
while so as to give me a little time in which to turn around. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you been threatened before within a year with 
these proceedings? 

Mr. Catalon. I have never before had to be asked for the payment 
of my debts. I have paid everything with the greatest faithfulness, 
and this has come to me with great suddenness. During the eighteen 
or twenty years I have been in this district I have never had niy name 
in the judge's office for any sort of delay in payment, or, in fact, for 
any cause whatever. 

The Alcalde. A representative of the house of Eduardo Rosa has 
come down here to-day from Arecibo and said to three of his debtors : 
"I understand you are working for the suspension of judicial pro- 
ceedings. I have a proposition to make. I will give you an extension 
of time if yoa will agree to pay me all in legal coin, in the money cur- 
rent at the time of payment, dollar for dollar. If you do not, I will 
institute proceedings against you, and as your obligations to me fall 
due before any steps can be taken by the American Government, you 
see I am master of the situation." He also said, " My conscience 
does not prick me at all in proffering this arrangement for the pay- 
ment in money current at the time the extended obligation would 
accrue, because I have been to the priest and consulted him, and he 
has told me that I would be acting entirely within my rights in mak- 
ing the proposition." 



Mr. Felix Siejo (vice-mayor and coffee planter). I wish that you 
would appeal to President McKinley to allow the cessation of judicial 
proceedings on mortgages for, say, one year, in order to enable the 
country to get out of the crisis into which recent events have thrown 
it. It frequently happens, for instance, that an agriculturist with an 



330 

estate worth $16,000 owes, say, $2,000, and for want of ability to find 
that amount of money he is in danger of losing his estate. We have 
no doubt that foreign capital will soon come in and advance us money 
which will enable us to get a fresh start. The money would be safely 
invested, for, aside from the security which the lender would have in 
the estates here, no Porto Riean desires to keep anything which does 
not belong to him. The only thing that the country asks for just now 
is that it be granted a small measure of protection, and with some 
consideration, too, shown toward it. We ask nothing else. This is 
a rich country and has immense wealth, and if given an opportunity 
we will be sure to win prosperity. 

Mr. Antonio Quinones, of Rio Bajo, municipal district of TJtuado. 
I am a coffee planter and have an estate which is worth from forty to 
forty-five thousand dollars. I owe about $5,000. My creditors are 
trying to get my estate from me. This has obliged me to present a 
petition to the judge askiug for time. In my district there are a great 
many who are in the same position as myself. Therefore I beg, if it 
is possible, that we may be assisted by a grant of time, as we all wish 
to pay our debts, but do not wish to have our estates wrested from us 
by our creditors. 

Dr. Carroll. What time do you think would be necessary? Would 
a year be sufficient? 

Mr. Quinones. We want more if we can get it, because this year 
has been a particularly bad one, and we have not been able to attend 
to our estates for want of credit. We have to pay cash for everything 
we get now, and we don't expect to realize very much from the crops. 

Dr. Carroll. How much interest do you have to pay for the money 
you have borrowed? 

Mr. Quinones. Eighteen per cent. That has caused the ruin of the 
country. Provisions are high, coffee is low, we have no credit, and 
the agriculturists are therefore in a hole. 

Dr. Carroll. This gentleman who has just testified says he has 
applied to the court for leave to suspend foreclosure proceedings, and 
I wish to inquire if there is a law that gives a judge the power to 
suspend? 

Mr. Felix Santoni. Yes; but the judge only enters into the mat- 
ter in this sense : This man has called a meeting of his creditors, and 
if three-fourths of the creditors, representing four-fifths of his debt, 
consent to give him an extension, the others are obliged by the law to 
enter into the arrangement also, and then it is drawn up before the 
notary and becomes a debt of extension. 

Dr. Carroll. But that affords but a small margin of escape? 

Mr. Santoni. If he can not dispose of the big amount of the debt, 
there is no use calling together the creditors. 

Dr. Carroll. I want to ask also if there is any right to redeem 
property which has been sold under mortgage provided the debtor is 
ready to pay the money in cash? 

Mr. Santoni. No; when once the public auction has been held and 
the creditor has obtained the property, his title is a clear one and he 
can sell it to anyone he wants. If the holders of mortgages should 
take part in the proceedings before the judge in a meeting of the 
creditors of the kind which you have referred to, they become parties 
of the proceedings, but they do not have to attend the meeting in the 
first instance. There is no law to compel them to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any means of prolonging the action? 



331 

Mr. Santoni. The debtor has no hearing at all in the proceedings. 
As yon may recall, I told yon there were two ways of collecting, one 
by judicial proceeding and the other under the hypothecary law. If 
they proceed by the judicial or executive method, there are several 
delays which can be taken advantage of, but not of the other method 
of procedure. 

Dr. Carroll. Who has the option? I presume the creditor. 

Mr. Santoni. Yes ; the creditor has the option. 

Mr. Casalduc. Commerce here is altogether in the hands of the 
Spaniards, and they are attacking agricultural interests, as they are 
closing up their accounts to retire their capital in the country. They 
are attacking the agricultural interests, and from now on are charging 
agriculturists 18 per cent on what they are carrying; that is, they 
close up their accounts, and in cases where there is a balance they 
are charging 18 per cent on the balance. Most agriculturists have 
paid their debt over and over again in interest, but as the interest 
continues running they never get free. There are only two ways of 
saving the country. One is the immediate institution of banking cor- 
porations and the other an order giving the right to suspend payments 
on mortgages for a time. 

Dr. Carroll. How much time do you regard as necessary? 

Mr. Casalduc. I don't owe any money. The agriculturists want 
four or five years to get clear. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't think you understand me. I refer to the 
length of the time for suspending foreclosure of mortgages. 

Mr. Casalduc. I think a couple of years would be required. The 
reason I say two years is because I don't think a definite civil govern- 
ment for the island will be settled on before that time, nor that banks 
will be here before the civil government is established. 

Mr. Lucas Amadeo. The law of Porto Rico as to mortgages is bad, 
owing to the want of knowledge on the part of the persons who framed 
it. We have assimilated laws from other countries which, though 
good in those countries, were not adapted to conditions existing here. 
Those laws could be implanted in crystallized countries, where prop- 
erty has a fixed and known value, which it has not here. In Germany, 
for instance, or France, property has a fixed vakie, and always has a 
purchaser for a price slightly less than its value. But such is not the 
case here. Such a condition assists the commercial life of a country, 
because it quickens transactions and enlarges credit and increases the 
amount of capital, for a man knowing that he can realize immediately 
on his property will buy more. In Brazil they have stretched the 
matter so far that it is almost impossible to enforce the collection of a 
mortgage, and that is what has given stability to the wealth of Brazil. 

Dr. Carroll. But I should think they would have to pay more 
interest on their money in such cases. 

Mr. Amadeo. That is not so, because when a country has money 
the rate is forced down by the competition bet/ween the money lenders. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes; but if a man can not collect his money it 
increases the risk in lending it. 

Mr. Amadeo. I have seen an estate situated about ten minutes' 
walk from Ponce, worth a million dollars, change hands in a crisis for 
lack of 20,000 pesos. This is a frequent occurrence. 

Mr. Seijo. I will cite an instance of how the present crisis is affect- 
ing values here. A few months ago we had an offer for an estate for 
$50,000 cash. To-day the owner can not get $30,000 for it on terms. 



332 

Mr. Amadeo. That is not a condition peculiar to this country. It 
has occurred in every country where there has been a want of ready 
money. For that reason to-day in all new colonizing schemes the 
banker always accompanies the frontiersmen. Instead of the chap- 
lain, which the old colonizing parties took with them, they take now 
the banker. They may not leave the chaplain behind, but they do 
not regard him as so important. 



SELLING OUT PLANTERS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aguadilla, P. R. , January 21, 1899. 

Mr. Adrian Del Valle. As regards agriculture, the creation of 
agricultural banks is very necessary. Agriculturists have no money 
to attend to the cultivation of their crops. They have to come to the 
merchants for that money, and then it is given at high rates of inter- 
est. They have to bind themselves to sell at less than the market 
value, even to obtain money on these unfavorable terms. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much distress among the agriculturists? 

Mr. Del Valle. Quite a great deal. They have nowhere to go to 
obtain money to continue sowing their crops, and in this district espe- 
cially, where large sugar crops used to be raised, they have had to 
abandon raising cane for want of funds. 

Dr. Carroll. Are any of the planters suffering from proceedings 
in the foreclosure of mortgages? 

Mr. Del Valle. We, as merchants, besides other merchants in this 
part of the island, have really had to abstain from advancing money 
to agriculturists because we were losing money. We saw that the 
thing could not continue. I mean that the credit system has been 
discontinued. 

Dr. Carroll. So there is no credit now extended to the agriculturist? 

Mr. Del Valle. Little by little the people have been losing their 
estates. They have not been able to pay their taxes this year. They 
have had a small portion of their property sold off. Next j r ear they 
will have another part sold ; and so their estates will disappear, as 
some have already, and the merchants, seeing the bad condition of. 
things, have had to stop their credits. Quite a common thing here is 
the system of bossism. The boss would get together with the mayor, 
and they would arrange to sell a man out whose estate was worth $200 
an acre for something like $8 an acre, and the boss, who was always a 
Spaniard, would divide up with the mayor. 

Dr. Carroll. Are any foreclosure proceedings now on foot owing 
to merchants going out of business? 

Mr. Del Valle. I have heard, especially in Arecibo, that some 
houses there wish to increase the misery of the situation and are mak- 
ing use of these proceedings. There are some Spaniards who, with the 
knowledge of their former bad conduct, knowing that they have made 
their capital by illegal methods, are frightened, and they are making 
efforts to obtain their money and get out of the country. 



333 

INTEREST ON MORTGAGES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aguadilla, P. R., January 21, 1899. 
Dr. Casselduc, mayor of Aguadilla: 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much distress here among plantation owners 
from foreclosure proceedings? 

Dr. Casselduc. Yes, a great deal, because they can not get money. 
Anybody who would come here with money, I think, could double it 
in four or six years. In the States you can get money at 3 per cent 
annually, and here you can get as high sometimes as 20 and 25 per 
cent. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't see how they can pay so high an interest here 
and thrive. I believe the bank rate is about 9 per cent. 

Dr. Casselduc. Yes, with security, and they can not get all they 
want from the bank at that; but the low price of coffee is going to ruin 
the island. Instead of selling for 25 and 30 pesos a quintal, they get. 
only about 14 or 15 pesos. In Paris you have to pay as much for 
Porto Rican coffee as for Mocha. Our second-class coffee used to go 
to Cuba, but we have lost that market. Our better grades go to 
Europe, principally to Italy. We have great wealth here in this island, 
represented by bananas, pineapples, oranges. They grow wild. , 



" SUSPENSION OF THE LAW OF FORECLOSURE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., March 10, 1899. 

Mr. Guzman Benitez. We have seen in the Gazette an order pro- 
hibiting the sale of real estate to prevent the defaulting of creditors. 
This is the consequence of another order issued, formerly suspending 
the right of judicial proceedings for the foreclosure of mortgages. I 
want to suggest, respectfully, that the first order was issued in an 
unpremeditated way, but the second order, which is intended to remedy 
it, is a worse evil. This order impedes contracts of every description. 
The right of property holders is blocked by the order and nobody 
cares to buy. Merchants can not make any transactions, lawyers 
have no work, and the order puts an end to real-estate business in 
general. 

Dr. Carroll. What objection have you against the order for the 
suspension of the foreclosure of mortgages'? 

Mr. Benitez. I have a great objection, namely, that agriculture in 
the island has been killed by means of supplies and loans from mer- 
chants. Merchants have given credit to agriculturists under the only 
guaranty which they can obtain in the island, that of mortgage. Mer- 
chants on their part have liabilities to attend to the payment of their 
bills in the United States and Europe, bills which never exceed ninety 
days in point of time. If a merchant can not collect his debt before 
the year from the agriculturist, he must necessarily fail. 

Dr. Carroll. But this order does not apply to contracts or ordinary 
transactions of a commercial character, but to the lending of money 
on mortgage. 

Mr. Benitez. Yes; but every mercantile transaction to-day in 



334 

which credit forms a part has necessarily to be guaranteed by 
mortgage. 

Dr. Carroll. Advantage was being taken of the summary method 
of foreclosure by merchants and bankers who were liquidating their 
business in Porto Rico in order to withdraw and enjoy the proceeds 
in foreign lands, and a great many estates were threatened with being 
taken away from their owners at a very small part of their value. 
Of course a forced sale now is a sacrifice, because there are few per- 
sons here in a position to buy, and if you ruin the agricultural inter- 
ests you ruin the prosperity of the island. 

Mr. Benitez. Yes; I think the order was conceived in a spirit of 
justice. It is founded on eminently political and just social bases, 
but I think the mistake has been to leave in the hands of the debtors 
the crop of last year and the crop of the coming year, whereas this 
crop should have been turned over to the creditors. 

Dr. Carroll. If they don't pay their interest you can foreclose the 
mortgage. 

Mr. Benitez. The order only says you can embargo or put a lien 
on the property. 

Dr. Carroll. No. The law suspending proceedings only applies 
where interest is kept paid up. After the original was issued there 
was a supplementary order also. 

Mr. Benitez. As everybody does not get the Gazette, some of us 
have been badly informed. But be that as it may, the new order is a 
bad one. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the practical effect, as you understand it, of 
the new order? 

Mr. Benitez. You can get two or three persons to testify falsely 
that you owe them money, and if you have sold your estate the sale 
is held to be worthless and the estate is returned to you. 

Dr. Carroll. How can that be done? 

Mr. Benitez. By documents signed by the debtor to two or three 
persons. 

Dr. Carroll. What would be the purpose of it? Why should a 
man want his property returned after he has sold it? 

Mr. Benitez. There are three cases. Suppose I buy an estate 
from Mr. Solomon in good faith and pay him $20,000 for it. I then, 
wishing to do him an injury, proceed in the following way: I plan 
with two or three persons to give them notes in my signature bearing 
dates prior to the date of sale. After I have put the $20,000 in a good 
safe place, these men with whom I have made the arrangement go 
before the judge and complain that I have deprived them of their 
rights, under the order in question, by selling m} T estate while I was 
under obligations to them. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you mean to say that you have people in Porto 
Rico as villainous as that? 

Mr. Benitez. Unfortunately, bad faith has been the general rule 
in the business of the island. 

Dr. Carroll. Then I don't see how you can reach it by law, be- 
cause it is easy to violate in that way any law. All law, to be effect- 
ive, must be based upon the good faith of the people, and if the people 
as a whole are without good faith, the law is useless. 

Mr. Benitez. As a general principle I am with you, but in this 
special instance 1 am not. Our law of mortgage is so stringent that 
a person doing business with an agriculturist and registering the 



335 

operation in the register, under the law of mortgage, is so protected 
that no human power can cheat him out of his due. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me the creditor is entirely protected. 
He is protected at the risk of the debtor. 

Mr. Benitez. But the debtor when he makes the contract knows 
exactly the contract he is making. 

Dr. Carroll. That is true, and yet it gives the creditor undue ad- 
vantage, so that the creditor may institute proceedings for foreclosure 
at the worst time of the year, and within thirty days may sell out the 
debtor's estate and deprive him of all his equity in it. 

Mr. Benitez. I was referring only to the substance of the law of 
mortgage and not to the procedure. The law of mortgage is the only 
means by which good faith can be enforced. 

Dr. Carroll. It is important that those who lend money on mort- 
gage should be protected, and it is also important to those who wish 
to borrow, because otherwise men would not lend. While we provide 
for the security of mortgage holders in the United States, the interests 
of the debtor are also looked after, so that it requires very often from 
six months to a year, or even more, to foreclose a mortgage and sell an 
estate in order to realize the amount of the debt. That gives the 
debtor an opportunity, if he is an honest man, to obtain the money 
elsewhere ; and if he is not an honest man, the law steps in, brings 
about a sale, and satisfies the debt. 

Mr. Benitez. But if they wanted to lend money for a short time, 
what would be the effect of a contract there? 

Dr. Carroll. Usually they lend it on a promissory note with col- 
lateral security. 

Mr. Benitez. Here, as a note has really no value, and a man who 
has property to-day can sell it to-morrow, it has been customary to 
secure all loans of any size with a mortgage contract. 

Dr. Carroll. Even for short terms, such as a month or two? 

Mr. Benitez. I, as registrar of Ponce, have registered contracts 
covering loans of a month and a half. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you such a thing as a chattel mortgage — a 
mortgage on household goods or upon crops or cattle? 

Mr. Benitez. No; movable goods are not subject to mortgage; but 
there is an abuse of a kind which I will explain. Many money lenders, 
not thinking themselves fully protected by mortgage, exact from the 
borrower a deed of sale of all their effects, and in case the money is 
not paid at maturity by just registering that deed they become the 
owners of the property. 

Dr. Carroll. We have the same thing, which is called a bill of 
sale. Are planters who borrow money generally men of bad faith? 
Do they require a stringent law in order to protect the creditor? 

Mr. Benitez. I would not like to say they are people of bad faith; 
but I think the human heart is easily moved by circumstances when 
it is not thoroughly educated in moral principles. Owing to the cir- 
cumstances which the country is passing through, the economic crisis, 
there are persons who, though honest of heart, find it necessary to 
save their interests. I am quite certain that all of these men who have 
apparently sold their estates, if there had been sufficient banking insti- 
tutions here, jvould have obtained loans and paid their debts; but they 
have been acting under force. 

Dr. Carroll. Of course this law for the suspension of foreclosure 
was an extraordinary measure. and grew out of the fact that an extra- 
ordinary situation existed in the island. It is not a measure without 



336 

precedent, however, for I understand that a year ago, under the last 
Governor-General, a similar order was prepared and authorized to be 
published, and was only withheld because of the breaking out of the 
war, and such suspension has also a precedent in other countries. For 
instance, in the United States at the close of the civil war the law of 
the foreclosure of mortage was suspended for two years in the south- 
ern part of the Union, which had been devastated by the war. 

Mr. Benitez. I protest against the period of two months allowed 
the debtors for the payment of interest. 

Dr. Carroll. That is, two months for the payment of interest in 
arrears? 

Mr. Benitez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. That was not the form of the order. There was a 
mistake in the order as first published. It was made to extend to all 
debts of every character as well as mortgage debts. That was never 
intended in the original, but got in somehow by mistake and was 
afterwards corrected by the supplementary order. 

Mr. Benitez. As soon as the debtor receives notice that he must 
pay his interest within two months he can sell his crops. He can not 
be held to be a legal depository of them because no suit was pending. 
He has two months, however. The time mortgages usually take into 
account more the value of the crops than of the estate, and the terms 
in relation to the payment of interest are made with reference to the 
time when the crop will be gathered. Merchants here do not wish to 
collect their debts by taking over the estates; they want the crops. 

Dr. Carroll. A good many of them wanted the estates. I had a 
great many instances presented to me where that was the case, and 
then they used the lever which they had in this proceeding to force 
the debtor to make some other arrangements — that is, to make a con- 
tract to pay principal and interest in gold, although the money had 
been loaned in pesos, and in other cases to advance the rate of interest 
to 18 and 20 per cent. 



EMBARGOES ON ESTATES. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cabo Rojo, P. R., January 27, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What has caused the failure of industries in Cabo 
Rojo? 

Mr. Ortiz (vice-alcalde). The fall in price of sugar has caused the 
abandonment of many estates; inability to load our salt without 
heavy charges has caused almost the abandonment of that industry, 
and owing to heavy taxation generally. The Spanish Government 
put such heavy taxes on everything that we could not go on. And 
the merchants of Mayaguez are the owners of nearly all the property 
here. Estates that have been worth from forty to fifty thousand dol- 
lars have been given to satisfy debts of $10,000. I could give you 
some specific cases if you wish — Abram Rodriguez, Federico Ronda, 
and Federico Davila. 

Dr. Carroll. What were the values of the estates respectively 
and the amounts of the debts due on them? 

Mr. Ortiz. In one case, that of Bellas, the amount of the debt was 
$38,000. The machinery alone on the property is worth that amount, 
and the estate is worth at least $80,000. Mr. Santos held the mortgage. 



337 

Dr. Carroll. Was it put up at public auction? 

Mr. Ortiz. No; he had a mortgage and afterwards lie gave a small 
sum of money. The matter was adjusted by an agreement, but the 
agreement was really forced on the debtor. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you give* particulars in the other cases? 

Mr. Ortiz. The other foreclosures were made in Mayaguez and not 
here, and I am not sure of the amounts. 

A Gentleman present. In the case of Abram Rodriguez the 
amount of the debt was $16,000, which was increased to $25,000 by 
adding unpaid interest. The estate is worth about $50,000. In the 
case of Federico Ronda the debt was $11,000, with accrued interest, 
amounting, in all, to $20,000. The value of the estate is about $40,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Who held the mortgages in these two cases? 

Mr. Ortiz. A man by the name of Schultze. The mortgage on the 
estate of Federico Davila is also held by Schultze. I don't know what 
the amount of the debt was, but the estate consists of fine valley lands 
with fine machinery. The final steps of these foreclosure proceedings 
have not been taken yet. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you know of the order of General Henry suspend- 
ing proceedings? 

Mr. Ortiz. Yes. Mr. Ronda went yesterday to prevent the creditors 
from cutting his cane. The justice has just now taken off the embargo 
from the estate. 

Dr. Carroll. Has this order operated to prevent the collection of 
ordinary debts? 

Mr. Ortiz. They have understood it in that way. It is well that 
something should be published on the subject. Some people do not 
want to pay their municipal taxes because they understood the law to 
apply to them also. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the order well received here? 

Mr. Ortiz. Very well. It has been like winning the first prize in 
the lottery for Mr. Ronda. 

Dr. Carroll. The order was not intended to include anything but 
mortgages. It was not intended to include ordinary debts. 

Mr. Ortiz. Are they under the obligation of paying the interest 
also? 

Dr. Carroll. Yes. 

Mr. Ortiz. If they owe interest at the rate of one, one and one-half 
or more per month, will that accumulate? 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose whatever rate of interest was contracted 
for in the past would be due, but hereafter no more than 12 per cent 
could be charged; but that is a matter for the judges to decide. Have 
the planters usuall} 7 paid their interest? 

Mr. Ortiz. As a rule, no. Their crops have not even given them 
enough to pay interest. They have had to turn their crops over to 
the creditors, who have usually credited them at much less than their 
market value. 

Dr. Carroll. In order to take advantage of this order the}'' must 
pay up interest. What are the highest rates of interest paid here by 
planters? 

Mr. Ortiz. Four per cent a month. 

Dr. Carroll. During a year? 

Mr. Ortiz. The general rule is 1^ per cent a month. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that, but I want to get at the highest 
rate of interest paid a year. 

Mr. Ortiz. Thej^ charge compound interest. The highest rate is 18 
per cent. 

1125 22 



338 

EXTENSION OF TIME FOR PAYMENT OF MORTGAGES. 
MEMORIAL OF EMILIO CABRERA. 

I believe that the only way to save the properties of agriculturists, 
commercial, and industrial business men in this country is to make 
more expansive the order of Gen. Guy V. Henry. 

I honestty believe that this order should be general for all debts in 
the island for the agriculturists, merchants, and industrialists, with 
an extension to three years, dividing the credits into three equal 
parts, so to be paid annually with interest at 6 per cent annually, and 
forbidding the sale for that period of time of property without being 
advertised to the public in the official gazette for one month. 

This would save everybody and the agricultural and commercial 
development will be helped. 

I humbly believe that the planters in the short period named in the 
present order will not be able to cover their debts, and at the end of 
the year the merchants will take possession of many properties and a 
great number of families will be ruined. 

Las Marias, P. R. , January 25, 1899. 



HOW ONE MORTGAGE WAS FORECLOSED. 
MEMORIAL TO THE SPECIAL COMMISSIONER. 

I beg to inclose the adjoined note giving you the full details by 
which you can see how I was traitorousby and fraudulently deprived 
of an estate, which I had honestly acquired by legal methods, by the 
house of Fernandez & Co. for an insignificant sum of money. 

I beg you to study this document, so that you can resolve thereupon 
that which justice exacts. 

At the end of 1897 George Agostini bought of Cerefino Agostini an 
estate under coffee in the barrio of Naranjales, of the jurisdiction of 
Mayaguez, valued at $10,000, of which he paid cash $6,500, the estate 
remaining mortgaged for the remaining $3,500 plus $138 for interest. 
This mortgage was owned as to $2,625 by Antonio Blanco and as to 
$875 by Fernandez & Co., both merchants of Mayaguez, and the 
terms of payments of the said mortgage were as follows, with interest: 



Princi- ; 
pal. 



Interest. 



On December 31.1896. , $300 S96 

On December 31, 1897.. 800 j 192 

On December 31. 189S 800 288 

On December 31. 1899 800 384 

On December 31. 1900... ; 800 420 



3.500 



The first installment, with interest, was punctually paid. 

The second payment of $800, in the abnormal situation of the coun- 
try which began to make itself felt owing to the change from the 
Spanish to the American Government, could not be met. 

The firm of Fernandez & Co., taking advantage of this situation, 
and unknown to George Agostini, lawful owner of the estate, entered 
action against the old owner, Cerefino Agostini. You must know 



339 

that when this execution of mortgage was asked for, Cerefi.no Agostini 
was already defunct. 

What was the surprise of George Agostini when the sheriff, armed 
with an order of the judge, dated September 13, 1898, presented him- 
self — the American forces being then in possession of this city — 
demanding the immediate delivery of the estate to Fernandez & Co., 
said estate having been sold at auction for $875 without the knowledge 
of its owner, this being the sole amount the estate owed to that firm ! 
Plainly speaking, Fernandez & Co. got possession of an estate worth 
$10,000, and for which $6,500 cash has been paid, for $875, which act 
must be considered as fraudulent, though protected by the corrupt 
Spanish courts. All complaints of George Agostini and all steps on 
his part have been useless. No court would listen to his appeal. He 
was ordered to relinquish the property under pain of being proceeded 
against criminally. It is worth noting that the mortgage contained 
the clause "that if one installment was not paid when due, all remain- 
ing installments, with interest, should be considered as having fallen 
due." 

Jose George Agostini. 

Mayaguez, January 27, 1899. 



THE CIVIL DIVISIONS. 

ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS. 
SAN JUAN. 



First department. — San Juan, Bayamon, Carolina, Rio Piedras, 
Vega Baja, Corozal, Loiza, Toa Alta, Naranjito, Rio Grande, Vega 
Alta, Trujillo Alto, Dorado, Toa Baja. 



Second department. — Arecibo, Barceloneta, Ciales, Camuy, Hatillo, 
Manati, Morovis, Quebradillas, Utuado. 

AGUADILLA. 

Third department. — Aguadilla, Aguada, Isabela, Moca, Rincon, San 
Sebastian. 

PONCE. 

Fourth department. — Ponce, Aibonito, Adjuntas, Barros, Barran- 
quitas, Co'amo, Guayanilla, Yauco, Juana Diaz, Penuelas, Santa 
Isabel. 

MAYAGUEZ. 

Fifth department. — Mayaguez, Aiiasco, Cabo Rojo, Las Marias, 
Lajas, San German, Sabana Grande, Maricao. 

GUAYAMA. 

Sixth department. — Guayama, Arroyo, Aguas Buenas, Caguas, 
Cayey, Comerio, Cidra, Gurabo, San Lorenzo, Juncos, Salinas. 

HUMACAO. 

Seventh department. — Humacao, Fajardo, Yabucoa, Maunabo, 
Naguabo, Patillas, Piedras. 
Eighth department. — Vieques, Culebra. 



340 



JUDICIAL DISTRICTS. 

AUDIENCIA TERRITORIAL, CRIMINAL BRANCH, SAN JUAN DEPARTMENT. 



District. 



Municipalities. 



District. 



Municipalities. 



San Juan San Juan. 

Carolina. 

Loiza. 

Rio Grande. 

Rio Piedras. 

Trujillo Alto. 
Caguas Caguas. 

Aguas Buenas. 

G-urabo. 

San Lorenzo. 

Comerio. 
Humacao. ..- — '. Humacao. 

Fajardo. 



Humacao 



Vega Baja . 



Juncos. 

Naguabo. 

Piedras. 

Vieques. 

Yabucoa. 

Vega Baja. 

Bayamou. 

Corozal. 

Dorado. 

Naranjito. 

Toa Alta. 

Toa Baja. 

Vega Alta. 



AUDIENCIA CRIMINAL OF PONCE, PONCE DEPARTMENT. 













Barros. 




Aibonito. 




Coamo. 




Arroyo. 




Guayanilla. 




Cidra. 




Juana Diaz. 




Cayey. 




Penuelas. 




Baranquitas. 




Santa Isabel. 




Maunabo. 




Yauco. 




Patillas. 
Salinas. 



AUDIENCIA CRIMINAL MAYAGUEZ, MAYAGUEZ DEPARTMENT. 



Mayaguez 



Arecibo . 



Aguadilla 



Mayaguez. 

Anasco. 

Las Marias. 

Rincon. 

Arecibo. 

Barceloneta. 

Camuy. 

Hatillo. 

Manati. 

Morovis. 

Aguadilla. 

Aguada. 

Moca. 



Aguadilla .. 
San German 

Utuado 



Quebradillas. 

San Sebastian. 

Isabela. 

San German. 

Cabo Rojo. 

Lajas. 

Maricao. 

Sabana Grande. 

Utuado. 

Adjuntas. 

Ciales. 

Lares. 



POLITICAL PARTIES. 

LIBERALS AND AUTONOMISTS. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1898. 

Dr. Jose C. Barbosa. When I came back from the United States 
in 1880 we had here no liberty, no freedom, except on paper. We 
at once set to work to acquire from Spain some degree of liberty for 
this country and formed a party called the Liberal party, also called 
the Reform party. Our object was to reform the laws of the island, 
and most of the native Porto Ricans belonged to this party. 

Dr. Carroll. Was the Liberal party here in sympathy with the 
Liberal party of Sagasta? 

Dr. Barbosa. No; no Spaniard supported us. The Spaniards sup- 
ported the Conservative party, to which also belonged some of the 
natives; but the natives who were identified with the Conservative 
party were of that class of people who always like to be associated 



341 

with the party in power, irrespective of the principles for which the 
party stands. Both Sagasta and Canovas were opposed to us and in 
favor of the Spanish party in the island. We had a great struggle 
here until 1887, when we asked for autonomy. In that year, seeing 
that the Spaniards here, no matter what shade of government might 
be introduced in the peninsula, would always adhere to Spain, in a 
public assembly we declared ourselves autonomists, our purpose being 
to force the Spanish party in the island to declare themselves assimi- 
lists. Previous to the assembly we had asked for the same laws here 
that were granted to the Spaniards in Spain. This was refused. 
Then, when we declared ourselves autonomists, the Spaniards here 
immediately became assimilists and said, "Give them what they asked 
for first" — that is, the laws in force in Spain, and that result was what 
we had sought and expected by our declaration in favor of autonomy. 

Our demand for autonomy, however, was met by the fearful perse- 
cutions of the year 1887, and the tortures which were inflicted caused 
many to cease calling themselves autonomists. Only a few had the 
courage to continue to do so. But a few of us continued to work on 
the same lines in spite of the arguments of many of our former adher- 
ents that we were pursuing a policy which could never meet with any 
success. Finally our party was reduced to about forty or fifty, and 
this small number continued working, assisted by Senor Labra, the 
Spanish statesman. We continued calling meetings in the different 
towns of the island, trying to raise the spirits of the people who, dis- 
couraged by the failure of the form of government granted by Spain, 
came gradually over to our way of thinking. 

At this period we took advantage of the Cuban revolution to send 
a committee to Spain to ask the home Government for autonomy on 
the ground that the government it had granted was having only bad 
results and that unless autonomy were granted we feared we would 
not be able much longer to restrain the revolutionary spirit of the 
people. 

We sent this committee to Spain under orders to accept nothing but 
autonomy. This committee had a conference with Sagasta, not yet 
in power, who promised them that when he did come into power he 
would grant Porto Rico autonomy in the proper acceptation of the 
word, but with the condition that the Autonomist party of the island 
was to form a part of Sagasta's Liberal party in Spain and be subject 
to his orders. The first part of this promise was good, but the condi- 
tion was bad. Our committee, was composed of five members, three 
of whom were of republican and two of monarchical sympathies. Our 
object in placing the three republicans on the committee was that they 
might override the monarchical tendency of the other two members, 
but for some reason unknown to us one of the republicans went over 
to the monarchicals, with the result that the committee accepted the 
offer of Sagasta with its condition. 

When the committee came back and reported to the assembly, only 
three or four accepted their report. The forty or fifty of us who had 
been struggling so long to obtain our ends protested against the accept- 
ance of Sagasta's proposition. From that dates the split of the party. 
The reason we opposed Sagasta's plan was that we knew it was not 
possible for an autonomist party, having for its object local self- 
government for the people, to be attached to a monarchical party which 
would have control over it and be in a position to forestall its action. 
It was clear enough that the purpose of Sagasta was only to destroy 
our party here. We, the larger number, who had refused to accept 



342 

the Sagasta proposition, returned to our homes, hopeless but protest- 
ing, and the three or four who had accepted the offer directed their 
attention to the matter of forming a new party, called the Liberal- 
Fusionist party. 

Shortly afterwards Sagasta came into power and began favoring the 
leader of the new party, Munoz Rivera, giving him all the posts of the 
island and giving him power over the ballots; that is, he gave him 
such power in elections that he could practically control them. Mr. 
Rivera began by offering official appointments to men who had never 
thought of appointments before, and in that way created a large party 
of men who were more interested in having a good position than in 
standing for a principle. Those who were opposed to the party of Mr. 
Rivera said: "We have steadily opposed the Spaniards in that kind 
of misgovernment, and we will not submit to it from natives." 

We began to pay special attention to international politics, and that 
gave us hope, because we thought that if Mr. Woodford would ask for 
the freedom of Cuba, there was some reason to believe he might do the 
same thing for us. So we began to struggle harder than ever and 
endeavored to let it be known in the United States that it was not 
true, as Sagasta was trying to represent, that the people of Porto Rico 
were all contented with our government here. We never thought of 
war, but we thought the end we desired might be brought about by 
diplomacy. We thought that Spain would have to grant to Porto Rico 
what she granted to Cuba. To a certain extent we achieved what we 
wanted, because the Government, on account of the representations 
being made by the United States and taking note of the fact that affairs 
were moving along anything but smoothly in Porto Rico, called the 
leaders of our party together in a conference with them to unite us 
with the Liberal-Fusionist party and form a mixed government. 
This fusion, which we thought was prompted by sincere motives, was 
effected, and, as a consequence, the united party took the name of the 
Union- Autonomist party. 

On the 12th of February of this year (1898) there was formed the first 
insular council, composed of three autonomists and three fusionists, 
which lasted until the 17th of March, by which time we understood 
that we had been chosen only as figureheads to enable Spain to do 
what she wanted with us. We therefore resigned, to take effect at 
once. The two parties then separated again. The Governor-General 
would not accept their resignations, because in the time of elections 
the law does not allow of their acceptance, and this was of itself 
another trick, because after we held official positions we were by law 
prohibited from taking part in the elections, and the government, in 
the absence of our efforts in opposition, got in the persons it wanted. 
The secretary of the government here has charge of the post-office, 
telegraph service, police, and other municipal matters, and he took 
advantage of his position at the time of the elections to prevent letters 
and telegrams from passing from San Juan to the other cities of the 
island, and stationed the civil guards at the election places. We were 
not permitted even to talk with people about the issues of the elec- 
tion, and the result was that out of 32 elected 27 were the men whom 
the government desired in office. They allowed 5 of our party to be 
elected, but these 5, because of the manner in which the election was 
conducted, said it was beneath their dignity to accept the offices to 
which they were elected, and refused to accept them. The} 7 wanted 
to be elected by the favor of the people, not by the favor of the gov- 
ernment. 



343 

The legislature was convened on the 17th day of July, the purpose 
of convening it at that late day being merely a pretense on the part of 
Spain that affairs in the island were proceeding in a normal manner 
in spite of the war. The 27 members who accepted the offices to 
which they had been nominally elected took their seats without oppo- 
sition from the other 5 and proceeded to elect the present members 
of the government, who are to-day in power, their official positions 
having been confirmed by the military government. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the state of affairs to-day; are the political 
parties united? 

Dr. Barbosa. No; the feeling is very bitter. The secretary of the 
government recommended 14 of our party for appointment as city 
councilors in San Juan, including myself, but we refused to accept 
the positions under the present insular government. We can not 
consent to serve under officials who came into office in the manner 
they did. 

Dr. Carroll. Will the meeting to be held Sunday represent your 
party? 

Dr. Barbosa. Not my party only, but every party in the island. 
There is a party here which calls itself Partido Incondicionalmente 
Espanol (Unconditionally Spaniards), and the natives who have hith- 
erto adhered to that party will be present. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it your opinion that it would be good policy to 
make English the official language of Porto Rico? 

Dr. Barbosa. Yes; but not immediately. There should be teach- 
ers here for a couple of years to instruct the people in English first. 
I should like very much to have schools for the teaching of English 
here — such schools as you have in America. With such schools here 
we could in ten years bring up a generation of English-speaking peo- 
ple. I think, too, that a few kindergartens would be a great thing 
for the island. 



CABINET DIVISIONS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 4, 1898. 

Mr. Julian Y. Blanco (secretary of the treasury). I have been 
anxious to give you some information regarding the government and 
the laws of the country. 

Dr. Carroll. I shall be glad to hear anything you may have the 
kindness to present. My mission in the island is to get information. 

Mr. Blanco. What I desire to call your attention to specially is 
the lack of harmony which exists to-day between the secretaries of 
the insular government. The laws existing in this country when the 
American occupation commenced were those given to the country on 
the 25th of last November. By virtue of those laws the insular gov- 
ernment was constituted. In inaugurating that government different 
parties in the island were given representation in the government. It 
was a sort of mixed government. I had belonged until then to one of 
the political parties known as the Orthodox party, and was placed as 
such secretary to Mr. Quinones, the president. I soon saw that I 
could do nothing in that position, as none of the officials were in agree- 
ment with him. They did not occupy themselves in the public inter- 
ests, but gave themselves up to matters of personal politics. Conse- 
quently I separated from both parties, the two parties being the Ortho- 
dox and the Sagasta or Fusionist party. 



344 

Dr. Carroll. By the Orthodox party do you moan the Conservative? 

Mr. Blanco. When the Liberal party split, two parties were formed, 
one of these being the Orthodox, the really genuine Liberal party, and 
the other merged with the party in Spain and called the Fusionists. 
I remained subsecretary, but without being able to accomplish any- 
thing. After the elections there was a change in the government. 
These elections were full of fraud. They took place in February last 
and were won by the Sagasta or Liberal party. Both parties did some 
things that were wrong. 

Dr. Carroll. Please give me some idea what those abuses were 
and how they were carried out. 

Mr. Blanco. Before the elections took place the leader of the 
Fusionist party got possession of all tho municipalities of the island, 
changing all the mayors to men of his own party, and I want to say 
here that the mayors of these towns should be named, according to 
law, by vote of their common councils, instead of by appointment 
from the central government. Most of the mayors, before the change 
was made by the leader of the Fusionist party, were members of the 
Conservative party, but those offices were all filled with men who 
would support the Sagasta faction. Also, in making up the census of 
those entitled to vote they took great care to see that all the different 
election boards were composed of men of the Sagasta party, so as to 
have everything in their hands, and when the time for election came 
everything connected with it was under the management and control 
of this party. The elections came, and as the Liberal party won the 
government called the leader of the Liberal party and asked him to 
form a cabinet. He then called me in turn and told me he was anx- 
ious that I should be one of the cabinet and hold the office of secre- 
tary of the treasury, because he believed me to be the most competent 
person to hold that post. I told him that T was willing in every way 
to lend assistance in the establishment of the autonomistic govern- 
ment, but that I would not join his party; that I would assist as an 
independent man. 

All that I wanted was that the law should be complied with and 
impartially, and I said that I would assist if I were allowed to follow 
that course. The leader of the Liberal party said, yes, that was what 
he wanted; that all party feelings had ended. Already there were 
symptoms of war, but he set about to form the government of the 
island on the new basis. War was finally declared, and everything 
was interrupted. The country after that went along without much 
further change, so far as the application of the autonomistic law of 
• the municipalities of the island was concerned. After the American 
occupation the common council sent a memorial to General Brooke, 
asking him to concede to the common council of Ponce the right to 
which they are entitled by law, the law providing that in purely local 
affairs the common council shall have the right to name all its em- 
ployees necessary for the management of the city government, and 
to attend to the various necessities of the municipal district. Article 
52 of the autonomistic constitution says that all municipalities legally 
constituted or empowered to legislate regarding public instruction, 
roads, maritime matters, sanitation, the assessment of taxes, shall 
have the power to name their employees. 

Article 55 says that municipalities as well as the province can 
establish means of income with which to meet their expenses without 
any more limitations than is sufficient to make them conform to the 
tributary system of the island. 



345 

Article 50 says that the mayors and vice mayors shall be elected by 
the vote of the common council. 

Article 61 says that the municipal law in force in Porto Rico will 
continue to be enforced as far as it will not interfere with the present 
decree, and that the modification established by the electoral law so 
long as the colonial parliament does not legislate about these matters, 
but article 62 says that no colonial law can deprive the municipalities 
of the rights and privileges granted by the former articles. That 
is to say, the power was granted to the insular assembly to modify 
municipal laws, but without being able to alter the rights and privi- 
leges of municipalities specified in the preceding articles. For 
example, it could never deny to the common council the right of 
naming mayors and vice mayors or making appointments to the other 
posts which they are specially authorized to fill. This law has never 
been complied with. The mayors continue to be named, as before, by 
the governor-general. They do not observe the law at all, but are 
denying a right which the island sought for many years in behalf of 
municipal government. 

Dr. Carroll. According to the American system, mayors of towns 
and cities are always elected by the people, who also elect the common 
councils. Would it be well to have that system established in Porto 
Rico? 

Mr. Blanco. That is just what the country has wanted always, but 
has never been able to get. When we obtain that right everything 
else will come, for it is the foundation of local self-government. The 
memorial which has come from Ponce asks only for compliance with 
the law, by the grant of those rights to which they are entitled. Gen- 
eral Brooke called the council of secretaries and read the memorial 
to them and asked them their opinion. The president of the council, 
Mr. Rivera, and Mr. Lopez gave their opinions against granting the 
right demanded by the memorial, protesting at the same time that 
they had liberal ideas and were in sympathy with what the petition 
from Ponce asked, but that it was not compatible with military occu- 
pation to grant the petition, and that no attempt should be made to 
establish municipal autonomy until after Congress met and legislated 
in the matter. When it came my turn to speak I stated that I was 
not in conformity with Mr. Rivera and Mr. Lopez. These gentlemen 
pretended to show that the common council of Ponce was asking for 
an amendment of the law, but I stated that they did not ask for an 
amendment, but were asking for compliance with the law. We had 
quite a heated discussion in Spanish, but General Brooke was not able 
to appreciate the arguments advanced on both sides, as he is not 
acquainted with the Spanish language, but he understood perfectly 
that the secretaries were not in agreement. He advised us to recon- 
sider the matter and arrange it among ourselves and he would then 
call us again together. We had a meeting for that purpose the same 
evening and were unable to agree. 

They have tried to make General Brooke believe two great errors. 
First, that the common council of Ponce was asking for a reformation 
of the law, which they said was incompatible with the military estab- 
lishment, and, second, that those articles which I have referred to 
could not be carried out until the provisional assembly should meet, 
and as it had not got together, and very likely will not meet, they 
would have to wait until Congress resolves the matter. That is not 
the truth. The articles I have referred to are a part of the estab- 
lished law of Porto Rico and should be carried out, and that law 



346 

expressly provides that the assembly shall not have power to change 
those articles; so what difference conld it make whether the assembly 
meets or not so far as these provisions are concerned. The rights of 
the council to elect their mayor and proceed under the articles 
referred to can not be abridged by the assembly. After this meet- 
ing, seeing that we could not agree, we decided that either Mr. Rivera 
or Mr. Lop^z should make a proposal in writing, with a view to seeing 
whether or not we could patch up some sort of agreement. Last 
Saturday quite late I was notified that a meeting of the council would 
be held at 8 o'clock Sunday morning. 

Dr. Carroll. Who composed the council? 

Mr. Blanco. Luis Munoz Rivera, secretary of government; Her- 
nandez Lopez, secretary of justice; Dr. Carbonell, secretary of 
fomento, and myself. I did not assist at that meeting because I had 
to go to Bayamon, but said in the afternoon I would be able to par- 
ticipate in a meeting. I went to the country, and they never communi- 
cated to me anything of this meeting. The following day, in the 
afternoon, I had to go to Mr. Rivera about other business, and then 
he told me that the whole thing had been resolved; that General 
Brooke urged the matter so strongly that they were obliged to get 
together and give him a decision. A few days ago another meeting 
was called by General Brooke, and an answer to the Ponce petition 
was submitted by General Brooke, in which he made it appear that 
the whole matter had been settled on his own initiation, and not that 
he had listened to this council. In this letter of General Brooke he 
stated that the people of Ponce were asking for a reformation of the 
law, which, as I have said, was not the case. At that same meeting 
there was another document of which General Brooke has taken 
notice. Dr. Carbonell indicated that he wished to name certain 
school-teachers for the different villages and towns. This brought on 
a heated discussion as to the authority of Dr. Carbonell to name 
school-teachers. I maintained that he had no such authority; that 
the only case in which the central government can intervene is where 
a district, in violation of the law, appoints a school-teacher who has 
not the proper title. General Brooke again advised the secretaries 
to make an effort to get together. 

I have given you all this account of the trouble in the ministry, 
which is perhaps out of the line of what I came to talk to you about, 
so that you may understand the great difficulties in the way of good 
government. I consider the matter of applying the autonomistic law 
as very important to the interests of the island, and I am disposed to 
tell my colleagues at the meeting of the council at 4 o'clock this after- 
noon that if an agreement can not be reached I will resign. I can not 
continue, because for over fifty years I have supported certain princi- 
ples, and I can not go back to them now. I believe that our mission 
is to smooth over the present regimen and prepare to better ourselves, 
and not to sow discord. I don't believe that the military force in the 
island requires to be strengthened. I am sure that it will displease 
the people of Ponce when they receive the decision of General Brooke. 
If they complied with the law, they would allow each municipality to 
select its own teachers and to carry out the autonomistic plan in all 
its features. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that in accord with the autonomistic law and also 
the provincial law? 

Mr. Blanco. Before the government did what it pleased. 



347 

Dr. Carroll. But was it not the law before that teachers, for 
instance, should be appointed by the central government? 

Mr. Blanco. Yes; but there were certain limitations. 

Dr. Carroll. I have been given to understand that the autono- 
mistic regime was never fully established here and that it is not now 
in operation, and I understand from Mr. Rivera that the autonomistic 
system has never been more than a dead letter. 

Mr. Blanco. That is so, and the law has been violated — has never 
been complied with. The law is imperfect; nevertheless, if they car- 
ried it out it would have given very good results, bub they never 
carried it out. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand the military policy is to continue things 
in status quo, not to make any changes, but to continue the govern- 
ment just as the Americans found it until Congress, on the recommen- 
dation of the President, adopts a new system. 

Mr. Blanco. I understood that the policy of the United States would 
be to carry out the law of the countiy in so far as it affects the settle- 
ment of private rights of persons and property and as to the punish- 
ment of crime, and that the general provisions of law of the country 
would be in force. In that view of the case I don't understand why 
the measures referred to in the articles of the autonomistic constitu- 
tion are not carried into effect. So long as the municipalities are not 
given the rights accorded to them by that law there will be com- 
plaints and any system of government that may be established will 
be unsettled. 



PARTIES THE SAME IN FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 17, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to have you discuss, unless you have 
some good reason for not doing so, the form of government which 
should be established here. There are those who think a colonial form 
of government is preferable, and there are some in the United States 
who are in favor of a Territorial government for the island. I should 
like to have the opinion of citizens here respecting the question. 

Mr. Lucas Amadeo. My opinion is in favor of the Territorial form, 
with a view to arriving, later on, to statehood, with the full enjoyment 
of all that implies. I think that the military power should be as brief 
as possible, because it is an abnormal condition of government, and 
while the Territorial form of government remains to be settled I think 
there are certain questions of importance that should be treated of. 
Among others is that of immigration, and this is an important ques- 
tion, because this country is marching onward to the complete predom- 
inance of the white race. Should a heterogeneous emigration come 
here, we should arrive at a state of confusion in politics, because 
mixed races precede mixed relations in politics. 

In the present period through which we are passing there are oppor- 
tunities for cheapening the form of government — that is, of removing 
a great many useless employees who are now being retained. Later, 
the Territorial form will provide for that; but I speak of the interim 
period. To-day the country is divided into two parties which for- 
merly were united to claim advantages for the country. This differ- 
ence of opinion was not brought about by a difference of principles, 
but was brought about by the desire on the part of certain persons to 



348 

arrive at position and power. The party which is at present in power 
got into office for the sake of power. Pursuant to a contract which 
their leader made with the Spanish Government, we were given a 
so-called autonomy, and under that system, with the assistance of 
Spain, the present people in office were elected. They are acting, and 
have done so since coming into power, as others did under the former 
regime, and that state is what has caused the strained relation exist- 
ing between the parties to-day. The country is not satisfied with the 
men who are in power, and is restless under tliem. I think it would 
be a good thing if the various elements of the different parties would 
come together under the military government, and later under the 
Territorial government, and work in the interests of the people of 
Porto Rico. This could be done if those in power to-day were generous 
enough to step down and out of office. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any difference between the parties in their 
fundamental ideas? 

Mr. Amadeo. No. Both have made the same platform, but there 
are differences between their methods. Both made the same affirma- 
tions with regard to autonom}^ in the time of the Spanish Government. 
Both accepted the reforms which Spain at first offered. Later, when 
the division was brought about, the historical party asked for some- 
thing else, but that was simply a proposition on which to base a plat- 
form. 

I don't belong to any party. I think they are limited companies 
organized to exploit the people for their own benefit. I would never 
suffocate my conscience under a political party. Where I see a 
good idea, whoever gives birth to it, I accept it, and whoever gives 
birth to a bad idea, I exert my efforts against it. The country does 
not possess directive abilities. The people have been brought up on 
personal politics and do not know anything about the direction of the 
country's affairs. Politics to-day is a science, and when unscientific- 
ally carried out its evil effects are very far reaching. 



SUMMARY OF PLATFORM OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PORTO 
RICO, ORGANIZED IN MARCH, 1899, BY RADICALS. 

Preamble: Commends the able, patriotic, and manly spirit mani- 
fested by the President in releasing Porto Rico from misrule of Spain, 
and pledges faithfulness in adherence to the new principles of our new 
country. 

I. The name of the organization shall be the Republican party of 
Porto Rico. 

II. Declares sincere loyalty to the American flag and American 
ideas. 

III. Hails with pride the fact of annexation to the United States. 

IV. Believes that the people of Porto Rico may be trusted with 
civil government of the island, but awaits the action of Congress on 
that subject, meantime asking that all civil offices shall be filled by 
efficient and honest men of unquestioned loyalty to the Government 
of the United States. 

V. Promises devotion to the national Constitution and the rights 
and liberties of all citizens to cast their ballots, and asks for effective 
legislation to secure the integrity and purity of elections. 

VI. Opposes the introduction of foreign contract labor. 



349 

VII. Declares for liberty of thought, speech, and the press. 

VIII. Favors the establishment of free, public, and unsectarian 
schools sufficient to afford every child the opportunity of a good 
common-school education, and recommends that the English language 
he introduced. 

IX. Declares that the system of taxation is unequally applied and 
should be regulated on American principles of justice. 

X. Commerce should be free between Porto Rico and the United 
States. 

XI. Provincial money should be exchanged for the money of the 
United States on a gold basis, and every dollar should be made as 
good as every other dollar. 

XII. The burden of taxation falls too heavily under the present 
sj T stem upon agriculture. 

XIII. The American system of courts should be established and 
speedy trial granted to all. 

XIV. Expresses gratification that Porto Ricans are now under the 
American flag, and pledges loyalty to American institutions, and 
gives honor to the names of Washington, Lincoln, and McKinley, 
which are household words. 



PLATFORM OF THE FEDERAL PARTY. 

[Translation.] 

1 . The men who formed the Liberal Puertorriqueno believe that their 
organization, with a name which should embody their ideas and with 
a platform which defines and concretes them as a political force, 
should not be delayed. 

2. The Federal party declares that it accepts and applauds the act 
of annexation consummated after the war, believing that Porto Rico 
will be a prosperous and happy country under the shadow of the 
American flag and the shelter of American institutions. 

3. The propositions of the Federal party are condensed in this 
formula: Direct and efficient influence in the development of local 
interests by an administration intelligent and honorable; a firm and 
resolute tendency toward absolute identity with the United States in 
its laws and governmental methods. 

4. The Federal party asks that Porto Rico may be shortly a Terri- 
tory of the United States, with all the rights of a State except that of 
sending Senators and Representatives to the Congress, in which it 
shall have, in common with the other Territories, a Delegate with a 
voice, but without a vote. 

5. The Federal party aspires that Porto Rico may in the future 
become a State without any restrictions, as the others of the Federa- 
tion. 

6. The Federal party supports the complete autonomy of the munici- 
palities in such manner as that the ayuntamientos may resolve their 
local affairs, as quotas, budgets, instruction, police, sanitation, char- 
ity, public works, etc., without intervention from the central power. 

7. The Federal party will maintain all private rights with pro- 
found respect and with enthusiastic devotion, and will favor the 
greatest amplitude of the suffrage without opposing the limitations 
which the United States may esteem prudent, but making clear that 
it desires the right to vote for all citizens resident in the island. 



350 

8. The Federal party understands that it is indispensable and 
just to abolish the customs tariff and to establish free commerce be- 
tween Porto Rico and the rest of the Union, unifying at the proper 
time the money and converting our circulating silver into American 
dollars with the least possible loss to the holders of the metal. 

9. It understands likewise that the development of the production 
urgently requires that the greatest freedom be decreed for the bank- 
ing institutions, that the insular industries be protected in a positive 
manner, that public works be constructed without delay, and that 
direct imposts for the general expenses of the Territory be suppressed. 

10. The Federal party concerns itself for the welfare of the labor- 
ing classes and the peasants; it contemplates with interest their 
advances in the public life and assists in every proposition of har- 
mony between the resistance of capital and the requirements of labor, 
and will persist in its desire to place in the elective bodies virtuous 
and intelligent men, without respect to their occupation or race. 

11. The Federal party will leave to the functions of the munici- 
palities the creation, provisioning, and sustaining of their schools, 
committing as a consequence primary instruction to the representa- 
tives of the people, although conforming to the plan which the legis- 
lature of the Territory may devise. 

12. In respect to superior instruction, university and professional, 
it will propose the restoration of all the necessary centers in order to 
arrive at a high plane in the arts and sciences, preferably those of 
practical application, and striving without rest to procure the estab- 
lishment of a university. 

13. The Federal party will do away with everything routine and 
will found colleges in which women may receive serious and copious 
instruction, which may facilitate her in the exercise of the different 
professions to which already she has consecrated her ingenuity and 
ability in the most advanced communities. 

14. In general we believe that our legislation ought to tend to 
identity in methods between the Porto Rican and American schools, 
bringing this about by a gradual and scientific adaptation. 

15. In respect to the organization of the tribunals, the Federal party 
believes that it is convenient to elect the functionaries by suffrage, to 
designate them by the vote of the legislature, or to nominate them by 
competition according to the nature of the offices, removing all polit- 
ical interest and placing the judges under conditions of salutary 
independence. 

16. The Federal party inscribes among its cardinal principles the 
establishment of trial by jury. 

17. The Federal party proposes the reform of our civil legislation, 
penal and administrative, with profound regard to the moral and 
material interests of the society in which it operates, but in a sense 
predominatingly democratic. 

18. The Federal party finally affirms its faith in the traditions and 
in the character of the American people, and in the confidence as 
well as in the effort of the insular people to make of Porto Rico an 
emporium of wealth and of culture, over which the banner of the 
United States may float forever. 

San Juan, October 1, 1899. 



351 

POLITICS OF THE ISLAND. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce P. R., March 7, 1899. 
Mr. Felici and a merchant from Ponce : 

Dr. Carroll. A great many representations have gone to the 
United States about the bitter political feelings in the island. Now, 
what should I say about that? 

A Merchant 6f Ponce. I think that politics here, as well as in 
other countries, is in the hands of what we should call freebooters — 
gentlemen who have nothing. Their cries really mean that they want 
positions, and the healthy, right-thinking part of the population look 
upon them with disdain. If you will look closely into the matter, you 
will find that the number of respectable persons behind these politi- 
cians is few. I am not speaking of one party, but of both. That is 
the case, at least, here. 

Dr. Carroll. Well, the leader of one of your parties will go to the 
United States with pretty respectable support? 

The Same Merchant. I don't know, perhaps, what he calls respect- 
able support. 

Dr. Carroll. I noticed in the Correspondencia two or three pages 
of letters very highly appreciatory. I noticed in the paper here 
to-night a column or two of names, and I should say, from a short 
residence here, that he is by far the most popular man in the island, 
if not the idol of the people. 

The Same Merchant. I should not say that was quite correct. He 
is a politician. I don't mean to say he is a bad man, but I don't 
know to what extent you can rely on those behind him. He would 
have some friends, of course, but not so many as there appear to be. 

Dr. Carroll. He is a very able man and, with the support he has 
here in the island, he is likely to make a strong impression on the 
minds of the American people, and the question I would like to ask 
is, Is he a representative man? Will he represent the feelings and 
opinions of the Porto Ricans? 

The Same Merchant. In what respect do you mean? 

Dr. Carroll. In respect to the things of the island and the charac- 
ter of the people, and the future government of the island, and all 
those matters. Will he speak for you? 

The Same Merchant. No; I don't think he will. 

Mr. Felici. I am neither a Porto Rican nor a Spaniard. I don't 
think the majority of the country is right. Although there are a 
great many signatures in the list printed in the paper here, I think 
two-thirds of the signers are persons who aspire to some position in 
the public service. 

Dr. Carroll. Now, my own feeling about the party and party feel- 
ing here is that it is not at all a bad sign. I would a great deal rather 
see fierce contention between two parties than to see no parties at 
all — than to see a state of indifference; but what I would like to see 
better than strife would be to have each of the parties take a position 
with reference to the needs of the island or its development and 
future government, and indicate in platforms what they stand for. 
If your parties would divide on present questions and not over the 
history of the past, it seems to me it would be an important thing to 
have parties. I believe in parties, and in countries where there is 



352 

not stagnation of opinion there will be parties, but I think that men 
should divide on principles and not on offices. 

Mr. Felici. As the great majority of the people here are annexa- 
tionists, the man who declares frankly for annexation to the United 
States will cany the people with him. If Muiioz comes out frankly 
before an y other parties do for annexation, he will doubtless carry the 
people with him, but it will have to be without any reservations. It 
will be the strong plank in the platform of an y party. 

Dr. Carroll. I think it important that the parties which are to 
bid for public support here and which are to exercise influence with 
the United States to obtain what is needful for the island should 
declare their principles, if they have any. Suppose I am asked in the 
United States what is the difference between the Radicals and 
Liberals? 

Mr. Felici. It is only personal. 

Dr. Carroll. All that I can say is that one is called the Liberal 
and the other the Radical party. 

Mr. Felici. Tiiose distinctions were formed in the old da\"s, but 
there is no reason for them to-day. 

Dr. Carroll. If I am asked whether one is annexationist and the 
other opposed to it, I shall be forced to say that on not a single ques- 
tion affecting the future of the island do I know the position of either 
of your parties. 

Mr. Felici. And nobody here could tell you. 



SUFFRAGE AND THE SYSTEM OF AUTONOMY. 

THE ELECTORAL LAW OF 1890. 

The provision of this law, as applied to Porto Rico, defining the 
right of suffrage was as follows: 

Article I. 

The electors of councilors and provincial deputies in Porto Rico shall be all the 
residents whoarejheads of families, over 25 years of age, who have resided at least 
two years in the municipal district and who have paid on their own property the 
amount of 25 pesetas or more as a tax on real estate, cultivation of the soil, and 
on cattle, or as industrial or commercial subsidy, for one year before the making 
up of the electoral lists, or if they prove that they are civil employees of the State, 
province, or municipality in active service, or suspended with pay on account of 
their category, and suspended with pay or retired from the army or navy. 

The quota to which the preceding paragraph refers shall be calculated by adding 
up that paid by the taxpayers within and without the town by reason of direct 
taxes of the State and for municipal surtaxes. Besides, the amountpaidfor taxes 
imposed by the provincial deputation, by virtue of the new powers which are 
granted to it by the provincial law, modified by the decree of this date, shall be 
computed for all electoral purposes as if they were levied by the State. Persons 
who are over 25 years of age and have resided for two years at least in the municipal 
district and who justify their professional or academic qualifications by means of 
an official diploma shall also be electors. 

In towns with a population of less than 100 inhabitants all of them shall be 
electors without further exceptions than the general ones established by article 5 
of this law. 

Article 2. 

In order to compute the taxes to be paid by the electors the following shall be 
considered their own property: 

(1) With regard to the husbands, all the property belonging to their wives dur- 
ing the continuation of the conjugal partnership. 



353 

(2) With regard to parents, that belonging to their children of which they are 
the legal administrators. 

(3) With regard to children, their own property of which for any reason what- 
soever their mothers have the use. 

Article 5. 

The following can not be electors: 

(1) Those who on account of final sentence are deprived of the exercise of polit- 
ical rights. 

(2) Those who at the time of the elections are criminally indicted, if they have 
been remanded to prison and have not instead furnished bail in the cases in which 
it is admissible according to law. 

(3) Those sentenced to corporeal or correctional punishments while they have 
not fulfilled their sentences nor secured their rehabilitation in cases in which it is 
proper. 

(4) Those who, lacking means of subsistence, receive the latter in charitable 
institutions, and those who are recorded as mendicants and authorized by the 
municipalities to beg public charity. 

When the autonomistic system was projected, the electoral law was 
modified so as to remove all restrictions and establish universal suf- 
frage, as the law of 1890 had provided for Spain itself. Article 1 
follows : 

Article 1. 

All .male Spaniards over 25 years of age who are in the full enjoyment of their 
civil rights and are residents of a municipality in which they have resided at least 
two years are electors in the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico. 

Noncommissioned officers and privates of the navy or army can not cast votes 
while they are serving in the ranks. 

The same suspension is established with regard to those who are in similar cir- 
cumstances in other corps or armed institutions under the orders of the State, 
province, or municipality. 



THE LAW OF SUFFRAGE. 
By M. Zeno Gandia, M. D., Commissioner from Porto Rico to Washington. 

The Spanish law of sufragio universal (universal suffrage) had no 
limitation whatever. It was sufficient to be 25 years of age, which 
constitutes majority. After the year 1890 Porto Bicans and Cubans 
lost, under protest, the extension of that law to Cuba and Porto Rico, 
the Spanish Government applying it to those islands with the limita- 
tion of the right to vote to those citizens who w T ere 25 years of age and 
besides who paid a contribution of at least $5 in Cuba and 110 in Porto 
Rico. That law produced indignation in the Antilles, especially in 
Porto Rico, whose citizens Spain regarded as inferior to the sons of 
Spain and inferior before the law to the citizens of Cuba. That was 
one of the immediate causes of the Cuban war and produced in Porto 
Rico a discontent so great that even the few who had faith in Spain 
lost it. In the law other prescriptions were ordered which rendered 
it impossible that the people of the islands should ever triumph in the 
elections. One consisted in what was called " socios de ocasion," 
(members of occasion). It was ordered that all who were members of 
societies which paid taxes should have the right to vote, and in order 
that such members should acquire the right to vote it was only 
demanded that the principal member should manifest that those who 
solicited that right were its members, and this without demanding any 
documentary proof from them. This was a burlesque. 

The societies were almost all Spanish firms, or servants paid by 
them, and from that prescription it resulted that the clerks, the rela- 
tives, and even the servants of the principal member acquired the 
1125 23 



354 

right to vote, while many Porto Rieans did not possess it because they 
did not pay $10 tax. In the case of many Porto Rieans who paid 
taxes of 15, 12, or 11 pesos, they diminished those quotas in the 
municipalities, collecting from them only 9.90 pesos or 9 pesos, and in 
that way left them without the right to vote. That was an infamy, 
and the Radical party withdrew itself; that is, abandoned the false 
right which they gave it and did not vote. 

Afterwards, under the pressure of American diplomacy, the Spanish 
Government resolved to implant autonomy, and then the Spanish law 
of universal suffrage was extended to Porto Rico without any restric- 
tion, except that the person should be 25 years of age. When the 
Americans occupied the island, that was the law of suffrage which 
ruled. 

When the President asked us, Dr. Henna and myself, in April last, 
the class of suffrage which seemed to us convenient for Porto Rico, 
we answered "universal suffrage;" that people exercised that right 
with order and advantage in 1873 when the Spanish Republic con- 
ceded it. 

The Bourbon reaction of Alfonso XII took it away. Spain again 
conceded it on account of the demand of the American Government, 
which obliged it to bring tyranny in the islands to an end if it desired 
to preserve them. That was a tardy measure. The war came,' and 
Porto Rico was ceded. To-day it is not possible to understand from 
any standpoint why, after the concession to Porto Rico of universal 
suffrage by the action of the American Government, it should be 
taken away by that same Government from a country which has 
always defended it in its programme of liberties. 

Thus, then, in 1890, the law of suffrage demanding 25 years of age 
and $10 tax and giving a vote to the socios de ocasion; after 1896 
(during the Cuban war) the Spanish law of suffrage without restriction. 

New York, September 11, 1899. 



THE SUFFRAGE QUESTION. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 18, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. If you exclude from the suffrage all who can not 
read, you will have a small number of voters at first, as I understand 
that the number of literates in the island is only about 12 per cent. 

Mr. Amadeo. Yes; but we have a great many who pay taxes. In 
the year 1870 we had that form of voting here when the electoral sys- 
tem was introduced, and the result was satisfactory. It produced a 
very respectable and representative body of voters. 

Dr. Carroll. Would that not exclude the entire class of peons? 

Mr. Amadeo. I think they would be excluded, but I think they 
should be, because they have not a real knowledge of the subjects 
about which they are voting. It is better that they should not vote. 

Mr. Seijo. They would not really vote, because they would be con- 
trolled by their employers. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you can not have villages and townships as 
we have them in the United States. 

Mr. Amadeo. If these people have not the first elements of educa- 
tion, it will be impossible for them to administer their own affairs. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States it is thought that our township 
and village government not only educates men, but dignifies men and 



355 

gives them a desire to obtain a larger education for their children, 
because they desire them to have a power of which they realize their 
own lack. , 

Mr. Amadeo. To-day universal suffrage is the most powerful weapon 
possessed by professional politicians, who want to have it introduced 
everywhere as affording them wider scope for their operations. 

Dr. Carroll. You mean they can lead the ignorant masses. It is 
proposed in giving the Hawaiian Islands a form of government to 
restrict the suffrage somewhat. There is a property qualification 
proposed. 

Mr. Amadeo. I would allow suffrage to anybody who pays taxes, 
municipal or insular. 

Dr. Carroll. In a majority of the States there is no limitation on 
account of property. There was a property qualification in the older 
States, but that has been abolished. 

Mr. Amadeo. All this voting machinery is made very much easier 
when you have wise men at the head of your Government, which you 
generally have. The United States was fortunate when it set out on 
its journey to have at its head a man of very great attainments, who 
started it right. In countries where they have not had the good for- 
tune to possess these guiding heads universal suffrage turns out to 
be a curse rather than a blessing. In France, for instance, it has 
given rise to great disturbances. 

Dr. Carroll. But in England under the Gladstone regime it was 
extended, and while the first result was the defeat, of the Liberal 
party, still I think it is generally recognized that that extension 
which added something like a million voters to those who had the suf- 
frage has been on the whole decidedly beneficial. 

Mr. Amadeo. England has been 1,000 years educating its people; 
that is evolution. Universal suffrage is the arm of the Socialist, who 
thinks he can by its use make everybody happy. The Socialist 
preaches to the masses about the great boon of giving all a voice in the 
management of their own affairs. That is purely illusionary. 

Dr. Carroll. It is an illusion of a great many people that you can 
get everything you want by a system of legislation, whereas such 
things depend largely upon the operation of natural laws. 

Mr. Amadeo. That is a mistake of the Socialists. They don't 
understand that natural laws have to develop themselves, and that 
people must submit to that development, and can not legislate them- 
selves out of it. This situation has given rise to so-called reformers — 
men who present a platform and offer to ameliorate every unhappy 
condition. These men have been the cause of great disturbances in 
all countries for a long time. I have been averse to universal suf- 
frage. Restricted suffrage, moreover, acts as a stimulation. A man 
who desires to take part in the administration of the government 
must either save money or educate himself. 

Dr. Carroll. The native congress that met in San Juan submitted 
a plan of reform to me. Among other things they proposed that there 
should be manhood suffrage for all above the age of 21 years, and that 
at the expiration of two years all who could not prove that they could 
read and write should lose that suffrage. I would like to ask whether 
or not all should be allowed the right of suffrage at the beginning, 
and say at the end of ten years that right should be restricted to per- 
sons paying taxes or persons able to read and write? 

Mr. Amadeo. It would not be a bad thing to do what you say, but 
you must take into consideration the fact that the dissemination of 



356 

the population makes general education a hard thing to attend to in 
this country, and makes the inspection of education still more diffi- 
cult; but I think the idea is a good one. 

Dr. Carroll. Those who have the suffrage naturally would wish 
to retain it; they would be more anxious not to lose it, perhaps, than 
to gain it. Two years would be entirely too short a time to allow 
men to qualify themselves. 

Mr. Amedeo. I do not consider that the elementary education which 
is received in most countries of the world fits a man to take part in 
the government of his country. I believe that sound traditions among 
people who can not read and write does more in some countries to fit 
them for suffrage. As in Porto Rico concubinage is one of the curses 
of the country, family traditions do not exist. 



[This was changed somewhat by special decree for Porto Rico.] 
AUTONOMIC CONSTITUTION. 

Title L* 

GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL ADMINISTRATION IN THE ISLANDS OF CUBA 

AND PORTO RICO. 

Article 1. The system of government and civil administration in 
the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico shall hereafter be carried on in 
conformity with the following provisions: 

Art. 2. Each island shall be governed by an insular parliament, con- 
sisting of two chambers, and by the governor-general, representing 
the mother country, who shall exercise supreme authority. 

Title II. 

THE insular chambers. 

Art. 3. The legislative power as to colonial matters in the shape 
and manner prescribed by law shall be vested in the insular chambers 
conjointly with the Governor-General. 

* Explanatory Note. — To facilitate the understanding of this decree and to 
avoid confusion as to the legal value of the terms employed therein, the following 
definitions are to be observed: 

Central executive power .The King, with his council of ministers. 

The Spanish Parliament The Cortes, with the King. 

The Spanish Chambers The Congress and the Senate. 

The central government ...-..- The council of ministers of the Kingdom. 

The Colonial Parliament The. two chambers, with the Governor- 
General. 

The colonial chambers The council of administration and the 

chamber of representatives. 

Colonial legislative assemblies The council of administration and the 

chamber of representatives. 

Governor-General in council The Governor- General, with the secre- 
taries of his cabinet. 

Instructions of the Govern or- General ...Those which he may have received when 

named for his office. 

Statute Colonial measure of a legislative char- 
acter. 

Colonial statutes Colonial legislation. 

Legislation or general laws .Legislation or laws of the Kingdom. 



357 

Art. 4. Insular representation shall consist of two bodies of equal 
powers, which shall be known as chamber of representatives and 
council of administration. 

Title III. 

COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION. 

Art. 5. The council shall be composed of thirty-five members, of 
whom eighteen shall be elected in the manner directed by the electoral 
law and seventeen shall be appointed by the Governor-General acting 
for the Crown, from among such persons as have the qualifications 
specified in the following articles : 

Art. 6. To be entitled to sit in the council of administration it is 
necessary to be a Spanish subject; to have attained the age of thirty- 
five years; to have been born in the island, or to have had four years' 
constant residence therein; not to be subject to any pending criminal 
prosecution; to be in the full enjoyment of his political rights; to have 
his property free from attachment; to have had for two or more years 
previous an annual income of four thousand dollars ; to have no inter- 
est in any contract Avith either the insular or the home Government. 

The shareholders of a stock company shall not be considered as 
Government contractors, even if the company has a contract with 
the Government. 

Art. 7. Persons are also qualified to serve as councilors who, 
besides the above-stated requirements, have any of the following 
qualifications: 

1. To be or to have been a senator of the Kingdom, or to possess 
the requirements for being a senator, in conformity with Article III of 
the constitution. 

2. To have held for a period of two years any of the following 
offices : President, or prosecuting attorney of the pretorian court of 
Havana; rector of the University of Havana; councilor of adminis- 
tration in the council formerly thus designated; president of the 
Havana Chamber of Commerce; president of the Economic Society 
of Friends of the Country ; president of the Sugar Planters' Associa- 
tion; president of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Union; president of the 
Merchants, Tradesmens, and Agriculturalists' League; dean of the 
bar of Havana; mayor of Havana; president of the provincial assem- 
bly of Havana during two terms or of any provincial assembly during 
three terms; dean of either of the chapters of the two cathedrals. 

3. Likewise may be elected or appointed as councilor any property 
owner from among the fifty taxpayers paying the highest taxes, either 
on real estate or on industries, commerce, arts, and the professions. 

Art. 8. The councilors appointed by the Crown shall be appointed 
by special decrees, stating the qualification entitling the appointee to 
serve as councilor. 

Councilors thus appointed shall hold office for life. 

One-half the number of elective councilors shall be elected every 
five years, and the whole number shall be elected whenever the coun- 
cil of administration shall be dissolved by the Governor-General. 

Art. 9. The qualifications required in order to be appointed or 
elected councilor of administration may be changed by a national 
law, at the request or upon the proposition of the insular chambers. 

Art. 10. No councilor shall, during the session of the council, 
accept any civil office, promotion (unless it be strictly by seniority) 



358 

title, or decoration; but any councilor may be appointed by either 
the local or the home government to anj^ commission within his own 
profession or category, whenever the public service shall require it. 

The secretaries of the insular government shall be excepted from 
the foregoing rule. 

Title IV. 

THE CHAMBER OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

Art. 11. The chamber of representatives shall be composed of 
members named by the electoral boards in the manner prescribed by 
law and in the proportion of one for every twenty-five thousand 
inhabitants. 

Art. 12. To be elected as representative the candidate must have 
the following requirements: To be a Spanish citizen, to be a layman, 
to have attained his majority, to be in full enjoyment of civil rights, 
to have been born in the island or to have had four years' constant 
residence therein, and not to be subject to any pending criminal 
prosecution. 

Art. 13. Representatives shall be elected every five years, and any 
representative may be reelected any number of times. 

The insular chamber shall determine what classes of offices are incom- 
patible with the office of representative, as well as the cases governing 
reelection. 

Art. 14. Any representative upon whom either the local or home 
government shall confer a pension, or any employment, promotion 
(unless it be by strict seniority), paid commission, title, or decoration 
shall cease to be such without necessity of any declaration to that 
effect, unless he shall within fifteen days of his appointment notify the 
chamber of his having declined the favor. 

The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not include the 
representatives who shall be appointed members of the cabinet. 

Title V. 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSULAR CHAMBERS AND THEIR RELATIONS 

TO EACH OTHER. 

Art. 15. The chambers will meet every year. The King, the Gov- 
ernor-General acting in his name, shall convene, suspend, and adjourn 
the sessions and dissolve the chamber of representatives and the 
council of administration, either separately or simultaneously, under 
the obligation to call them together again or renew them within three 
months. 

Art. 16. Each of the two legislative bodies shall determine the 
rules of their proceedings and shall be the judges of the qualifications 
of their respective members and the legality of their election. 

Until the chamber and the council shall pass their own rules, they 
shall be governed by the rules of the national house of representa- 
tives and of the senate, respectively. 

Art. 17. Each chamber shall choose its president, vice-president, 
and secretaries. 

Art. 18. Neither chamber shall sit unless the other be sitting also, 
except when the council exercises judicial functions. 

Art. 19. The two insular chambers shall not deliberate together 
nor in the presence of the Governor-General. 



359 

The sessions shall be public, but either chamber may hold secret 
sessions whenever business of a private nature shall require it. 

Art. 20. To the Governor- General, through his secretaries, as well 
as to either of the two chambers, belongs the power to initiate and 
propose colonial statutes. 

Art. 21. All colonial statutes in regard to taxes and the public 
credit shall originate in the chamber of representatives. 

Art. 22. Resolutions may be passed by either chamber by a plu- 
rality of votes ; but in order to pass a measure of a legislative char- 
acter a majority of all the members constituting the body must be 
present. Nevertheless, one-third of the members shall constitute a 
quorum for deliberation. 

Art. 23. No resolution or law shall be considered passed by the 
insular parliament unless it has had the concurrence of the chamber 
of representatives and the council of administration. 

Art. 24. Every colonial statute, as soon as it has been approved in 
the form prescribed in the preceding article, shall be presented to the 
Governor-General by the officers of both chambers for his sanction and 
proclamation of the same. 

Art. 25. Members of the council and the chamber of representa- 
tives shall have immunity for any speech or vote in either chamber. 

Art. 26. No councilor of administration shall be indicted or arrested 
without a previous resolution of the council, unless he shall be found 
in fragranti or the council shall not be in session ; but in every ease 
notice shall be given to that body as soon as possible, that it may deter- 
mine what should be done. Nor shall the representatives be indicted 
or arrested during the sessions without the permission of the chamber 
unless they are found in fragranti; but in this last case, or in case of 
indictment or arrest when the chamber is not sitting, notice shall be 
given as soon as possible to the chamber of representatives for its 
information and action. All proceedings against councilors and repre- 
sentatives shall be brought before the pretorian court at Havana in 
the cases and manner that shall be prescribed by colonial statutes. 

Art. 27. The guaranties established in the foregoing section shall 
not apply to a councilor or representative who shall himself admit that 
he is the author of any article, book, pamphlet, or printed matter 
wherein military sedition is incited or invoked, or the Govern or- General 
is insulted and maligned, or national sovereignty is assailed. 

Art. 28. The relations between the two chambers shall be governed, 
until otherwise provided, by the act of July 19, 1837, regulating the 
relations between the two legislative houses of the Cortes. 

Art. 29. Besides the power of enacting laws for the colony, the insu- 
lar chambers shall have power — 

1. To receive the oath of the Governor- General to preserve the con- 
stitution and the laws which guarantee the autonomy of the colony. 

2. To enforce the responsibility of the secretaries of the executive, 
who shall be tried by the council, whenever impeached by the chamber 
of representatives. 

3. To address the home Government through the Governor- General, 
proposing the abrogation or modification of existing laws of the King- 
dom; to invite the home Government to present bills as to particular 
matters, or to ask a decision of an executive character on matters 
which interest the colony. 

Art. 30. The Governor-General shall communicate to the home 
Government, before presenting to the insular parliament any bill 
originating in the executive government of the island, whenever, in 



360 

his judgment, said bill may affect national interests. Should any 
such bill originate in the insular parliament, the government of the 
island shall ask for a postponement of the debate until the home 
Government shall have given its opinion. 

In either case the correspondence passing between the two govern- 
ments shall be laid before the chambers and published in the official 
Gazette. 

Art. 31. All differences of jurisdiction between the several munici- 
pal, provincial, and insular assemblies, or between any of them and 
the executive, which by their nature may not be referred to the home 
Government, shall be submitted to the courts of justice in accordance 
with the rules herein prescribed. 

Title VI. 

POWERS VESTED IN THE INSULAR PARLIAMENT. 

Art. 32. The insular chambers shall have power to pass upon all 
matters not specially and expressly reserved to the Cortes of the King- 
dom or to the central Government as herein provided, or as may be 
provided hereafter, in accordance with the prescription set forth in 
additional article 2. 

In this manner, and without implying that the following enumera- 
tion presupposes any limitation of their power to legislate on other 
subjects, they shall have power to legislate on all matters and sub- 
jects concerning the departments of justice, interior, treasury, public 
works, education, and agriculture. 

They shall likewise have exclusive cognizauce of all matters of a 
purely local nature which may principally affect the colonial territory; 
and to this end they shall have power to legislate on civil administra- 
tion; on provincial, municipal, or judicial apportionment; on public 
health, by land or sea, and on public credit, banks, and the monetary 
system. 

This power, however, shall not impair the powers vested in the 
colonial executive according to the laws in connection with the mat- 
ters above mentioned. 

Art. 33. It shall be incumbent upon the colonial parliament to 
make regulations under such national laws as may be passed by the 
Cortes and expressly intrusted to it. Especially among such meas- 
ures, parliament shall, legislate, and may do so at the first sitting, for 
the purpose of regulating the elections, the taking of the electoral 
census, qualifying electors, and exercising the right of suffrage ; but 
in no event shall these dispositions affect the rights of the citizens 
as established by the electoral laws. 

Art. 34. Notwithstanding that the laws governing the judiciary 
and the administration of justice are of a national character, and 
therefore obligatory for the colony, the insular parliament may, 
within the provisions of said laws, make rules or propose to the home 
Government such measures as shall render easier the admission, con- 
tinuance, or promotion in the local courts of lawyers, natives of the 
island, or practicing therein. 

The Governor-General in council shall have, as far as the island of 
Cuba is concerned, the same power that has been vested heretofore in 
the minister for the colonies for the appointment of the functionaries 
and subordinate and auxiliary officers of the judicial order and as to 
the other matters connected with the administration of justice. 



361 

Art. 35. The insular parliament shall have exclusive power to 
frame the local budget of expenditures and revenues, including the 
revenue corresponding to the island as her quota of the national 
budget. 

To this end the Governor-General shall present to the chambers 
every year before the month of January the budget for the next fiscal 
year, divided in two parts, as follows : The first part shall state the 
revenues needed to defray the expenses of sovereignty, and the sec- 
ond part shall state the revenues and expenditures estimated for the 
maintenance of the colonial administration. 

Neither chamber shall take up the budget of the colonial govern- 
ment without having finally voted the part for the maintenance of 
sovereignty. 

Art. 36. The Cortes of the Kingdom shall determine what expendi- 
tures are to be considered by reason of their nature as obligatory 
expenses inherent to sovereignty, and shall fix the amount every three 
years and the revenue needed to defray the same, the Cortes reserving 
the right to alter this rule. 

Art. 37. All treaties of commerce affecting the island of Cuba, be 
they suggested by the insular or by the home Government, shall be 
made by the latter with the cooperation of special delegates duly 
authorized by the colonial government, whose concurrence shall be 
acknowledged upon submitting the treaties to the Cortes. 

Said treaties, when approved by the Cortes, shall be proclaimed as 
laws of the Kingdom and as such shall obtain in the colony. 

Art. 38. Notice shall be given to the insular government of any 
commercial treaties made without its participation as soon as said 
treaties shall become laws, to the end that, within a period of three 
months, it may declare its acceptance or nonacceptance of their stipu- 
lations. In case of acceptance the Governor-General shall cause the 
treaty to be published in the Gazette as a colonial statute. 

Art. 39. The insular parliament shall also haA r e power to frame the 
tariff and fix the duties to be paid on merchandise as well for its 
importation into the territory of the island as for the exportation 
thereof. 

Art. 40. As a transition from the old regime to the new constitution,, 
and until the home and insular governments may otherwise conjointly 
determine hereafter, the commercial relations between the island and 
the metropolis shall be governed by the following rules: 

1. No differential duty, whether fiscal or otherwise, either on imports 
or exports, shall be imposed to the detriment of either insular or pen- 
insular production. 

2. The two governments shall make a schedule of articles of direct 
national origin to which shall be allowed by common consent prefer- 
ential duty over similar foreign products. 

In another schedule, made in like manner, shall be determined such 
articles of direct insular production as shall be entitled to privileged 
treatment on their importation into the Peninsula and the amount of 
preferential duties thereon. 

In neither case shall the preferential duty exceed 35 per cent. 

Should the home and the colonial government agree upon the sched- 
ules and the preferential duties, they shall be considered final and 
shall be enforced at once. In case of disagreement the point in dis- 
pute shall be submitted to a committee of representatives of the 
Cortes, consisting of an equal number of Cubans and Peninsulars. 
The committee shall appoint its chairman, and in case of disagree- 



362 

merit the eldest member shall preside. The chairman shall have the 
casting vote. 

3. The valuation tables concerning the articles in the schedules 
above mentioned shall be fixed by mutual agreement and shall be 
revised, after discussion, every two years. The modifications which 
may thereupon become necessary in the tariff duties shall be carried 
out at once by the respective governments. 

Title VII. 

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL. 

Art. 41. The supreme authority of the colony shall be vested in a 
Governor-General appointed by the King on the nomination of the 
council of ministers. In his capacity he shall have as viceroyal patron 
the power inherent in the patronate of the Indies; he shall have com- 
mand of all military and naval forces in the island ; he shall act as dele- 
gate of the departments of state, war, navy, and the colonies ; all other 
authorities in the island shall be subordinate to his, and he shall be 
responsible for the preservation of order and the safety of the colony. 

The Governor-General shall, before taking possession of his office, 
take an oath in the presence of the King to discharge his duties faith- 
fully and loyally. 

Art. 42. The Governor-General, representing the nation, will dis- 
charge by himself and with the aid of his secretaries all the functions 
indicated in the preceding articles and such others as may devolve 
upon him as direct delegate of the King in matters of a national 
character. 

It shall be incumbent upon the Governor-General, as representing the 
home Government: 

1. To appoint without restriction the secretaries of his cabinet. 

2. To proclaim, execute, and cause to be executed in the island all 
laws, decrees, treaties, international covenants, and all other acts 
emanating from the legislative branch of the Government, as well as 
all decrees, royal commands, and other measures emanating from the 
executive which shall be communicated to him by the departments of 
which he acts as delegate. 

Whenever in his judgment and in that of his secretaries he con- 
siders the resolutions of the home government as liable to injure the 
general interests of the nation or the special interests of the island he 
shall have power to suspend the publication and execution thereof, 
and shall so notify the respective department, stating the reasons for 
his action. 

3. To grant pardons in the name of the King, within the limitations 
specially prescribed to him in his instructions from the Government, 
and to stay the execution of a death sentence whenever the gravity of 
the circumstances shall so demand or the urgency of the case shall 
allow of no time to solicit and obtain His Majesty's pardon; but in 
either case he shall hear the counsel of his secretaries. 

4. To suspend the guarantees set forth in articles 3, 5, 6, and 9, and 
in the first, second, and third paragraphs of article 13 of the consti- 
tution; to enforce legislation in regard to public order, and to take 
all measures which he may deem necessary to preserve the peace 
within and the safety without for the territory entrusted to him after 
hearing the counsel of his cabinet. 

5. To take care that in the colony justice be promptly and fully 



363 

administered, and that it shall always be administered in the name of 
the King. 

6. To hold direct communication on foreign affairs with the ministers, 
diplomatic agents, and consuls of Spain throughout America. 

A full copy of such correspondence shall be simultaneously forwarded 
to the home Department of State. 

Art. 43. It behooves the Governor-General, as the superior authority 
in the colony and head of its administration : 

1. To take care that the rights, powers, and privileges now vested 
or that may henceforth be vested in the colonial administration be 
respected and protected. 

2. To sanction and proclaim the acts of the insular parliament, which 
shall be submitted to him by the president and secretaries of the 
respective chambers. 

Whenever, in the judgment of the Governor-General, an act of the 
insular parliament goes beyond its powers or impairs the rights of the 
citizens as set forth in Article I of the constitution, or curtails the guar- 
antees prescribed by law for the exercise of said rights, or jeopards the 
interest of the colony or of the nation, he shall forward the act to the 
council of ministers of the Kingdom, which, within a period that shall 
not exceed two months, shall either assent to it or return it to the 
Governor-General with the objections to its sanction and proclamation. 
The insular parliament may, in view of the objections, reconsider or 
modify the act if it deems fit without a special proposition. 

If two months shall elapse without the central government giving 
any opinion as to a measure agreed upon by the chambers which has 
been transmitted to it by the Governor-General, the latter shall sanc- 
tion and proclaim the same. 

3. To appoint, suspend, and discharge the employees of the colonial 
administration, upon the suggestion of the secretaries of the depart- 
ments and in accordance with the laws. 

4. To appoint and remove, without restriction, the secretaries of his 
cabinet. 

Art. 44. No executive order of the Governor-General, acting as 
representative and chief of the colony, shall take effect unless counter- 
signed by a secretary of the cabinet, who by this act alone shall make 
himself responsible for the same. 

Art. 45. There shall be five secretaries of department, to wit: 

Grace and justice and interior; finance; public education, public 
works and posts and telegraphs; agriculture, industry, and commerce. 

The Governor- General shall appoint the president of the cabinet 
from among the secretaries, and shall also have power to appoint a 
president without a secretaryship. 

The power to increase or diminish the number of secretaries com- 
posing the colonial cabinet, and to determine the scope of each depart- 
ment, is vested in the insular parliament. 

Art. 46. The secretaries of the cabinet may be members of either 
the chamber of representatives or the council of administration and 
take part in the debates of either chamber, but a secretary shall only 
vote in the chamber of which he is a member. 

Art. 47. The secretaries of the cabinet shall be responsible to the 
insular parliament. 

Art. 48. The Governor-General shall not modify or abrogate his own 
orders after they are assented to by the home government, or when 
they shall declare some rights, or when a sentence by a judicial court 



364 

or administrative tribunal shall have been based upon said orders, or 
when they shall deal with his own competency. 

Art. 49. The Governor- General shall not turn over his office when 
leaving the island except by special command from the home govern- 
ment. In case of absence from the seat of government which prevents 
his discharging the duties of his office or of disability to perform such 
duties, he can appoint one or more persons to take his place, provided 
the home government has not previously done so or the method of 
substitution shall not be stated in his instructions. 

Art. 50. The supreme court shall have the sole power to try the 
Governor- General when impeached for his responsibilities as defined 
by the Penal Code. 

The council of ministers shall take cognizance of his other responsi- 
bilities. 

Art. 51 . The Governor-General shall have the power, in spite of the 
provisions of the different articles of this decree, to act upon his own 
responsibility, without consulting his secretaries, in the following- 
cases : 

1. When forwarding to the home Government a bill passed by the 
insular parliament, especially when, in his opinion, it shall abridge the 
rights set forth in article 1 of the constitution of the monarchy or the 
guaranties for the exercise thereof vouchsafed by the laws. 

2. When it shall be necessary to enforce the law or public order, 
especially if there be no time or possibility to consult the home Gov- 
ernment. 

3. When enforcing the national laws that shall have been approved 
by the Crown and made applicable to all of the Spanish or to the 
colony under his government. 

The proceedings and means of action which the Governor-General 
shall employ in the above cases shall be determined by a special law. 

Title VIII. 

MUNICIPAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT. 

Art. 52. Municipal organization shall be compulsory for every group 
of population of more than one thousand inhabitants. 

Groups of less number of inhabitants may organize the service of 
their community by special covenants. 

Every legally constituted municipality shall have power to frame its 
own laws regarding public education; highways by land, river, and 
sea; public health; municipal finances; as well as to freely appoint 
and remove its own employees. 

Art. 53. At the head of each province there shall be an assembly, 
which shall be elected in the manner provided for by the colonial 
statutes, and shall be composed of a number of members in proportion 
to the population. 

Art. 54. The provincial assembly shall be autonomous as regards 
the creation and maintenance of public schools and colleges; charitable 
institutions and provincial roads and ways by land, river, or sea; also 
as regards their own budgets and the appointment and removal of 
their respective employees. 

Art. 55. The municipalities, as well as the provincial assemblies, 
shall have power to freely raise the necessary revenue to cover their 
expenditures, with no other limitation than to make the means adopted 



365 

compatible with the general system of taxation which shall obtain in 
the island. 

The resources for provincial appropriations shall be independent of 
municipal resources. 

Art. 56. The mayors and presidents of boards of aldermen shall be 
chosen by their respective boards from among their members. 

Art. 57. The mayors shall discharge without limitation the active 
duties of the municipal administration, as executors of the resolutions 
of the board of aldermen or their representatives. 

Art. 58. The aldermen and the provincial assemblymen shall be civ- 
illy responsible for the damages caused by their acts. 

Their responsibility shall be exacted before the ordinary courts of 
justice. 

Art. 59. The provincial assemblies shall freely choose their respec- 
tive presidents. 

Art. 60. The elections of aldermen and assemblymen shall be con- 
ducted in such manner as to allow for a legitimate representation of 
the minorities. 

Art. 61. The provincial and municipal laws now obtaining in the 
island shall continue in vogue, wherever not in conflict with the provi- 
sions of this decree, until the insular parliament shall legislate upon 
the matter. 

Art. 62. No colonial statute shall abridge the powers vested by the 
preceding articles in the municipalities and the provincial assemblies. 

Title IX. 

AS TO THE GUARANTIES FOR THE FULFILLMENT OF THE COLONIAL 

CONSTITUTION. 

Art. 63. Whenever a citizen shall consider that his rights have been 
violated or his interests injured by the action of a municipality or a 
provincial assembly he shall have the right to apply to the courts of 
justice for redress. 

The department of justice shall, if so required by the agents of the 
executive government of the colony, prosecute before the courts the 
boards of aldermen or provincial assemblies charged with breaking 
the laws or abusing their power. 

Art. 64. In the cases referred to in the preceding article the follow- 
ing courts shall have jurisdiction : The territorial audiencia shall try 
all claims against municipalities, and the pretorian court of Havana 
shall try all claims against provincial assemblies. 

Said courts, when the charges against any of the above-mentioned 
corporations shall be for abuse of power, shall render their decisions 
by a full bench. From the decision of the territorial audiencia an 
appeal shall be allowed to the pretorian court of Havana, and from the 
decisions of the latter an appeal shall be allowed to the supreme court 
of the Kingdom. 

Art. 65. The redress of grievances which article 62 grants to any 
citizen can also be had collectively by means of public action, by 
appointing an attorney or representative claimant. 

Art. 66. Without in any way impairing the powers vested in the 
Governor-General by Title V of the present decree, he may, whenever 
he deems fit, appear before the pretorian court of Havana in his capacity 
as chief of the executive government of the colony, to the end that said 
court shall finally decide any conflict of jurisdiction between the execu- 
tive power and the legislative chambers of the colony. 



366 

Art. 67. Should any question of jurisdiction be raised between the 
insular parliament and the Governor-General in his capacity as repre- 
sentative of the home Government, which shall not have been sub- 
mitted to the council of ministers of the Kingdom by petition of the 
insular parliament, either party shall have power to bring the matter 
before the supreme court of the Kingdom, which shall render its deci- 
sion by a full bench and in the first instance. 

Art. QS. The decisions rendered in all cases provided for in the pre- 
ceding articles shall be published in the collection of colonial statutes 
and shall form part of the insular legislation. 

Art. G9. Every municipal measure for the purpose of contracting a 
loan or a municipal debt shall be without effect, unless it be assented 
to by a majority of the townspeople whenever one-third of the number 
of aldermen shall so demand. 

The amount of the loan or debt which, according to the number of 
inhabitants of a township, shall make the referendum proceeding nec- 
essary shall be determined by special statute. 

Art. 70. All legislative acts originating in the insular parliament 
or the Cortes shall be compiled under the title of colonial statutes in a 
legislative collection, the formation and publication of which shall be 
intrusted to the Governor- General as chief of the colonial executive. 



THE SYSTEM OP TAXATION. 

THE CONSUMPTION TAX. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October SI, 1898. 

Mr. Crosas. I have been engaged in business here for twenty years, 
dealing mostly in produce. Planters consign to me and I sell on orders 
from the United States. 

Dr. Cajrroll. Can you give me some information in regard to the 
consumption tax? 

Mr. Crosas. That is a tax levied on all goods, according to the Spanish 
law, to eat, to drink, or to burn; not on dry goods, not on trinkets or 
jewelry — only on the most necessary articles of consumption, such as 
wines, maize, rice, lard, sugar, flour, milk, charcoal which is used 
for cooking purposes, and other articles. When this law was passed 
it would seem that there must have been among the representatives 
at Madrid a majority who were dry goods merchants, because it favors 
the dry goods men as against the provision merchants. 

Eventually this tax has produced a serious effect upon the stomachs 
of the poor people. We have been selling sugar at $3 a hundred 
pounds, Spanish — the Spanish pound being a little heavier than the 
pound of the United States. Added to that was the consumption tax 
of 2 cents a pound, and then the grocer wanted to get a profit out of 
it and he had the expense of clerk hire, etc., so that the sugar which 
might have sold for 4 cents a pound was sold for G cents, and the poor 
people were the ones that suffered. Take flour, $2.50 per sack of 200 
pounds; take rice, 2 cents a pound, and at this rate it can be seen 
that the burden fell directly upon the poor, because the very things 
which they required were the things which were taxed. They have 
complained about it; they say that they are becoming anemic for 



367 

want of proper food because they are unable to buy the necessaries 
of life with their small wages. 

Dr. Carroll. How long has it been since the tax was first levied? 

Mr. Crosas. I do not remember just how long. I remember how I 
opposed it, but there was a smart lawyer, who thought he knew it all, 
in the council, and he said it was scientific; that France had it, and 
that it would be a good thing here. I told him that France had a heavy 
debt and everything had to pay there, but that we did not have that 
here. However, my objection went for naught. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the tax general throughout the island? 

Mr. Crosas. As soon as the tax was instituted here every little town 
throughout the island did the same thing. They even had a tax on 

Dr. Carroll. Do they have a tax on eggs and chickens? 

Mr. Crosas. No; it was taken off, but we have it on rum, rice, wine, 
beer, Spanish pease, meat, charcoal, milk, etc. The tax should be 
abolished immediately. Taxes generally through the country have 
been levied according to the party you belonged to. If you were a 
Conservative, you got off pretty well; but if you were a native or a 
foreigner or a Liberal, they would put the screws on you by chang- 
ing the valuation. I remember that there was a farm rented by a 
Spaniard and he was obliged to pay the taxes on that farm, the whole 
of which amounted to about $80 a year. The owner of the land owed 
me considerable money and I had to take this property, and when it 
became my property they increased the taxes on it to $400. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a tax, municipal or provincial, on store- 
keepers? 

Mr. Crosas. We have what is called here patente — that is, the pat- 
ent or privilege of opening your doors as a store. They have four 
classes; I was in the first class as an importer. The Government 
levied the tax on me for the national treasury, amounting to $700. 
Then the municipal authorities levied a tax of 7-g- per cent, amounting 
to $1,050. Consequently I was paying to Her Majesty annually $1,750 
under Spanish administration. But finally, seeing how things were 
going, I placed myself in the second class and they have imposed on 
me a Government tax of $421, and the city council wants to charge 12-J 
per cent ($1,050), but I refused to pay it. The Government taxes you 
on your profits 5 per cent, but they appraise the profits a great deal 
more than they really are. The municipality taxes the storekeeper 
according to its necessities — 7 per cent or more ; this year 7-J- per cent. 
I don't know where the municipality got its authority from to con- 
tribute so many thousand dollars to the national Government. 



ABUSES IN TAXATION. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Gobo, P. R., January 15, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. How many miles is it from here to the city of Arecibo? 

Mr. Leopold Strube. About 16 miles, and from here to Utuado, 6 
or 7 miles. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have to pay as much taxes as though you 
lived in Arecibo? 

Mr. Strube. We have to pay only one tax here. That was a tax 
on property according to the income — no, not even according to the 



368 

income, but according to the character of the plantation — and the tax 
is not large. This property is valued at 18,000 pesos, and we pay only 
about 150 pesos a year in Arecibo, and about 60 or 70 pesos in Utuado. 
This is not a large tax, but it is not equally divided between the two 
municipal districts, because I have four parts of my land in Arecibo, 
and pay 150 pesos there, and one part in Utuado, where I pay nearly 
one-half what I pay in Arecibo. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't you pay any insular taxes for the General Gov- 
ernment in San Juan? 

Mr. Strube. That tax covers both. About 50 pesos would go to the 
insular treasury and 100 to the municipal. 

Dr. Carroll. How do they get at the amount of that tax? 

Mr. Strube. It is based on what we declare. That is another thing. 
At first I had to pay more money than anybody else. Then one big 
plantation here, which raises about five times as much coffee as I, 
paid only $20 more than I paid. When I noticed that, I went to the 
secretary and arranged it with him in Arecibo. In Utuado I never 
could get to see the secretary. When it came time to make state- 
ments for taxes in Arecibo, I went there and made a claim and said 
I could not pay so much when others were paying less. Then they 
reduced my taxes $30. Afterwards the secretary of the municipality 
came to me and said that I must give him $15 because he had had my 
taxes reduced $30. I said, ' ' No, you did not do it. I protested in 
the usual way and got my right in public." But I knew that if I did 
not pay him $15 I would lose, the benefit of the reduction, because he 
would put the assessment back again to what it was before. I said 
to him, "I will give you $15 if you will reduce my taxes another $30," 
and he did that, and since then I have been paying him $15 a year, 
and he has kept my assessment down. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think he divided with others? 

Mr. Strube. No; the Spaniards did not pay to him, because they had 
their ways of getting their rights, but this secretary had all the for- 
eigners. It was like a personal tax we had to pay him. 

Dr. Carroll. The poor man did not get that rebate? 

Mr. Strube. No; but the Spaniards did not tax the poor man, 
because they knew he had nothing. They said, "We will tax the 
other fellow more and make up the difference." 



STATE TAXES ONEROUS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aguadilla, P. R., January 21, 1899. 

Mr. Adrian Del Valle (of Del Valle, Coppich & Co.). Mr. Tor- 
regrosa and I defend the same ideas and principles. I was mayor of 
the town, elected by popular vote. I have a commission house and 
coffee-cleaning establishment. 

In the name of Porto Rieans generally I thank you for the good 
opinions you have formed of the island, as I have seen it stated in the 
press. I have a brother in the States, and all the family of my part- 
ner are being educated in the United States. Owing to my position 
as a taxpayer for twenty-five or thirty years I have always had a 
voice in the municipality, and I do not preach anything but that 
which will benefit the district in which I live. 

One of our necessities is roads, especially that from here to Lares. 



369 

The deputation had this road under its charge and was planning to 
make such a road in former days, but the road was never completed. 
They were six years making 5 kilometers of this road, and that has 
never been paid for yet. Everything has been done here by what we 
call an expediente — that is, you can not address anybody except by a 
certain form of writing on stamped paper; everything has to be done 
by written documents. The country is ruined by the immense amount 
of taxation levied on it. 

Our business house had to pay $500 for state taxes. We had to pay 
one and one-half times that for municipal taxes. Then we had to 
pay besides indirect taxes. They used to say here that the state 
had a hand in one pocket and the province a hand in the other pocket 
of poor Porto Rico ; but, in spite of this, the Government never allowed 
us to take care of our own matters. We had nothing to say in the 
government of the country, because we were Porto Ricans. A mer- 
chant, if he wished to live a quiet life, had to fall in with the plans of 
robbery and thieving from the Government that is practiced here. In 
custom-house dealings, for instance, it was impossible to conduct a 
business if the merchant did not fall in with the ways of the custom- 
house people and bribe them for the purpose of smuggling in goods. 
The Spanish employees forced us to rob the Government or go out of 
business. Ten years ago, when I was in the United States, I liked the 
country so much that I said to my friend, "The only salvation for 
Porto Rico is that it fall into the hands of the United States." We 
want new laws to be put in force here as soon as possible. It is not 
possible to do very much under present conditions. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you refer now to any particular code, the penal 
or the commercial code, or to the administration of affairs generally? 

Mr. Del Valle. The whole system has to be changed, especially 
that of instruction. Money is spent and nothing is seen for it. 



THE BASIS OF STATE TAXATION. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Mayaguez, P. R. , January 24, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. I should like to ask a few questions about the tax 
department. How are estimates upon property made? 

Mr. Manuel Balsac (secretary of municipality). They take as a 
basis the State taxation, and on that basis the municipality taxes so 
much per cent — that is, so much per cent of the amount taxed hj the 
State. 

Dr. Carroll. Who determines the basis of State taxation? 

Secretary Balsac. The taxpayers themselves. They themselves 
form a committee of experts and prepare plans showing the amount 
of property that they own, and they work upon that. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there no attempt to ascertain whether they have 
property or income beyond that which they report? 

Secretary Balsac. They have not done it up to the present, because 
the State has proceeded in the following manner: It merely says, 
"We want so much money. Now, you divide it up among your- 
selves." Usually this measure applies only to urban property, in 
which usually the merchants and householders form committees. As 
regards the suburban and agricultural property, a State board of 
1125 24 



370 

experts was formed, and made application to the alcaldes for infor- 
mation and returns, and on that they formed the tax rate. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose it was expected that each gremio would see 
that every member paid his proper share? 

Secretary Balsac. Among the merchants that did take place, but 
among agricultural interests the vigilance exercised was not so effect- 
ive, and now and then they had complaints. 

Dr. Carroll. For the purpose of taxation how many gremios are 
there? 

Secretary Balsac. I think there are about forty, every industry and 
every profession being represented. 

Dr. Carroll. How are the accounts divided as between the gre- 
mios — by representatives of those gremios? 

Secretary Balsac. The basis of the taxation of each gremio is deter- 
mined by the tariff established by law. For instance, lawyers pay 
$40 each. If there were ten lawyers in the town, they would be taxed 
$400. They would meet and apportion that among themselves. In 
practice they all pay the same amount. There are several physicians, 
and they all pay the same. 

Dr. Carroll. How about householders? Do they pay for the value 
of the rental of the houses, or how do they pay, if not in that way? 

Mr. St. Laurent. Householders send in sworn returns of their 
property during the year. .From these sworn returns as to rental 
25 per cent is deducted as an allowance for expenses, and they pay 5 
per cent on what remains. 

Dr. Carroll. Are household needs included in the estimates? 

Mr. St. Laurent. No; only rental value of the houses. 

Dr. Carroll. Suppose a house were unoccupied for a whole year, 
would there be a tax? 

Mr. St. Laurent. It pays just the same. 

Dr. Carroll. Suppose a farm is abandoned and brings in no 
income, does it pay the same tax? 

Mr. St. Laurent. In that case the owner would make it known to 
the authorities, and instead of paying a tax on his land as cultivated 
land he would pay a tax on it as grazing land or pasture land. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it, in your judgment, be better to fix a dif- 
ferent plan of valuation, a certain percentage, say, on the valuation 
of property, it being understood that as property increases or decreases 
in value the rate of assessment is changed accordingly, and then to 
levy a rate at a certain per cent on the value of the lands and 
tenements. 

Mr. St. Laurent. That is our desire here, but we are prevented 
from doing it because we have not municipal autonomy. 

Dr. Carroll. I merely ask if you approve that method — whether 
that method ought to be introduced when the new government is 
introduced into the island. 

Mr. St. Laurent. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. And whether it would be well to levy also a poll tax 
of, say, 1 peso upon every voting citizen, apart from all his other 
taxes, so that not only those who have property should pay taxes, but 
those who have not property. 

Mr. St. Laurent. The collection of that would be very difficult. 

Mr. Cartagena. Do they have that system to-day in the United 
States? 

Dr. Carroll. In many of the States they do, and in those States 
when a man comes to vote his vote may be challenged if he has not 
paid his poll tax. 



371 

Mr. St. Laurent. Later on, perhaps, I think we could introduce 
that, but at present it would be attended with great difficulty. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not a sound principle that every male citizen 
should contribute to the government whose pi'otection he enjoys? 

Mr. St. Laurent. As a general principle it is as good a plan as you 
could advise, but the difficulty would be to put it in practice. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the special difficulty about the inaugura- 
tion of it? You have had a system of passports for which you have 
paid more than this amount of tax. 

Mr. St. Laurent. The passive resistance of individuals against it. 
The cedulas were divided into different classes. The laborer paid 12 
cents only. Then there was a cedula of 20 cents, and so on up to $25, 
according to the position of the person who paid. 

Dr. Carroll. It might be that a lesser amount should be named. 
I named the peso because generally the amount in the United States 
is $1. 

Mr. St. Laurent. Would you make the amount the same for every- 
body? 

Dr. Carroll. Yes. 

Mr. St. Laurent. The poor men would have to pay an equal amount 
then with the rich men. 

Dr. Carroll. But the rich men would have to pay several hundred 
dollars in other ways, while the poor man would pay only one tax. 

Secretary Balsac. The municipal law provides for the collection 
of a head tax, but the difficulty of collecting has been so great that 
we have given it up. 

Dr. Carroll. Perhaps you have not had any penalty attached to 
it, such as denying the right of suffrage to those who do not pay the tax. 

Mr. St. Laurent. Nobody has that right. 

Dr. Carroll. Under the autonomistic regime a voting privilege 
was allowed. 

Secretary Balsac. Under the law of suffrage granted the head tax 
was $5. 

Dr. Carroll. Under the autonomistic regime? 

A Physician present. There was universal suffrage in that system. 



THE NEW LAND TAX. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Island of Vieques, P. R. , January SI, 1899. 

Mr. L. F. Wolfe. There is another thing we wish to speak of, and 
that is the new tax on land. Our land can not be classed with the 
land of Porto Rico as 1, 2, and 3, the cultivation of sugar paying from 
50 cents to $1 and the cultivation of grass for cattle paying one-half 
that. The $1 charge is exorbitant. The tax on hills that we do not 
use at all is also excessive, because we must leave them wooded in 
order to attract the rain, as we have no rivers here. If we cut down 
the trees on them, we would be ruined. 

Dr. Carroll. Your objection is to the rates and not to the classifi- 
cation? 

Mr. Wolfe. That is it. Porto Rico can stand those rates. We 
are paying also a great deal in customs. We pay to the capital also, 
and I fear that with all these taxes we shall have to leave the island. 



372 

Vieques has been badly treated by Porto Rico. We used to pay the 
city $25,000 for prisons. Then we used to have to pay for roads, 
although we never got roads. Our roads would not have been built 
at all if we had not done something for them. 



THE MUNICIPAL TAX. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Humacao, P. R. , February 1, 1899. 
Mr. Antonio Ortiz, a retail dealer of Humacao, and others: 

Mr. Ortiz. Under the Spanish Government we had to pay very 
heavy taxes, and still have to pay them. I want to ask if the present 
government can not reduce them-. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that the tax was very small under the 
Spanish law; that you could open your store for something like $15 a 
year. 

Mr. Ortiz. The state charges $16; we pay 400 per cent of that to 
the municipality, and on top of that $60 for a liquor license. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you in the first, second, or third class of liquor 
dealers? 

M.v. Ortiz. In the seventh class. 

Mr. Antonio Roig. We have only two classes — first and second. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you haven't followed out the new order, which 
makes a further division. 

Mr. Ortiz. The order makes no further distinction ; the only dis- 
tinction is as to the population of the town in which we do business — 
those in some towns paying more than those in others, according to 
the number of inhabitants in the towns. The tax of $60 on liquors 
and $60 on tobacco are in addition to the old tax, to make up for the 
consumption tax, which was in part abolished. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the council only make two classes in applying 
the new order? 

Mr. Ortiz. Yes; only into wholesale and retail. I don't complain 
about the new liquor tax, but about the municipal tax of $64. It is 
too large an amount as compared with the money I have invested in 
my business. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you made representation to the alcalde and 
council with reference to this matter? 

Mr. Ortiz. The whole of the merchants of this district made a com- 
plaint to General Henry. Some time ago the collector of taxes went 
around town from store to store and told them they were not paying 
in the class to which they belonged. I was put from the eighth class 
into the seventh, so that I am paying more than I did before. I don't 
know why they raised my class. I have been around to all the mer- 
chants and they all complain that their status has been changed. 

A Councilman. They have no complaint to make on that score, 
because formerly they were pajdng in a class to which they did not 
belong, owing to the favoritism of the custom-house officials, who placed 
them in their respective classes. They now have their proper legal 
status, so they can not make any representation to General Henry. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes, they can, because that will present a reason for 
a new classification. A man who has a capital of only $200 can not 
afford to pay nearly $200 to start business. 



373 

OBJECTIONS TO THE NEW LAND TAX. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Guayama, P. R. , February 3, 1899. 

Mr. Juan I. Capo. I am a property owner, and I think I can say 
that the people, as a whole, are not pleased with the new tax pub- 
lished a few days ago, because it is not a just one. In characterizing 
it as unjust I can give data which will uphold my statement. This 
data will be given in a written statement which I will send to you at 
the capital. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any other gentleman who wishes to speak 
on the new land tax? 

Mr. Modesto Bird (property owner). I consider that the tax on 
cane lands is a just one, but I consider the tax on pasture lands too 
high. I am an owner of cane lands, and can, therefore, speak with- 
out prejudice. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you please give your reasons? 

Mr. Bird. There are pasture lands which should pay a dollar, 
because they are worth it ; but others should not pay a dollar, because 
their condition does not warrant it. There are some lands up on the 
mountains, on which the owners raise small fruits, which will have to 
pay $200, although the land itself is not worth more than $800. I think 
cane lands will be benefited by the tax, but lands growing small 
fruits can not pay the tax. 

Dr. Belondte. The owners of pasture lands are not all on the same 
footing. You have to take into account what land produces, what it 
can be rented for, and what it can be sold for. For instance, in 
Guayama, where we suffer six months in the year for want of rain, 
we require 4 acres to pasture the same number of cattle that can be 
pastured on 1 acre in Yabncoa; and when I say Yabucoa, I mean 
other districts under the same conditions. 

Dr. Carroll. That seems to be reasonable. 

Dr. Belondte. If you rent an acre of pasture land here you can 
not get more than $2 for it, whereas if you rent an acre of cane land 
you can get $8 and more. The same applies to selling. If you sell 
an acre of pasture land you get $15, but in the case of sugar or coffee 
land you get $100 or more. 



INEQUALITY OF THE NEW LAND TAX. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arroyo, P. R. , February 3, 1899. 

Mr. Verges (of Arroyo). One of the questions that are causing a 
great deal of discussion is the new land tax, which I think perhaps is 
not rightly understood. Certainly the old system was very defective, 
and this is an improvement, if it can only be established in the correct 
way. 

Dr. Carroll. What would be your idea as to the inauguration of it? 

Mr. Verges. It is difficult to say. I think, however, that a com- 
mission should study the matter before it is implanted, because there 
are cane lands, for example, which easily give 4 or 5 hogsheads a cuerda, 
while others give no more than 2, and yet under this law each must 
pay the same. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they not classified in three classes? 



374 

Mr. Verges. No ; in two classes ; and I think that the greatest losers 
will be the poorer people — those who will he treated most harshly. 

Dr. Carroll. Those who will have to pay 25 centavos a cuerda? 

Mr. Verges. Yes; that is too high. People who have very poor 
land can not afford to pay that. 

Dr. Carroll. I have heard the criticism that you make now made 
before as to small proprietors. 

Mr. Verges. In places like Arroyo and Maunabo I think the yield, 
under the conditions that we have here, will hardly exceed 2 hogs- 
heads a cuerda. Formerly lands were more productive, more verdant 
than they are to-day, and the yield was considerably more. Our lands 
are becoming worn out. If we can establish irrigation here and prop- 
erly renew the land, I have no doubt the yield could be augmented a 
good deal. 

Mr. Verges. Returning to the tax, I think there should be a fourth 
class. The first class pays $1; that is 1 per cent for land worth $100; 
but 25 per cent is too high, because there are lands here you can 
get for $12. 

I think there should really be five classes. There are some lands 
far away from the roads which are of very little value, some of which 
animals can not work, but the idea of the system is good. It puts a 
certain tax on our lands, whereas formerly taxation was a source of 
great injustice. People who have been so placed that ihej could 
work everything to their own interests, without regard to the interest 
of others, have taken advantage of it. Certainly there should be a 
low tax in behalf of the very poor people. 

Dr. Carroll. My own belief is that the property tax best for this 
island is the system which is based on valuation, the tax being a cer- 
tain per cent on the valuation. It seems to me that that system is a 
really just one. 

Mr. Verges. My idea would be to assess the land at a certain val- 
uation, and let the same per cent rule in the whole district. 

Dr. Carroll. That is the system we have in the United States, 
and while open to abuse, as any system is, I think on the whole it is 
the most equitable. The only difficulty is to put land into the right 
classification. You can generally arrive at an idea of what land is 
worth an acre and let it be assessed in that way. 

Mr. Verges. But we will know better what our lands are worth 
when we know under what conditions we are working. If we are 
working as United States citizens and are granted the large measure 
of freedom enjoyed in the mother country, the situation will be dif- 
ferent from what it has been up to this time. There has been no 
fixed valuation to any property in the island. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't think it is possible for the old system to 
continue. 

Mr. Verges. We hoped not, but up to the present it has continued. 
I have seen properties which have cost their owners $250,000 practi- 
cally given away for $50,000 or 175,000. You can not go out into the 
country and say this property is worth so much. It has no fixed mar- 
ket value. If you want the property, you will give for it what the 
particular circumstances of the case may make it worth to you. When 
we know under what conditions we are working, then, of course, it 
will be different. 

Mr. Luis Bosselo. I wish to inform you of a case of injustice of a 
kind which frequently occurs in this island. I started a coffee plan- 
tation in Patillo, and the ayuntamiento, instead of helping me, imposed 



375 

on me a maximum tax, as if it were in bearing, whereas it has just 
been planted. That is against the law, as under the Spanish law 
estates which are newly planted are exempt for ten years from taxation. 

Dr. Carroll. If they are working against the law, you have a 
remedy. 

Mr. Bosselo. No; they pay no attention to petitions or representa- 
tions. My estate yielded this year 120 pounds of coffee, and they 
charged me $100. 

Mr. Juan P. Giovani. I produced on my estate 320 pounds and 
paid $160 in Patillo. 



THE NEW TAX LAW IN CITIES. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 4, 1899. 

Dr. Stephen Vidal (a physician). The laws with regard to house 
rent are defective and tend to depreciate the value of city real estate. 
Property is not so valuable if there is no facility for collecting rents. 

There is a very important question in reference to the city building 
lots. City lands within the last few years have increased greatly in 
value and have been much built up. I don't think the government 
has any right to complain of the holders of town lots, but they have 
just put a tax of 5 cents per meter on town lots, and I find that tax 
very heavy. I have been trying to make arrangements to build on 
some of them, but this tax will prevent. It is a precipitous measure 
and uncalled for. 

Dr. CarrolL. Do you refer to the last order of General Henry? 

Dr. Vidal. Yes; there was absolutely no need for that measure. 

Mr. Cortado. I consider it a very unjust tax, because it is not pos- 
sible to build up our city in a day. Everything you see here has been 
the result of our own initiative. We have never had protection from 
the government. Under the administration of Daban I was in the 
council of Aguadilla, and he issued an order against putting up of 
wooden houses. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the size of city lots? 

Dr. Vidal. There is no limit to them. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the tax per year? 

Dr. Vidal. The tax is 5 cents a meter. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that square measure? 

Dr. Vidal. Yes; and I think the measure must have been devised 
by persons who have no property at all. 

Dr. Carroll. That would be about $55 a year on a lot 100 foot 
front— about what would it be in the United States. 

Dr. Vidal. In the United States the inhabitants of a town are in a 
better position. There are more people in a position to pay, whereas 
here nearly all are poor. 

A Gentleman present. I have people on my property too poor to 
pay the tax. If they consider my suburban property as within the 
limits of the city for the purpose of this tax, it will not be possible to 
pay it. Some poor people living in my houses can not even pay $1 a 
month, and I can not sell the property, because there are no buyers. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get any income from your land? 

A Gentleman present. No; absolutely none. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you furnish the houses for them to live in? 

A Gentleman present. There are houses built on them which cost 



376 

very little. If they are considered as standing on building lots, within 
the meaning of the tax, I don't know what will he the outcome. 

Dr. Carroll. What are you holding the land for? 

A Gentleman present. They were formerly grazing lands. 

Dr. Carroll. Is all of it occupied now b}^ the poor people? 

A Gentleman present. The greater part of it is. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not likely that such lands will be considered as 
lands outside of the city and be taxed so much per cuerda? 

A Gentleman present. That may be, but as lands have not been 
classified yet I am not sure about it. They adjoin the city limits. We 
fear the municipality will abuse this power and consider such lands 
as city property. 

Dr. Carroll. General Heniy said that his reason for taxing poor 
men's property at 25 cents per cuerda was to force them to cultivate 
the lands and make more out of them. I presume his system of tax- 
ing building lands is for the purpose of inducing the owners of them 
to make improvements on them or to build on them. 

A Gentleman present. We don't require a stimulus of that kind. 
If under the Spanish Government we could produce what we have, 
you can imagine that under the present Government we will build up 
the lands without any such coercion. You can be sure there are mer- 
chants here who, as soon as they can see that there are any profits to 
be made out of building, will build. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think there should be no tax on these build- 
ing lots? 

A Gentleman present. A proper way to stimulate building would 
be to better the law in relation to landlord and tenant so as to enable 
the landlord to collect. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the difficulty about that law uoav? 

Dr. Vidal. There are a great many difficulties. I will make you a 
list of them and send it to you. 

Dr. Carroll. Before you pass from that point, unless you are going 
to talk further, I want to ask a few questions. I was informed by the 
alcalde yesterday that the result of the new tax scheme for city prop- 
erty would be that this municipality would not have much more than 
one-half the income that it has previously had from taxation ; that the 
tax will be very much reduced upon improved property. 

A Gentleman present. Formerly, under the Spanish law, unim- 
proved building lots paid nothing. 

Dr. Carroll. But I am speaking of improved property. The alcalde 
says that the new system has greatly reduced taxation on improved 
property. Is that true? 

Mr. Vidal. The municipality does not need to have so much. The 
municipality has too many unnecessary expenses. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that, according to the preceding system, 
about 7i per cent of the taxes went to the municipality and about 
5 per cent went to the insular government, and under the new arrange- 
ment there will be an even division of the proceeds as between the 
municipality and the insular government. And the alcalde states that 
instead of $300,000 or $360,000 the municipality ought to have at least 
$500,000 for its expenditures. 

A Gentleman present. We can not be frank in speaking of this 
alcalde or. any other, because we don't wish to appear to slander any- 
body. I understand the reason for the shortage in the municipality 
is that many importing merchants took their names off the importing 
list when the war was started. I think the Government has been too 



377 

kind in removing the licenses on lawyers and doctors. I am a doctor 
myself , but I think as such I ought to pay. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't you think a just and fair system of taxation 
on assessed valuation of all property is a better system than taxation 
on incomes? 

A Gentleman present. The system is a good one, but it would 
take a great while to value property. 

Dr. Carroll. General Henry's idea is that the present system is a 
step in that direction. 

Mr. Cortado. I think that the deficit could be made up by a small 
duty on articles imported. Ponce imports 50,000 barrels of flour, and 
I don't think a tax of 25 per cent would hurt anybody, and in that 
way they could make up their deficits. Flour in the United States 
can not possibly be cheaper than the quotations of yesterday — $3.15 
per barrel. 

Dr. CarrOll. If Porto Rico is to become a Territory of the United 
States, all customs duties between the two countries may be abolished. 

Mr. Cortado. We have to get our municipal expenses from some- 
where. 

Mr. Casals. This country is purely an agricultural country, and 
has no industries of any sort. Instead of taxing agriculture it should 
be protected, because you see the terrible condition it is in now. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't think agriculture should be taxed heavier 
than it is now. 

A Gentleman present. I have been in this country for many years, 
and I believe that it is the desire of everybody to have a Territorial 
form of government and to secure free trade with the United States. 
These gentlemen, I believe, will tell you the same thing. It is an 
erroneous opinion on the part of the people in Washington that we 
want a colonial form of government. 

Dr. Carroll. An important financial question is involved, and that 
is whether without the receipts from customs, you can raise money 
enough to meet your expenses. 

Mr. R. Casals. We all wish to have a Territorial form of govern- 
ment, and we believe that the island will be able to raise money 
enough to attend to it, but the form in which taxes are collected must 
be changed. The present system is too onerous and is not justly 
carried out. The assessor may be your enemy, and in that case he 
will assess you larger than he ought. The custom-houses should be 
constituted as tax collectors, doing away with the assessors and col- 
lectors, who are guilty of immoral transactions. 

Dr. Vidal. As I am a doctor, have lived all iny life in Porto Rico, 
and necessarily mingled with the people, I can say that everybody 
would be well satisfied to see a Territorial form of government estab- 
lished here. The great mass of the people do not fall in line with the 
view of our seeking something else. 

A Gentleman present. The Spanish Government used to collect 
internal revenue and also customs. Now, Mr. Casals means to say 
that the officials in the custom-house named by the Federal Govern- 
ment should pay the taxes to the insular government and not trust 
the insular agents. 

Mr. Cortado. The proof that we must have customs of some sort 
is that municipalities have never been able to meet their expenses 
without a consumption tax. 

Dr. Carroll. But the island has had larger expenses than it will 
have hereafter. You won't have to pay $200,000 to the church; you 



378 

won't have to pay $2,500,000 for the army and navy; and so there will 
be a big reduction in the expenses. 

Dr. Vidal. I think that by economizing in the municipalities and 
levying an equitable tax we could fully cover our expenses. 

Dr. Carroll. I think if you had the right system of taxation you 
could raise all the money you need without putting a burden on any- 
body. 

Mr. Cortado. You must understand that this country is dead. In 
its interior everybody owes money and no one can pay. 

Dr. Carroll. Is not it altogether probable that the system of tax- 
ation has been very unequal and unjust? 

Mr. Cortado. The people are afraid that the same system will be 
continued here. 



REFORMS IN TAXES. 
STATEMENT OF JOSE M. ORTIZ. 

Maunabo, P. R., February 84, 1899. 

1. Suppression of the provincial deputation and the enormous dis- 
bursements it occasions. 

2. Collect no taxes from newly established industries for at least 
three years. Impose light duties only on the crude material they may 
import. 

3. Extensive liberty for mercantile traffic and opening of all the 
ports to coasting trade. Allow no measures making this illusory or 
favoring the absorbent pretensions of the heads of maritime depart- 
ments. 

4. The prohibition of the payment of gratuities, fees, and traveling 
allowances (apart from expenses) to employees of custom-houses and 
public treasury inspectors when on journeys of inspection. 

5. Suppression of the sale of meat in the cities by auction, and 
complete liberty for anyone to engage in the sale of that article. 
The slaughter of cattle in public abattoirs under rigid inspection, and 
the payment of the taxes imposed by the state or municipality. 
Suppression of direct taxation of the wholesale and retail supplier. 

(6) A better system of registry tax on cattle or its complete sup- 
pression. There are owners of 200 oxen who only have 10 registries, 
and some of 5 or 6 oxen who have no registries, whereas many cattle 
dealers possess hundreds of registries of imaginary oxen, which illegal 
state of affairs is the cause of much immorality. 

(Note by translator. — This probably refers to the ownership of 
registered brands. ) 

(7) Suppression of stamped paper, poll .tax (cedula), royal dues on 
transfer of real estate, and the fines which these dues give rise to. 

(8) Less rigor and complexity in the custom-house regulations, so 
that they shall not contain so many impossible and vexatious requi- 
sites, almost impossible of compliance by the importers, who have to 
buy, in many cases, the employees' laxity in their observation. 

(9) Exaction of responsibility of administrative and public servants 
when their acts or habits prejudice the moral or material interests of 
citizens. Complete indemnization for persons thus prejudiced. 

(10) All, or at least the greater part, of these imposts should be 
collected through the custom-house in the form of duties. 

(11) To collect no direct taxes from property owners owning less 
than 20 cuerdas (about 1 acre to a cuerda) of high mountain lands. 

(12) Suppression of the consumption tax. 



379 

UNEQUAL ASSESSMENTS. 
STATEMENT OF TQMAS VASANEZ, M. D. 

Mayagttez, P. R. , November 10, 1898. 

To assess for municipal taxation it is the custom to name a commis- 
sion, called reparticlores (dividers), composed of two principal men 
among the agriculturists, manufacturers, and commerce. Naturally 
these gentlemen try to lighten their tax burden by increasing 
that of the rest. This occasions the occultation of public wealth. 
The cattle raiser — I could give names if necessary — possessing 6,000 
head of cattle declares only 1,000 or 500; another possessing 1,000 
declares 100, and another possessing 100 declares 20 only. I know 
personally ranchers who with 1,000 head of beeves pay only $300 tax, 
or not more than is paid by those owning one-fourth the number. The 
same things take place with sugar and coffee planters. The coffee 
planter harvesting 500 hundredweight declares only 80, etc., whereas 
the very small producer, with but a few head of cattle or a few acres 
of land, has to pay the whole of the tax, which under these conditions 
is excessive and enormous. 

Porto Rico does not pay as much as she could pay, and therefore 
does not attend to public improvements. What she does collect is 
badly distributed, and it may be said that the rich pay no taxes, 
which fall entirely on the small proprietor, overwhelming and ruin- 
ing him. 

A remedj^, in my opinion, would be the introduction of the registra- 
tion of property for the purpose of taxation. In a small country like 
this it would be relatively easy, would give an exact knowledge of 
properties, and would allow of a just assessment for taxation, together 
with a larsrer taxable area. 



OPPOSITION TO THE NEVS TAX SYSTE31. 
STATEMENT OF MANY CITIZENS. 

Isabela, P. R., February 15, 1899. 

About taxes decided on by the Government : When the country was 
expecting that the Government would fulfill its promise of freeing 
agriculture and commerce from taxation in order to raise them from 
a state of prostration, the general order referring to taxation, accom- 
panied by the famous letter of the secretary of the treasury to the 
president of the council announcing that the island would furnish 
half a million to the insular treasury and an equal sum for the munici- 
palities by the new plan, showed the island that the ruinous taxation 
of old times which has ruined our island was to be continued, and 
that the municipalities were to be shorn of their legitimate right of 
voting and collecting the necessary imposts required by their local obli- 
gations. We think it would be praiseworthy of the secretary of the 
treasury to try by every means in his power to make taxation equitable 
and acceptable for all. The limiting the tributation of the munici- 
palities to $500,000 when their requirements are $3,000,000 makes us 
lose hope of the country's regeneration. 

We think that if it is desired that Porto Rico become a country of 
freedom and happiness, the Government must with a firm hand abol- 
ish all beaurocratic centers, which only desire to create a privileged 
class and live at the expense of an unhappy people long groaning 
under a system of exploitation. 



380 

THE NEW SYSTEM OF LAND TAXATION. 

By a general order issued by General Henry, military commander, 
dated January 19, 1899, the following system, devised by the secretary 
of the treasury, Senor Coll y Toste, was adopted in place of the former 
method of assessment according to income. But one tax on land is 
assessed under the new regulations, and the proceeds are divided 
equally between the insular and municipal treasuries. 

1. The assessment of taxes upon lands will hereafter be made in accordance 
with the various cultivations existing in the island and the quality of the land 
taxed. 

2. In accordance with the various cultivations, there will be taxes on cane lands, 
coffee lands, tobacco lands, pasture lands, minor produce lands, and forest lands. 

3. In accordance with the quality of the land there will be taxes of the first, 
second, and third classes; the first class comprising the best lands, the second class 
the next best, and the third class the poorest. 

4. On all lands of the first class there will be a tax of 1 peso per cuerda, on all 
lands of the second class a tax of 0.50 peso per cuerda, on all lands of the third 
class a tax of 0.25 peso per cuerda. 

5. Each municipal corporation will appoint a classifying commission which will 
select subcommissions in the different districts of each township, these subcom- 
missions to report to the classifying commissions on the class of lands in their 
respective districts. 

6. These commissions will be guided by the following instructions: 

(a) First-class cane lands are plains and valleys and other alluvial lands lying 
near settled communities, highways, railroads, and seaports, and the lands of 
drained lagoons and mangrove marshes. 

(a 1 ) Second-class cane lands are the highland plains, generally surcharged with 
oxides of iron and known in the country as clayish lands. 

(&) First-class coffee lands are valley lands and hills abounding in organic 
detritus. 

(6 1 ) Second-class coffee lands are highlands having a calcareous or limy forma- 
tion. 

(c) First-class tobacco lands are valley lands watered by rivers. 

(c 1 ) Second-class tobacco lands axe loamy highlands mixed with clay and sand. 
(c 2 ) Third-class tobacco lands are sandy lands along the coast and calcareous 
lands among the hills. 

(d) First-class pasture lauds are valleys, lagoons, and glens where grow "rnalo- 
jilla " and Guinea grass. 

(d 1 ) Third-class pasture lands are those along the coast and limy hills where 
grow only brush, "rat-tail," sweet grass, etc. 

(e) First-class minor-produce lands are valley lands. 
(V) Second-class minor-produce lands are highlands. 

(e 2 ) Third-class minor-produce lands are sandy and limy lands. 

(/) First-class forest lands are those growing virgin forests whose timber can 
supply building and cabinet woods, e. g., "aceitillo," cedar, "capa," "ausubo,"etc. 

(/') Second-class forest lands are lands with a rocky and calcareous soil, grow- 
ing only bushes available for fuel. 

7. Taxes on lands whose owners reside abroad will be increased by 50 per cent. 

8. All ordinances or decrees conflicting with the provisions of this order are hereby 
revoked and rendered null and void. 



URBAN TAXATION TOO HEAVY. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR EUSTOQUIO TORRES. 

Guayanilla, P. R., November 8, 1898. 
The principal sources of income of the State, apart from royal dues, 
customs, stamped paper, and poll tax, are thy taxes on territorial 
wealth. Until a short time since these were divided into three head- 
ings, called agricultural, urban, and commercial, which were subdi- 
vided into cane, coffee, tobacco, grazing lands, small crops, mountain 
brush, urban, etc. 



381 

These are taxed by an impost of 5 per cent on their net products, 
after deducting for working expenses 75 per cent in the case of sugar; 
35 per cent in the case of coffee, small crops, tobacco, and mountain 
brush; 10 per cent in the case of other subdivisions. 

Although this system of subdivisions has its defenders, it is certain 
that it was devised only to protect cane growers, as can at once be 
seen by the disproportionate reduction they are allowed, to the preju- 
dice of other branches. These, therefore, had to declare a net produc- 
tion much greater than the reality in order to be able to cover their 
proportion of the impost, levied without any regard for the real prod- 
uct of the agriculturist. Experience has shown that the old style of 
three divisions was more easy and less complicated, more equitable 
and approximate to true assessment. It also prevented assessors 
from doing what was frequently done under the new divisional plan — 
that is, adding to the number of acres said to be under cultivation an 
arbitrary quantity, for fear the original amount was understated, thus 
frequently making it appear that twice the number of acres were 
under cultivation that in reality were. 

It has been stated that the new government proposes to suppress 
territorial taxes and to substitute for it urban taxation. Although 
this might give results in a few cities, such as San Juan, Ponce, and 
Mayaguez, it would be ridiculous if applied to other towns of the 
island, whose houses, small in number aud importance (owing to the 
fact that the principal property owners live on their country estates), 
could not support a tribute so excessive. 

Owing to the aforesaid reasons and the fact that this country is 
essentially agricultural, urban taxation should be decreased rather 
than increased. Besides, if the collection of the municipal taxes be 
governed by the territorial tax, as is the rule in force to-day, the result 
would be that persons living in one district in which they had built 
their houses would not be called on to pay anything in the municipal- 
ities in which they might have the bulk of their fortune in land. 

The Spanish Government decreed the general enumeration and 
assessment of property, which work was well advanced, and returns 
were sent in from almost all the towns to the superior centers, where 
they were pigeonholed, owing to the influence of persons who would 
have been injured by the adoption of this registry. 

It is therefore of great importance that the country be left its sys- 
tem of territorial taxation, even if the rate on sugar be reduced to a 
level with or a little more than that of coffee. 



PLEA FOR LOWER TAXES. 

Patillas, P. R., March, 1899. 
Senor Jose Amadeo, M. D. If the expenses of the budget are not 
reduced, neither can the taxes be. In all well-administered countries 
when the products decrease taxes also decrease. This is a law of 
political economy which everybody knows. We have not before us 
the precise data to be able to judge of what each town produces, but 
the complaints regarding present taxes are numerous, and nobody is 
surprised at it, as our tributary system has produced the same effects 
in all countries where it has been tried. We keep on lamenting. 
Nonconformity with assessment can be regulated by the efforts of tax- 
payers by awakening little by little individual and collective con- 
science, which will bring with it equity and justice. We do not have 



382 

a State assessment and valuation of property, the most solid and cer- 
tain means of being able to assess taxation. Meanwhile the munici- 
palities, with good alcaldes at their head, administering well and 
inspired by highty patriotic sentiments, can do much for the general 
welfare. Sugar cane, which grows as a most flourishing agricultural 
product, can not possibly support further imposts until the markets 
of the United States are opened to us. Sugars are struggling against 
bonuses and foreign competition, which reduced the price to an extreme 
limit, so that profits will always be very low. Coffee is just beginning 
and, instead of exactions, requires assistance to enable it to succeed, as 
it is the most costly and difficult of all crops raised in Porto Rico. 

We may say nothing of minor agriculture, which for some time has 
been decayed and requires a great stimulus. Under such circum- 
stances of poor protection municipal expenses should be reduced and 
the government should be requested to suppress or reduce the amount 
collected for account of the state. This is the only way the munici- 
palities can get out of their difficulties during this period of terri- 
ble crisis, until prosperity increases in the country. An appropriation 
for education alone should be allowed to stand, it being impossible to 
do without it. It amounts to $3,303. The state collects 85,010, which, 
if it releases the district from, would be of an immense assistance to 
it during these days of difficulties. We must say something as regards 
the condonation of unpaid taxes, dating back two or three years ago 
under the Spanish rule. This would prevent sales of property and 
foreclosure proceedings, which dishearten the agriculturist and ruin 
the small producer. 



THE TAX ON INDUSTRY. 
STATEMENT OF HARTMANN & CO. 

Arroyo, P. R., November 7, 1898. 
We think this strange Spanish system of taxing industry should be 
abolished. For example, compelling a merchant to pay the state 
treasury, without counting municipal rates, $400 to $800, according 
to the importance of the town in which he is established, for the priv- 
ilege of doing commercial transactions. The state taxes should be 
raised by inland revenue on alcohol, wines, rum, tobacco, etc., and 
by duties, custom-house entries, and by the 5 per cent tax on net 
incomes. 



THE TRANSFER TAX. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR CELESHNO DOMINGUEZ. 

G-UAYAMA, P. R., January, 1899. 

Fortunately, stamped paper has been abolished. This was one of 
the greatest scourges of property which the island was laboring under. 
I will not dwell on this subject, as you will already have learned of 
the heavy burden this tax constituted. There were stamps that cost 
125, and one class, called "state pajmients," which cost as high as $50. 

Another of our calamities was the transfer tax levied on transfer of 
any class of property, through the custom-houses, which has also been 
abolished. This tax was so onerous that the island is full of deeds 



383 

which have been held in hopes of better times and have not yet paid 
this tax, thus making the titles inoperative. Poor people have been 
special sufferers by this impost. One of the matters requiring the 
immediate attention of the Government is the property registry offices, 
whose employees have enjoyed a sinecure. These offices have been a 
hindrance to the transfer of real estate. The registrars, although sub- 
jected to a tariff of fees, pay no attention to this, but charge whatever 
they think fit. 

Transfers of property worth 1300 have had to pay as high as $12 
registration fee. Those who wanted their de eds registered were obliged 
to accede to the demands of the registrars; otherwise their documents 
were held up. The history of the employees of the government in 
Porto Rico is full of the names of men who, with no other capital than 
their pens, their titles of lawyers, and a government employment, have 
amassed enormous fortunes. The registries of Ponce, Mayaguez, San 
Juan, and Arecibo are mines of gold for the fortunate holders. A 
single employee in each municipality could easily attend to the work. 

Another impost was that of commercial licenses, invented by the 
Spanish Government to protect merchants who are nearly all penin- 
sular Spaniards and follow Spanish politics. This tax was based on 
the declaration of the interested parties, and the insular government 
could neither raise nor lower it even in cases of real necessity. In 
some towns this tax was so low that merchants whose business reached 
hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly, as in Guayama, paid only 
$2,000. Manufacturing, which is here insignificant, was also sub- 
jected to this tax. 

From time immemorial almost all the island has suffered under the 
odious consume tax on articles of food, drink, and fuel. As alcalde 
of this town I wished to suppress it, but as I am not allowed to sur- 
charge the taxes of the merchants, I should have been obliged to 
impose an extra tax to balance the deficiency on other interests, which 
would be a further protection for the commercial monopoly, both irri- 
tating and unjust, and would further burden the poor classes in a 
country already impoverished. For the present, therefore, I have 
had to abandon the idea. Besides the taxes already mentioned, there 
is the direct territorial tax, consisting of 5 per cent of the sworn 
declared gross returns of property made yearly, from which are 
reduced the following amounts allowed for working expenses : Sugar 
estates, 75 per cent; other crops, 35 per cent; urban property, 25 per 
cent; pasture lands, 10 per cent. 

Municipalities can also impose a direct tax, taking as a basis the 
state assessment, but raising it as high as their needs require, except 
in the case of commerce, manufacturing, and professions, which can 
not be raised more than 20 per cent. 



REDUCTION OF TAXES. 
STATEMENT OF JOSE V. CINTRON, PLANTER. 

Yabucoa, P. R., February £, 1899. 
Reduction in the estimates of expenditures to a point enabling 
them to be met by the custom-house receipts. This can be done by 
reducing the higher salaries, suppressing the unnecessary posts, and 
reducing the custom-house and collectorships to four, viz: Capital, 
Ponce, Mayaguez, and Humaeao, but declaring all the ports of the 



384 

island open for the purpose of import and export under the super- 
vision of the nearest custom-house. 

Declare free from duties tools and machinery for industries and 
agriculture, also coal, and place a heavy duty on rice to stimulate its 
production in this country, so as to harvest enough for local use, the 
quantity consumed being of extraordinary proportions. 

The substitution of the system of taxation of landed property by 
the plan proposed to the military government by the secretary of the 
treasury fills a long- felt want. The same order might be made 
extensive to house property by charging an annual tax equivalent to 
the half of one month's rental. The taxation of industries and com- 
merce by a system of just and reasonable licensing would complete in 
a satisfactory manner the total reform of the present system of 
taxation. 

The total amount of the direct and internal taxes to be divided in 
halves, assigning one-half to the municipalities for local disburse- 
ments and the other to a special fund for education under the charge 
of the state or department. This would realize the ideal of efficacious 
generalization of education. 

Work out a vast plan of education, making it gratuitous and obli- 
gatory, and attending to roads and railroads (the most pressing need 
of the island to-day), whose pitiful condition is showing the lament- 
able state of backwardness and calling for the serious consideration 
of all concerned. 

It is not strange that the country has been reduced to the condition 
of poverty now overshadowing us, owing to its system of taxation, both 
absurd and absorbing, which only fell short of taxing light and air. 
But, thank God, its credit has been spared; there is no public debt, 
and the solvency of the treasury and the good purposes of the new 
government may open the way by means of loans to the construction 
of roads and railroads, which are the arteries through which the wealth 
and progress of a country flow. 

The cane grower and sugar maker are so related that the one is 
nearly always the other, and the division of labor does not therefore 
exist. The depreciation of the sugar product during the last few 
years, the competition which it has had to sustain with the beet 
product, a competition at once unequal and desperate, owing to the 
fact that manufacturers in Europe are able to employ the latest 
machinery and best methods, capital and science, and above all the 
export bonus giving government protection — all that has here been 
lacking. The government here protected inversely. 

The ravages of usury, on the other hand, taking what the tax- 
gatherers left, make it appear impossible that anything could be left 
of the industrjr. 

It is natural that these causes should have produced a correspond- 
ing effect, and that some estates should have passed into the mort- 
gagor's hands, and others have ceased to exist, while most of them 
follow a course of misery unsustainable. 



THE CONSVMO TAX. 

STATEMENT OF DR. FRANCISCO DEL VALLE, MAYOR OF SAN JUAN. 

Since the year 1883 this municipality has collected the consumo tax. 
In that year the only articles taxed under this law were wheat flour, 
coal, and charcoal. In successive years the tax has been levied on 



385 

various articles, and at the present date is collected on the following 
things : 

Meats of the following animals : Ox, hog, sheep, goat, including their 
fats, which brings in monthly about $3,500; coke, $510; wheat flour, 
$1,523; milk, $1,381; sugar, $811; spirits, $569;. beer, $118; wines, 
$209; rice, $395; Spanish beans, $382; imported lard, $302; cigarettes, 
$510. In the fiscal year 1895-96 the total amount collected from these 
articles was $164,456. 90; in the year 1896-97 the amount was $163, 786. 10; 
in the year 1897-98 the amount was $165,515.13; and for 1898-99 the 
estimate is $135,569.47. 

It may be observed that these sums constitute one of the principal 
resources of the municipality of San Juan with which to cover its esti- 
mated expenses, amounting in the present fiscal year to the consider- 
able sum of $336,428.55. 

November 1, 1898. 



STAMPED PAPER. 

This was a means employed by the Spanish Government to raise 
money. The stamped paper was made at Madrid. The prices were 
according to the following scale for various documents : 

From $1 to $20 $0.15 

From $20 to $40. 25 

From $40 to $100 - .40 

From $100 to $200 .60 

From $200 to $300 . 80 

From $300 to $400 1.00 

From $400 to $500 2.00 

From $500 to $1,000 .. 3.00 

From $1,000 to $1,500 ... 5.00 

From $1,500 to $2,000. 10.00 

From $2,000 to $4.000 15.00 

From $4,000 to $10.000 20.00 

From $10,000 upward 25.00 

Notarial acts .50 

Power of attorney 2. 00 

Documents whose value could not be determined 4. 00 

For "state payments" 50.00 



THE PORTO RICAN TARIFF. 

PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER, MADE IN DECEM- 
BER, 1898. 

The tariff at present in force in Porto Rico is the old Spanish tariff, 
slightly modified so as to abolish discriminations against the United 
States and other countries, to subject imports from Spain to the same 
duties as similar articles from the rest of the world, and to collect 
tonnage dues on a new basis. Tonnage dues were formerly collected 
at the rate of $1 per ton cargo. They are now collected at the rate of 
20 cents per ton measurement. Formerly a vessel of 2,000 tons 
measurement bringing a cargo of 50 tons to San Juan would pay $50 ; 
now she would j)ay $40 for the same cargo, or for 1 ton, and $20 if 
in ballast. The change chiefly affects vessels coming in ballast for 
1125 25 



386 

orders. A later order exempts vessels of American registry plying 
between ports of the island or between ports of the island and ports 
of the United States from these dues. 

The Spanish tariff, like all other Spanish methods of raising money, 
was designed to secure the revenue needed with the least possible 
disadvantage to Spain. It was, of course, natural and proper that 
Spanish imports should be favored and that the productions of other 
nations should bear the chief burden. Consequent!} 7 the rate paid 
on goods from the Peninsula averaged about 10 per cent, while the 
charges on those from other countries were high, in some instances so 
high as to be practically prohibitive. When prohibitive duties are 
levied, it is usually for the purpose of excluding undesirable goods or 
of protecting home products. Prohibitive duties do not, of course, 
yield revenue, and if revenue is sacrificed it must be in order that 
some other object deemed more important may be gained. But the 
Porto Rican tariff was so levied as to suppress, or at least repress, 
Porto Rican industries, and in some instances without benefiting 
those of the mother country. There seems to have been an utter dis- 
regard of insular interests. If Spanish producers were not affected, 
the framers of the tariff showed little concern as to how high or low 
the rates were put. 

As between Spanish and Porto Rican producers and manufacturers 
the latter had no chance. Nor were the needs of Porto Rican con- 
sumers, however urgent they might appear from the insular point of 
view, treated as worthy of serious attention. Indispensable articles 
of food not produced in the island had to come in a roundabout way 
through the hands of the merchants in Spain or pay enormous duties 
if imported direct from other countries. The Porto Ricans thought 
that some of the man} 7 streams of the island might well furnish power 
to mills to grind wheat from the United States or Canada into flour; 
but the Government at Madrid punished these aspirations by making 
the duty on wheat almost as high as that on flour. Flour paid 64 per 
sack of 92 kilos (about 200 pounds), and wheat $3.15, and flour paid 
also, for municipal purposes, a consumption tax of $2.30. There were 
mills in Spain, and by importing wheat for them from the United 
States they could be kept going. The millers of Spain profited; the 
people of Porto Rico suffered. 

Attempts were made in the island to manufacture soup paste and 
crackers. The result is graphically described in the report of the 
manufacturers of Ponce, drawn up in 1898 for the use of the colonial 
ministry at Madrid, and presented to the commissioner of the United 
States, without change, as the best statement possible of the needs of 
the island. The cracker manufacturers had to pay the high duties 
on flour and compete with crackers from the peninsula entered free 
of all duty. Those who invested largely in the manufacture of soup 
paste saw their business killed in the same way. Their petition to 
the Liberal ministry, from which they hoped so much, is pathetic in 
its pleadings for simple justice. Appeal after appeal was made, they 
say, but all "sleep the sleep of the just (are pigeonholed)," for "if 
ever a minister intended to cast a pitying glance upon such injustice 
and relieve so much misfortune by some saving measure, this inten- 
tion never materialized, but was strangled in its birth by the influences 
brought to bear by Spanish manufacturers." All they got was prom- 
ises and manana never came. The advent of the Liberal ministry 
kindled new hopes. "We are emerging from the tutelage of ex- 



387 

ploiters," they said; but Sagasta never had full opportunity to show 
how he would meet the appeals for relief. 

The shoe manufacturers have the same story to tell : Shoes imported 
free from Spain, shoes of the poorest quality — "pasteboard soles," 
"badly made, unsightly, coarse, and without durability" — while 
Porto Rican manufacturers were heavily taxed for the raw materials. 
Of course, shoes are costly, and 700,000 out of the 900,000 population 
go barefoot. It was the opinion of industrialists that they could 
make better shoes and furnish them more cheaply than the Balearic 
Island manufacturers, but they were not given the chance. They 
believed that the result of home manufacture would be to lower 
prices, as in other instances, but competition with Spanish producers 
when the latter had both the home and the insular market was impos- 
sible. There are salt mines at Cabo Rojo, but salt from Spain is free, 
and vessels loading with salt had to clear at Mayaguez, increasing the 
expenses of shipments, because the port of Cabo Rojo had been closed; 
so the salt industry Avas crippled. 

Those interested, or who would be glad to be interested in the manu- 
facture of soap, show that while soap from Barcelona paid only the 
transitory duty of 10 per cent at the ports of the island, amounting 
to $15 for every hundred boxes of 1 hundredweight each, the insular 
industry is compelled to pay $32.52 in duties for the raw materials to 
make that quantity of soap. No wonder they ask in despair: " What 
business can succeed under such circumstances?" 

It is not strange that though the Porto Rican tariff is high, too high 
by about 50 per cent, it did not tend to develop Porto Rican indus- 
tries. It was evidently framed so as not to promote such a develop- 
ment. 

The representations of the industrial leaders of Ponce, not origi- 
nally intended for the United States, but for Spain, indicate that 
they not only desired to introduce new business enterprises, but that 
they knew that the only possible way of doing so was under the pro- 
tection of judicious tariff schedules. The arguments in support of 
their appeal are such as we have long been familiar with in the United 
States. Countries, they say, which have no industries of their own 
can never advance to the front rank. Manufacturing countries are 
the richest and most powerful. They have the largest resources, the 
necessaries of life are within the reach of all, and the lower classes 
are better off. Manufacturing is the source, they add, of progress, 
because it contributes to the general education and to the general 
wealth; of well being, because it cheapens prices and enlarges the 
range of things accessible to the poor; of morality, because It gives 
work, stimulates to good habits, and opens to woman a wide field of 
usefulness. It improves social relations, lessens indigence and vice, 
and converts vagrants into prosperous workingmen. 

They point to England, Germany, France, and the United States as 
object lessons, showing what manufactures can do to make nations 
great, prosperous, intelligent, and contented. It is impossible, how- 
ever, they contend to have thriving industries without positive pro- 
tection. ' 'A government anxious for wealth and social prestige would 
not leave its industries to take care of themselves, but would stimu- 
late them by removing or lowering the duties on raw materials, by 
imposing high duties on competitive goods, and by making all pos- 
sible concessions to them." If such a course might seem to shut out 
altogether foreign competition, they argaie that it would stimulate 
home competition and give the people better goods and cheaper goods. 



388 

They conclude their appeal to the Sagasta government at Madrid 
with these words, using reiteration to add emphasis : 

Protection! protection! and protection, in every sense of the word, in all its 
forms, and in every measure — this is what the industries of Porto Rico need. 

It is not possible to visit Porto Rico and investigate, however inad- 
equately, its industrial condition without a feeling of sympatic for 
the industrialists of Ponce in their aspirations. The existing indus- 
tries are few and weak. Capital is needed to develop them and to add 
to their number. Capital can of course only be had when better con- 
ditions than those which the Spanish Government allowed are made 
possible. An equitable and judicious customs system is needed, 
which should neither be prohibitive on the one hand nor unmindful 
of local interests on the other. The desire for protection is very gen- 
eral, not only among manufacturers and capitalists, but also among 
the workingmen. At an interview held at the office of the commis- 
sioner, November 4, with the heads of the various gremios, or unions, 
of the artisians of San Juan, Santiago Iglesias, head of the greniio of 
carpenters, and president of the federation of workingmen, expressed 
the opinion that ' ' protective duties on all manufactured articles " 
should be imposed "so as to protect the embryonic industries which 
exist here * * * for at least a certain number of years." After 
they are able to look after themselves, the competition of other markets 
could be admitted. Of course the multiplication of industries means 
more work, more kinds of work, and therefore, better wages and steadier 
employment. The report of the manufacturers and capitalists of 
Ponce indicates a number of enterprises which might be made profit- 
able. No doubt others could be introduced. 

The rates on machinery seem to have been levied with the purpose 
of allowing as little of it to be introduced as possible. If the framers 
of the tariff wanted to encourage railroads in the islands, why did 
they tax locomotives to the point of prohibition? If they thought it 
well that the sugar cane should be ground where it Avas grown, why 
did they put so much duty on boilers, cane crushers, vats, and other 
machinery for the mills? When it was necessary to import detached 
parts of agricultural and industrial machines, the duty was increased 
sevenfold. For four-seated coaches the importer had to pay $350, a 
full hundred dollars more than was collected at the custom-houses in 
Cuba, and Cuba had an enormous debt and a war, while Porto Rico 
had no debt and was at peace. Railway carriages had to pay $8 per 
100 kilograms in the smaller, but only $4. 80 in the larger island. The 
rate on carts and handcarts was $3.80 in Cuba; in Porto Rico it was $6. 
Porto Ricians might well say that only a capitalist could afford to 
import machinery. There was another difficulty manufacturers were 
subjected to. In order to import machinery they had to pay an 
importer's tax. This was no light burden. Mr. Andres Crosas, an 
American citizen, long engaged in the importing business in San Juan, 
states that he paid as tax on his business $700 to the insular and $1,050 
to the municipal government. That was the tax which importers and 
merchants of the first class paid. Later he placed himself in the 
second class and paid $420 government tax, besides the municipal 
levy. Of course, this unnecessary burden will be removed when the 
tax system of the island is reformed. 

The duties on food stuffs are very high, and while all bear the bur- 
tden of increased prices of indispensable articles of sustenance, it rests 



389 

with crushing weight on the shoulders of the poor, who are very nu- 
merous. The farm hand and laborer may go without shoes for him- 
self and his family, he may make out with a few coarse garments, but 
he can not get along without food. Chickens and eggs bring too much 
in the market to retain for his own use; fresh meat is far beyond his 
means. A diet of bananas and native vegetables is not sufficient to 
keep him in good condition as a worker. He needs something more 
substantial. The food stuffs which are most largely imported are . 



Articles. 


Value of 
importa- 
tion in 1897. 




$2,481,631 


Codfish 


1,461,751 




1, 394, 935 


Flour.- _.- ... 


969, 642 







These four articles constituted, in value, more than 34 per cent of 
the total ($17,858,063) of importations in 1897, or $6,307,959. The 
change made by the United States by which articles from Spain pay 
the same rates as those from other countries raises, of course, the 
prices ; or did the Spanish exporter get the benefit of the difference in 
duty? 

There can be no question that the duties on these articles, except- 
ing codfish, should be reduced. Codfish pays only 90 cents, while in 
the old Cuban tariff it paid $2.50, and the Ponce committee think it 
might remain unchanged. The committee add to the three articles 
above enumerated four more as deserving preference in the cutting- 
down process, viz., jerked beef, olive oil and olives, cheese, and butter. 
For some unexplained reason the imports of jerked beef, chiefly from 
South America, increased in 1896 over those of 1895 enormously, but 
fell off in 1897 more than was gained in 1896. The quantity imported 
in 1895 was 1,030,676 kilograms; in 1896, 3,524,116; in 1897, 774,392, 
valued at $108,415. The value of the olive oil imported in 1897 was 
$172,178; of cheese,. $202,789. Butter came in to the value of $60,178, 
chiefly from Spain, the United States, Germany, and Denmark. 

The propriety of reducing the duties on the chief articles of food 
can hardly be questioned from any point of view. It is favored by 
all Porto Ricans. A congress of 208 representatives of all classes, 
from various parts of the island, held in San Juan, October 30, recom- 
mended that no customs or consumption taxes should be levied on 
articles of food, drink, and fuel. They would have them come in 
free. Some of the merchants suggest that low duties on necessary 
articles from Spain, such as Spanish rice, onions, garlic, olive oil, 
beans, pease, potatoes, raisins, wines, and certain kinds of dry goods 
would be in the interest of the people at large. 

There is a very strong demand that raw materials, so called, used 
in the manufacture of various articles of commerce should have con- 
sideration in the reform of the tariff. The reasonableness of the 
demand does not need to be argued. If manufactures are to be 
encouraged, low duties on materials needed for them are a legitimate 
concession of the state. Of course it is to be remembered that what 
the manufacturer calls raw materials may be to the farmer or woods- 
man or miner finished products. Regard must be had, therefore, in 
determining rates on this class of imports to the interests of home 



390 

producers, to the needs of the treasury, to the importance of the enter- 
prise asking relief, and to the character and extent of its output. 
Among the manufacturers of Ponce those interested in the making of 
shoes ask to have leather introduced free of duty and to have raw 
hides pay a heavier rate. On the other hand, the tanners say an 
export tax ought to be put on the native production of raw hides. 
They complain that they have to pay too much for the raw materials 
for their tanneries. The shoe manufacturers not only want raw mate- 
rials free, but they want the rates on imports of boots and shoes trebled. 
This would be practically prohibitive. The carriage manufacturers 
ask to have the raw materials used in their factories put on the free 
list — various kinds of leather, wooden articles, such as fellies, spokes, 
paints, varnishes, etc. At the same time they ask that the duty on 
carriages be made higher. As carriages already pay from $120 to §350 
at the custom-houses, this last request seems both unnecessary and 
unreasonable. If with the very low wages prevailing in Porto Rico 
carriages can not be made profitably on the wide margin of the present 
imposts, it must be due to lack of skill and management. It would 
seem that the duties on these and other articles ought to be lowered 
and encouragement given to manufactures in other forms. 

Those who ship coffee, tobacco, and lumber, which pay export 
duties, ask that these taxes on native products, which fall entirely 
upon the producers, be abolished. Imposts of this class, which can 
hardly be justified except by exigency of the treasury, are burden- 
some. In the case of Porto Rico, which has no debt, it is doubtful if 
they are necessary, and, together with the cargo or transit duties on 
exports, which extend also to sugar, molasses, salt, and other prod- 
ucts, might properly be remitted altogether or gradually removed. 
Agriculturists, who pay 12| per cent of their net revenues in the way 
of taxes, might well be excused from paying double duties on their 
products — duties to get them out of their own country and duties to 
get them into another. A great saving has already been accomplished 
in the abolition of the useless provincial deputation, in the stoppage 
of payments to the Government at Madrid, and for pensions, and in 
the cessation of allowances for the support of the church. Other 
economies can be made without in the least imperiling the effieiencj* 
of government. 

The question of absolute free trade between the United States and 
Porto Rico suggests points which can not be fully settled just now. 
The matter is one for discussion in connection with the form of govern- 
ment to be given to the island after the treaty recently signed in Paris 
shall have been ratified and Congress is ready to take it up. It is 
proper here to say that Porto Ricans of all classes are united in urging 
that the markets of the United States and Porto Rico shall be as free, 
reciprocally, as those of New York and Jersey City, or Philadelphia 
and Camden, or Alaska and Oregon. They look to the markets of the 
United States as the natural markets in which they shall sell their 
exports and buy their imports. They say they want American food 
stuffs, American dry goods, American hardware, machinery, clothing, 
American wines and canned goods, and an American marine to carry 
them. They will take these, with American institutions and civiliza- 
tion, and aspire to no higher destiny than to become an integral part of 
the great American nation. 

The classification of the Porto Rican tariff is similar to that of the 
Cuban. There are 13 schedules, with various groups under each. The 



391 

following table shows for the year 1897 the value of the importations 
under the several schedules and the duties collected : 



Schedules. 



I. Stones, earths, minerals, etc 

II. Metals and manufactures of 

III. Chemicals, etc 

IV. Cotton and manufactures of 

V. Vegetable fibers and manufactures of 

VI. Wool and manufactures of 

VII. Silk and manufactures of 

VIII. Paper 

IX. Wood... 

X. Animals and animal products.. 

XI. Machinery, etc 

XII. Foodstuffs 

XIII. Miscellaneous 

Special imports 



Values. 



Duties. 



Pesos. 


Pesos. 


691,834.86 


69,772.91 


675,647.58 


124,431.13 


651, 947. 78 


66, 696. 36 


2,540,293.87 


180, 725. 36 


512,094.46 


66,389.01 


128,464.25 


12,661.16 


50,581.84 


5,871.54 


368,211.55 


22,449.92 


818,952.71 


78,176.26 


1,196,377.39 


28,046.46 


401,156.76 


35,739.06 


8,984,808.41 


1,750,856.54 


189,557.83 


27, 185. 98 


648,044.00 


12,960.88 



The schedules most productive of duties are, in order of amounts 
of revenue, those relating to food stuffs, cotton goods, and manu- 
factures of metals. These three produce nearly four-fifths of the 
entire revenue. The silk schedule yields very small returns. It is 
suggested that the duties are too high and that, under lax adminis- 
tration of the customs, smuggling has been encouraged. While the 
duties on luxuries, among which silks are classed, may be high for 
the purpose of revenue, they may be so high as to defeat this purpose. 
It is the opinion of some Porto Ricans that those on silks are too high. 
They are considerably higher than in the old Cuban tariff. 

The duties paid by the various countries, in amounts exceeding 
$10,000, are indicated by the following table: 

1. United States $945,677.88 

2. Germany 431,507.02 

3. Englishlndia 352,023.08 

4. England ..- 299,477.90 

5. English possessions - - . 108, 070. 92 

6. Spain 106,943.14 

7. France 54,000.66 

8. Denmark -. 43,081.22 

9. Belgium... 41,663.71 

10. Holland 40,566.53 

11. Argentina.... _ _• 12,480.49 

12. Cuba.... 10,624.47 

The value of imports by countries, for amounts above $100,000, is 
shown by the following: 



Countries. 



Chief item. 



Value. 



1. Spain 

.2. United States 

3. England 

4. English possessions 

5. Germany 

6. Englishlndia.. 

7. Cuba 

8. Prance -.. 

9. Belgium 

10. Holland.. 

• 11. Denmark 



Cotton goods 

Pork 

Wrought-iron sheets. 

Codfish 

Rice 

do 

Tobacco 

Cotton goods 

Rice 

Cheese 

Rice 



$7,152,016 

3,741,815 

1,755,755 

1,445,601 

1,314,603 

913,069 

692,780 

215,474 

163,675 

155,363 

124,406 



A comparison of these two tables will show that Spain furnished 
over 40 per cent of the imports, according to value, and paid less 



than 4 per cent of the customs collected; the United States furnished 
21 per cent of the imports, according to value, and paid 38 per cent 
of the customs collected. As Spanish imports now pay duties at the 
same rates as those from other countries, an increase of revenue is to 
be expected. 

There are many requests for reduction in the duties on wines and 
beers, on the ground that they are now so high that the majority of 
the people can not afford to buy them. Wines formerly came in from 
Spain at a low duty, about 3 centavos. Now they pay, including the 
consumption tax, 30 centavos. The Ponce committee propose that 
the duties on alcohol and brandy should be increased and those on 
wines and beers be reduced, and that the consumption tax on all liquors 
be abolished. The manufacturers of liquors do not ask for additional 
protection, but oppose the removal of the consumption tax. They 
speak of brandy and alcohol as the raw materials of their industry. 
If I am correctly informed, wine is manufactured from these strong 
liquors. Such, at least, is the report made to me by an attache of 
this commission who visited a distillery which produces 200 gallons of 
alcohol per day. Most of this is made into wine by the help of sugar 
and of raisins from Spain. It would seem to be better to lower the 
duties on wines made from grapes, for the benefit of the people, even 
though it be at the expense of this particular industry of local wine 
making. 

The effect on the revenues of the reductions proposed by Porto 
Ricans it is difficult to estimate. The belief is quite general that an 
improved administration of the customs system would save a con- 
siderable amount of income; that many of the reductions proposed 
would add to the revenue through increased importations, and that, 
on the whole, a judicious revision of the schedules would lead to 
larger rather than smaller results. It is also to be considered that 
the great volume of imports from Spain will no longer be almost free. 
The difference between the sum which Spain paid in 1897 and that 
which she would pay now is the difference between §106,913 and 
$1,788,000, on the basis of the duties paid by imports from the United 
States, or $1,681,057. If imports for the present year do not fall off 
there should be a substantial gain in receipts for the balance of the 
fiscal year, on the basis of the old rates. 

It is hardly possible to estimate what can be expected for the treas- 
ury of the insular government from other sources or what its actual 
needs will be. The taxes need a complete readjustment. The main 
dependence has been on the customs revenue, and must continue to 
be until the future government of the island is determined. The 
estimates of receipts for the year ending June 30, 1898, amounted, 
for both the Government and the provincial deputation to So, 157, 200. 
Of this there was expected from : 

Customs "... $3,377,900 

Taxes 1.051,200 

Monopoly revenues 184. 200 

Postage stamps - - 128. 000 

Lottery, etc 309,700 

Other sources 106,200 

Total . 5,157,200- 

The orders already issued, under the military control of the United 



393 

States, have cut off several sources of revenue. The amounts expected 
from them in the fiscal year 1897-98 were as follows: 

Monopoly revenues (stamped papers) $184, 200 

Lottery, etc .,_ 309,700 

Taxes on transfer of property 148, 000 

Passports ---- 31,000 

Total .. 672,900 

On the other hand, reductions will he effected in expenditures. 
These items, which appeared in the estimates for 1897-98, disappear 
from the accounts of the last half of the year : 

Expenses of colonial ministry at Madrid $498, 502 

Public worship 197,945 

Army . . 1,252,378 

Navy •„_ 222,668 

Provincial deputation - 71, 860 

Lottery - 23,180 

Total.... ---- 2,266,533 

According to the judgment of Porto Bicans most competent to have 
an opinion other reductions can be made for the good of the service. 
It must he remembered, however, that large sums will be needed 
almost immediately for the public schools .and for various internal 
improvements indispensable to the development of Porto Rico. For- 
tunately there is no debt, so far as can be learned ; surpluses have 
been the rule in the insular accounts, though they do not seem to 
have been carried over, but used for Spanish exigencies in Cuba and 
elsewhere. 

It would seem to be prudent not to revise the Porto Rican tariff so 
as very greatly to reduce the customs revenue, at least for the period 
ad interim. 

I beg to make the following recommendations : 

(1) That export duties on coffee, wood, and tobacco be abolished. 
This measure of relief to the agriculturists of Porto Rico is recom- 
mended in the elaborate reports of the Ponce merchants, manufacturers, 
and agriculturists, and is highly desirable. 

(2) That the consumption tax on beverages be abolished, provided 
the duties on distilled liquors be increased as recommended in obser- 
vations on Schedule XII. 

(3) That to the- free list be added plows, hoes, spades, hatchets, 
machetes, cane knives, and other agricultural tools, excepting agri- 
cultural machinery. 

(4) That scientific, literary, and artistic works not dangerous to pub- 
lic order be admitted free, in the terms of the treaty between Spain 
and the United States, which shall apply to such works whether from 
Spain or any other country. 

(5) That a separate schedule be made for tobacco, separating it 
from the miscellaneous class and numbering it XIV, as in the Cuban 
tariff. 

(6) That, the conditions in Cuba and Porto Rico being similar, the 
revision of the Porto Rican tariff follow that of the Cuban, except in 
specific instances to be indicated in the observations which follow on 
the schedules severally. 

Schedule I. — Stones, Earth, etc. 

Under this schedule the value of the importations in 1897 was 
$691,825; duties, $69,773— nearly 10 per cent. No changes have been 



394 

asked for in group 1. Some of the items are higher, others lower, 
than those in the Cuban tariff. I would suggest that none of the items 
be increased. Coal, for which free entry has been asked, should be 
grouped with bitumens and schists and reduced from 33 to 20 centavos. 
As to crude and refined petroleum, earnest representations have been 
made in favor of protection for an oil refinery at San Juan. As the 
margin is wide, I would suggest that an increase be made in item 8 
from 55 to, say, 90 centavos, leaving item 9 at $3.10. The Cuban rate 
for item 7 is four times as great as the existing rate in the Porto Rican 
tariff. I know of no reason for increase. In group 5 the Cuban clas- 
sification might be adopted with the Cuban rates for mirrors; but as 
reductions are desired in items 11, 12, and 15, and the Cuban rates 
are higher, I would recommend that no increase be made. For group 
6 Cuban rates and classification would be acceptable, I think. If 
surtaxes are to be retained, that of 75 per cent on painted or gilt por- 
celain should be reduced to 50 per cent. 

Schedule II. — Metals, Manufactures of, etc. 

The value of the imports under this schedule for the calendar year 1897 
was 1675,748, which paid #124,431 in duties (nearly 9 per cent), twice 
as much as the first schedule, although the value of the importations 
under the latter were larger. For group 1, gold, silver, and platinum, 
it would be well to substitute the classification and rates of the similar 
group in the Cuban tariff. The same recommendation will apply to 
group 2. The reductions in both cases will be acceptable to Porto 
Ricans. • The adoption of the Cuban rates for group 3, wrought iron 
and steel, will give the relief needed on various indispensable articles, 
while the few instances of increased rates, as in firearms, will cause no 
hardship. Encouragement is asked for the manufacture of tinware 
in Porto Rico. The Ponce committee says that the countries of Latin 
America are very successful in this industry, and Porto Rico might 
make everything needed for home use if the raw materials were only 
free. These materials with the present rates of duty and with the 
Cuban rates are: 



i Porto 
Item. Bican 

duty. 



Cuban 
duty. 



60. Unmanufactured tin S2. 10 

80. Tin in ingots. 11.00 

81. Bar zinc, rosin, etc : 2.90 

82. Zinc in sheets, nails, etc ! j 3.00 



SI. 50 
4.00 
1.00 
1.50 



Manufactures of tin plate pay $9. The Cuban rate is 84. Perhaps 
this would not give sufficient margin for the industry. If the Cuban 
rates are adopted for 60, 80, 81, and 82, I would suggest that item 61 
be not reduced below $7 or $6.50. The reductions specially asked for 
in articles entering into the manufacture' of carriages and articles 
known as builders' hardware seem to be fairly met in the proposed 
Cuban rates, and I recommend their adoption-. 

Schedule III. — Chemical and Pharmaceutical Articles. 

Under this schedule the importations in 1897 were valued at 
$651,948, on which $66,696 in duties was collected, somewhat more 



395 

than 10 per cent. The committee at Ponce seem to have given the 
system of classification a careful examination and make a number of 
suggestions of changes upon the value of which expert opinion is 
desirable. They are all in the interest of reductions, which the adop- 
tion of the Cuban rates would accomplish perhaps sufficiently. That 
in cod-liver oil would be especially welcome. Quinine should be 
made free. The soap makers ask for rosin and caustic soda free. 
While this is not conceded, large reductions are made in these articles 
in the Cuban rates. 

Schedule IV. — Cotton, and Manufactures of. 

This schedule produced in 1897 in duties $180,725, the importations 
being valued at $2,540,294. Undoubtedly both the Cuban classifica- 
tion and rates would be more satisfactory to the vast number of Porto 
Ricans interested in cotton goods than those of their own tariff. Cot- 
ton goods are used for clothing and household purposes almost exclu- 
sively bj^ the great majority of the inhabitants of Porto Rico. The 
imports under this schedule are nearly four times as great as those 
under the wool, linen, and silk schedules combined. It will be of 
special benefit to the poorer classes to get their cotton goods cheaper, 
and the Ponce tariff reformers have proposed lower rates in some cases 
and higher in others. The Cuban schedule would answer for Porto 
Rico, except for item 128. The present rate for that item is 30 cents, 
the rate proposed by the Ponce committee 25 cents, and the Cuban 
33 cents. I believe it would be well to make it 25 cents. It would be 
of benefit to an industry in which many young girls are engaged, and 
in which they are very skillful. 

Schedule V. — Hemp, Flax, etc., and Manufactures of. 

No one has asked that items 163 and 164 shall be free. The Ponce 
tariff reform committee suggest that these items be dutiable at f 1 each, 
cutting down one 65 cents and increasing the other 40 cents. So far 
as appears there is no extensive rope factory or other industry using 
these materials in the making of fabrics. I would suggest that the 
duties be fixed at $1 in each case. A reduction is asked in sewing- 
thread. It now pays 16 cents per kilogram gross; the proposal is $8 
per 100 kilos. Reductions are suggested from Ponce on various kinds 
of tissues and increases on others. Probably the Cuban schedule 
entire, with the exceptions noted, would be satisfactory. 

Schedule VI. — Wool, and Manufactures of. 

The importations of wool and woolen manufactures amounted to 
$128,464 in 1897, paying duties of $12,661, or less than 10 per cent. 
The Cuban schedule levies 40 per cent. The Ponce committee pro- 
pose new rates, most of which are in the direction of increase. No 
reasons are given for raising the rates. It is to be considered whether 
a fourfold advance on the average would not be too great, even allow- 
ing for the large imports which have hitherto come from Spain almost 
free. Tailors ask for an increase on ready-made clothing, and the 
Ponce committee propose that it be 50 per cent. 

Schedule VII. — Silk, and Manufactures of. 

The importations of silk and manufactures of silk are extremely 
small, amounting to only $50,582 in 1897, yielding in duties $5,872, 



396 

or somewhat more than 11 per cent. Intelligent Porto Ricans express 
the opinion that the rates are too high for revenue ; that there has 
been a good deal of smuggling. With this in mind, perhaps, the 
Ponce committee proposes a radical reduction in some cases, as for 
example, from $6.10 to 11.25 in item 214; from $9J0 to $4 in item 
216, and from $18 to $6 in item 218. An increase is suggested in 
items 219 and 220, and surtaxes for silk ribbons, ready-made clothing 
of the materials of the schedule, and silk handkerchiefs. The Cuban 
rate of 50 per cent ad valorem would, I fear, lessen rather than 
increase the income from this schedule. Silks must be cheap to find 
many buyers in Porto Rico. 

Schedule VIII. — Paper. 

The imports under this schedule in 1897 were valued at $368,212 and 
paid $22,450 in duties. The Ponce reformers ask that pulp or paste 
for the manufacture of paper be free and that paper of all kinds be 
greatly reduced, because "it is the essential basis of a thousand 
mediums of intelligence and liberty." They also propose that books, 
both bound and unbound, go on the free list. As the treaty recently 
negotiated at Paris makes provision for free importation of Spanish 
literary, scientific, and artistic works, it would be only just to make 
all such articles from each and every country free. In view of the 
large reductions proposed by the Cuban tariff and its improved classi- 
fication, I recommend that it be adopted entire, allowing paper pulp 
to pay the small duty of 15 per cent instead of making it free. This 
reduction amounts to 40 per cent. 

Schedule IX. — Wood. 

This is one of the more important schedules, yielding $78,176 in 
duties on importations valued at $818,953. The Ponce committee say, 
' ' There is no reason why lumber should not continue to pay the same 
duties as at present. " On the other hand, United States Consul Hanna 
considers that cheapening the cost of materials for houses, and pre- 
sumably of furniture also, would be a boon. Probably timber will be 
required to build vessels, the need of which for transportation between 
ports of the island is greatly felt. Materials for casks, hogsheads, etc., 
might, it is suggested, be allowed to come in at reduced rates. It 
would seem to be wise, therefore, to adopt the rates of the Cuban 
schedule. The manufacturers of straw hats complain of the excessive 
duties they have to pay on straw braids, and suggest that these be 
taken out of item 257 and incorporated in item 256 and that the braids 
should be classified as first, second, and third, the first class compris- 
ing braids from 3 to 5 millimeters in width, the second those from 6 to 
8 millimeters, and the third those of 9 millimeters and over. This 
would avoid, they nay, the ' present inconsistencies by which the 
coarser straw pays more duty than the finer because it is heavier, 
although it is far less valuable. 

Schedule X. — Animals and Animal Products. 

In value of imports this is the third schedule in importance, cotton 
being second and food stuffs first. The imports in 1897 amounted to 
$1,196,377, yielding $28,046 in duties. No reduction of duties is asked 
for in group 1 of animals. There has been no long, wasting Avar in 



397 

Porto Rico to deplete the meat supply, as in Cuba. The Porto Rican 
cattle are large and fine and make splendid draft animals, quite 
superior to the native horses, which are small and only adapted to driv- 
ing and riding purposes. According to a property census, taken in 
1896, there were in that year 303,612 cattle, 67,751 horses, 13,111 hogs, 
5,799 goats, 4,167 mules, 2,055 sheep, and 717 asses. There are lands 
well adapted to cattle raising. It is not necessary, therefore, that any 
of the animals in group 1 be put on the free list. Perhaps, however, 
some benefit would come to the people if the rate 25 per cent ad 
valorem were adopted. A comparison of group 2, hides, skins, and 
leather ware, with that of the Cuban tariff will show no very wide 
differences in the rates on manufactured articles. The new item in 
the Cuban schedule for children's shoes is provided for in the Porto 
Rican schedule by an allowance of a rebate of 50 per cent for shoes 
the inside soles of which do not measure more than 18 centimeters. 
That appears to be more favorable to this class of goods than the 
Cuban classification. It is very desirable that the use of shoes by 
children shall be encouraged by low prices. 

The manufacturers of Ponce estimate that not more than 200,000 
persons in Porto Rico wear shoes. Of these, 50,000 wear four pairs a 
year; 50,000, three pairs; 50,000, two pairs, and 50,000, one pair, mak- 
ing 500,000 pairs for a year's supply. Of these, 100,000 pairs are made 
in the island, and they believe that all that are needed can be sup- 
plied by the native industry if only sufficient encouragement be given. 
This encouragement consists in admitting sheepskins and calfskins, 
tanned and patent leather free; but strangely enough they ask for a 
higher rate on raw skins, saying that the increased demand for leather 
will compensate the tanners. On the other hand, the tanners repre- 
sent that tan bark costs too much, and that the premium offered on 
raw hides in Hamburg and Havre puts the native production beyond 
their reach. They ask that an export duty be put on raw hides. It 
would seem more equitable to allow the tanners to import hides at a 
reduced rate, say two-tenths of one per cent, as in the Cuban schedule. 
The shoe manufacturers also ask that shoes for men and women, under 
items 276 and 277, shall pay ' ' three times the duty now in force, " or $7. 65 
and $6. 75 instead of $2. 75 and $2. 25. They would probably now agree 
that this is unnecessary in view of the fact that shoes from Spain have 
ceased to come in practically free of duty. The Balearic Island shoes, 
which were so poor, now pay the same duties as similar shoes from other 
countries. The tanners are helped by lower duties on tan bark and 
on hides, and the shoe manufacturers get protection against "the 
coarse, unsightly" Balearic Island shoes, with "pasteboard soles." 
The adoption of the Cuban rates is therefore recommended. 

Schedule XL — Instruments, Machinery, etc. 

On articles in this class $35,739 in duties was paid in 1897 on imports 
valued at $401,157. There is a general call for lower duties on.articles 
in this list, particularly on agricultural machinery, which many think 
ought to be free. It was formerly free, but in view of the proposal to 
abolish export duties, to admit agricultural implements free, and other 
concessions to the interests represented, a reduction, such as the new 
Cuban rates would give, willprobably be reasonably satisfactory. It 
is to be hoped that the importer's license or tax which agriculturists 
have to pay for importing machineiy will be abolished. The adoption 
of ad valorem rates will avoid excessive duties on cheap machines and 



398 

distribute the burdens more equally. Especially to be commended 
is the provision of the Cuban schedule making detached parts of 
machines dutiable at the same rates as the machines themselves. I 
recommend the adoption also of the Cuban rates for the other groups. 
Musical instruments, watches, etc., may properly pay a duty of 50 per 
cent ad valorem. This will lessen the cost of pianos and organs, the 
rates on which are higher than were the Spanish rates in Cuba. 
Appeals have been made for reductions of from 20 to 50 per cent or 
more, particularly for small practice pianos of four octaves or less, 
also for hand organs. 

In the interests of carriage making the Ponce committee asks for 
an increase in the duty on carriages, in addition to lower duties on 
the leather, wooden, and metallic materials used in the construction 
of them. Carriages now pay from $120 to $350. The last figure is a 
full $100 more than the highest rate in the original Cuban tariff — $250. 
This was reduced at Santiago to $100. It would seem that the Porto 
Ricaii rates ought, in the interests of the people, to be lowered. A 
duty of 50 per cent ad valorem ought to be sufficiently protective to 
carriage makers, who are to get their raw materials cheaper. The 
rates on vessels are high. There is great need of sailing and steam 
craft for island navigation. The ad valorem rates of the Cuban tariff 
are recommended for adoption. 

Schedule XII — Alimentary Substances. 

The rates in this schedule affect directly more people in Porto Rico 
than those of any other class. The importations in 1897 amounted to 
$8,984,808, which was more than 50 per cent of the total for all the 
schedules. The duties collected were $1,750,857, or upward of 70 
per cent of the aggregate. Those interested in the condition of the 
peasant and laborer of the island are anxious that duties shall be 
lower on all classes of foods, particularly rice, which leads the entire 
list of imported foodstuffs in quantity and value, and meats. 

The rates in group 1, meat and fish, butter and preserves, are far 
lower than those of the old Cuban tariff, and are lower even than 
those of the new schedule. Codfish, for example, which is second 
only to rice in the value of imports, is rated at 90 cents, while in the 
old Cuban tariff it was $2.50 and in the new $2. I am informed that 
the present rate on codfish is satisfactory. I would suggest that all 
the articles in group 1, except codfish and jerked beef, be reduced 10 
per cent. The new Cuban rates in group 2, for cereals, if adopted for 
Porto Rico, would allow a reduction for rice, which now pays $1.95 in 
the husk and $2.70 without the husk. The Cuban rate is $1.50 for 
both. The reduction in wheat flour and wheat will also be a great 
boon, but the proposed classification for corn, rye, oats, and barley 
makes reductions far beyond what is necessary or desired in Porto 
Rico. Corn is an important crop in the island and can be grown 
profitably to a larger extent, if the duty is not lowered too much. 
The present duty is $3.15. I would recommend that the rates be 
fixed as follows : 

Corn $1.30 I Barley $1.50 

Rye 1.40 I Oats 1.40 

And that flour of corn be $1.50. Items 316 and 347 should be incor- 
porated in group 3, garden produce, and the Cuban classification and 
rates be substituted. 



399 

In group 4 a redaction in the duties of cocoa is desired by the Ponce 
and San Juan chocolate makers; also an increase of duty on choco- 
late. The best chocolate made in San Juan commands a price of $1 a 
pound. Asked why it was so high, the maker said it was because the 
duty on cocoa was so heavy. Cocoa is grown in Porto Rico, and, the 
Ponce committee say, in "sufficient quantity," the product augment- 
ing daily. But they want lower duties on the raw material and higher 
on the finished product. On the latter the rate is 30 cents. On the 
former $13. Of course no reduction is asked for in the rate on coffee. 
No reduction should be made in the rate on tea, which is half the old 
Cuban duty. It would be well if heavier rates could be assessed on 
inferior chocolates, which contain little cocoa, such as come from 
Spain. This would be a measure of protection to the home manufac- 
turers. Large reductions are requested in the rates on olive oil and 
on beers and wines in group 5. These are articles in very general 
demand. Good wines have almost been driven out of use by the 
prices. Artificial wines made in the island and the products of the 
distilleries have taken the place of the lighter drinks. Mr. Casals, 
president of the Industrial Club of Ponce, expressed the opinion that 
native rum is doing great harm to the people and that the adoption of 
the internal-revenue excise system of the United States would be of 
advantage. With this opinion the congress of Porto Ricans, held in 
San Juan October 30 last, agrees in its conclusions, recommending 
"the imposition of a heavy tax on alcoholic drinks" and the "abso- 
lute prohibition of harmful drinks." Of course native producers 
think otherwise and would like to have insular taxes lowered and 
higher duties levied on distilled liquors. They say if the consump- 
tion tax is taken off the duties should be increased in compensation. 

It seems wise to encourage importation of grape wines and beers 
rather than distilled liquors. The rates recommended for the latter 
from Ponce are higher than those of the present tariff and considera- 
bly higher than those of the new Cuban tariff. It would seem to be 
desirable that the duties should not be greatly reduced, if at all. 
Item 372 should be incorporated in group 4. The Cuban rates will be 
satisfactory for articles in group 7. The manufacturers of soup paste 
want the duty on that article increased fivefold ; but the reductions 
on flour and grease will make increase unnecessary. 

Schedule XIII. — Miscellaneous. 

There was imported under this class in 1897 $189,558, which yielded 
$27,186 in duties. A special plea has been made in the report of the 
Ponce tariff reformers for all possible reduction in toys, as they are 
"a moralizing factor among children" and "a mental stimulus." 
They suggest a reduction from $35 to $20. The Cuban rate is $10, 
which will be heartily approved. They also asked for lower rates for 
trinkets. Their views are met by the Cuban rate. Too great a reduc- 
tion should not be made in matches. There are several match fac- 
tories in Porto Rico. The reduction should not exceed 50 per cent, 
probably. 

An increase is suggested by the Ponce committee on umbrellas and 
parasols, but no reason is assigned. Instead of 40 cents and 20 cents, 
they ask for 60 cents and 25 cents. The Cuban rates are 10 cents 
and 5 cents. This is perhaps a larger reduction than would be advisa- 
ble. With respect to straw hats many changes are requested, mainly 
in the interest of native manufacture. They want straw braids, now 



400 

imported under item 257, Class IX, to be differently classified and be 
subject to greatly reduced duties*. Straw hats, they think, should 
pay heavier rates. Item 402 they would increase from 37 centavas to 
$2; item 403, from $1.60 to 16, while they would reduce item 404 from 
$2.35 to $1; item 405, from $5 to $2; item 400, from $9.50 to $2.50, 
and item 407, from $34 to $5. If the classification and rates suggested 
for straw braids in Schedule IX be made, perhaps the Cuban rates 
for the above items ought to be adopted. The Ponce manufacturers 
say, concerning felt hats : 

Most of the felt hats imported in the island are woolen. The value of the 
forms for the manufacture of one dozen of these hats is 1 peso, more or less: the 
import duty on the same is 1 peso 25 centavos plus the 10 per cent transitory tax, 
making a total of 137+ per cent. Besides, there is a duty on the ribbons, bands, 
linings, and other materials, such as stiffenings and dyes, which raise the price 
to 1 peso 75 centavos per dozen: adding this to the 137+ centavos for the forms 
makes a total of 3 pesos 12+ centavos — that is to say, 312+ per cent on the value of 
the forms. 

The value of the finished hats is from 3 to 6 pesos a dozen, an average of about 
4+ pesos per dozen. The import duty, under item 409, is 3 pesos plus 10 per cent 
transitory duties, §3.30, making a total tax of from 73 to 74 per cent on their 
value. 

Proposed Schedule XIV. — Tobacco. 

This is an important industry in Porto Rico. The value of the 
product exported in 1897 was $1,194,318. The Ponce committee esti- 
mate that there are 250,000 smokers in the island — 50,000 who smoke 
cigars and 200,000 who smoke cigarettes; that the consumption of 
cigarettes is 200,000 daily, or 73,000,000 annually; that a large pro- 
portion of this total comes from Cuba, the value of the imports approx- 
imating $1,500,000 annually, and that all the tobacco consumed could 
be manufactured in Porto Rico and employment thus be given to 
8,000 men if there were more protection. They say new methods of 
cultivation are employed with better results and that more skill has 
been introduced in the manufacture of the weed. They complain 
that while Porto Rico tobacco was practically excluded from Cuba, the 
Cuban manufactures were admitted to Porto Rico free from all duty 
except the 10 per cent transitory tax. The Porto Rican article also 
paid an export tax of 32 cents, including the transitory tax. There 
are five tobacco factories in Ponce alone, besides those in Caguas and 
other places — thirty or more in all. The industry has improved in 
the past few years, and it is expected that it will be greatly extended. 
No rates are suggested, but those of the new Cuban tariff would 
undoubtedly give necessary protection, particularly if the export 
duties are removed. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Henry K. Carroll, Commissioner. 



how the tariff should be revised. 
Views of Ponce Merchants. 

The two accompanying papers on tariff reform were presented to 
the Commissioner at San Juan, November 8, 1898, by Seilors D. Felici, 
E. Torres, and A. Casals, chosen by the representatives of the com- 
mercial, agricultural, and industrial classes of the district of Ponce. 



401 

The deputation presented to the Commissioner the following resolu- 
tions hearing on the tariff: 

First. That a banker, an agriculturist, and the president of the Club de Indus- 
trials shall be selected to call on Mr. H. K. Carroll at his office in San Juan. 

Second. That, it not being possible in such a short time to prepare a special 
work or information to offer to Mr. Carroll, the commission elected shall present 
him with an exact copy of the extensive and. laborious work that was successfully 
accomplished by the Club de Industriales and the Chamber of Commerce of the 
city of Ponce. This work comprises a good many statistical details and logical 
arguments, all tending to show the modifications that should be made in the 
custom-house regulations and tariff, in order to protect the development of the 
industries and to demonstrate also the reason why agriculture in Porto Rico is in 
such a decadent condition. 

Third. Said work, made by seven different commissions, was ordered by the 
Spanish Government with the object of making the necessary alterations in the 
custom-house tariff and of using it as a guide to make commercial treaties with 
the United States and Canada; but when the work was finished and ready to be 
sent the war broke out and the Club de Industriales did not send it. 

Fourth. It is our opinion that if the translation of said work into the English 
language were ordered by Mr. Carroll, a good many important details would be 
found that could aid considerably his present investigation. He will, of course, 
have to set aside all that was intended for the special use of the Spanish Govern- 
ment. 

Fifth. We wish now to call his attention to the most vital, urgent, and neces- 
sary measure that should be taken in Porto Rico, if the ruin of this rich island is 
to be prevented. This measure is the free importation in the island of the products 
of the United States, and vice versa. 



Report of the Manufacturers of Ponce. 

[Commission: Don Juan Cabrer, Don Julio E. Prats. Don Arturo Idrach, Don Alfredo Casals, 
Don Luis Aguerrevere, Don Roberto G-raham.] 

To the President and Members of the Official Chamber of Commerce 

and the Manufacturers' Club of Ponce: 

In compliance with the request made by the honorable secretary of 
agriculture, manufactures, and commerce for information in regard 
to the modifications which may be introduced into the custom-house 
tariff, in view of the opening industries of Porto Rico, the under- 
signed commission, appointed by the above-named officers to make a 
report upon the same, has endeavored to fulfill its mission conscien- 
tiously, not only by analyzing the obstacles opposed to industrial 
development, but also the means necessary to promote activity in 
these branches, so that they may develop in Porto Rico, to the increase 
of public prosperity and the welfare of the country. 

With this object in view, and in order to cooperate the better with 
the laudable autonomic system just initiated for our government, all 
the manufacturers of Ponce have been invited to make a detailed 
report of the requirements of their respective industries, and at the 
same time to offer such suggestions as, in their opinion, are advisable 
for the development of such industry. 

The result of these various reports, all tending to one end, is 
embodied in the accompanying report. Satisfied and proud we will be 
if it sheds any light upon the plausible work which it is intended to 
realize and open to our beloved country new and extensive fields of 
wealth, work, and life. 

REPORT ON THE INDUSTRIES OF PORTO RICO. 

If our century is remarkable for one above other things it is for the 
immense impulse to manufactures and industries. 
1125—26 



402 

Countries which have no industries of their own, or have them only 
in limited scale, are lacking in self-support, and are therefore subject 
to the tutelage of those which have acquired great development in 
this branch of human employment. 

It should be observed that manufacturing countries are, par excel- 
lence, the richest and most powerful — England, Germany, France, 
and the United States of America. 

It must be observed, too, that in these countries, and in them only, 
the necessaries of life are easily procured; there are greater resources 
for persons of all capacities, and the condition of the lower class is 
far better than in other places. 

In all the countries of the world manufacture is the source of prog- 
ress, well-being, and morality. Of progress, because it contributes 
in the highest degree to general education as well as to general 
wealth; it educates the people in the performance of work, cultivates 
their mechanical aptitudes, and elevates them in the social scale. In 
manufactories the proletariat is converted into a Workman. Well- 
being, because it affords employment and the means for supplying 
the material needs and enjoyments of life to the poor by lowering the 
revenue taxes, which bear heavily upon the contributors, and it 
reduces the price of the necessaries of life. Of morality, because of 
the numerous opportunities it affords for work ; it does away with 
vagrancy and the evils of vice; it educates mankind in the practice 
of good habits, and especially elevates and dignifies woman, to whom 
it opens a wider field than that of ordinary labor as a domestic, and 
enables her to turn away from the inducements offered by houses of 
ill fame. 

The foregoing ideas are based upon facts and practical observations 
made in the workshops and in the social relations. 

The few manufactures of our island have declined in price. 

Numbers of indigent poor who were subjected to daily want have 
been converted into useful workmen, doubling and trebling their 
means of subsistence. Hundreds of women take the fruit of their 
labor to their homes, thanks to the factory which has saved them from 
the wages of sin. 

Of the facts of these details the hat factory, tanneiy, and cigar fac- 
tories of Ponce will bear evidence. 

In order that these experiments may take root, develop, and multi- 
ply in our province, offering solid guaranties to the capital invested 
in the various enterprises, it is necessary, in order to obtain the best 
results in the various manufactures, that we follow the course employed 
by those nations which are in the vanguard of the contemporaneous 
industrial movement. 

This is nothing other than a positive, unfettered protection to the 
industries of the country, or what we would call, referring to Porto 
Rico, a system of colonial protection. To attempt the development 
of industries without openly protecting them is to attempt an impos- 
sibility. 

A government anxious for wealth and local prestige would not leave 
its industries to take care of themselves, but would help and stimulate 
them by suppressing or lowering the customs duties on materials 
imported for use in manufactories. It would impose prohibitive 
duties imported upon goods which made competition, and would con- 
cede all possible facilities to the industry in order that all manufac- 
tures may redound to the general prosperity. All that does not go to 
further these interests will be a lamentable loss of time and labor and 



403 

endanger the complete loss of the capital invested in unprofitable 
business. 

Nor should it be urged that countries lacking the raw materials for 
manufacture can not become manufacturing centers. There are many 
examples to the contrary. 

The fine manufactory of candles and soap of Rocamora, in Bar- 
celona, imports the grease and resins used in its business. The piano 
factories established in the same city also import from foreign coun- 
tries the strings, pegs, keys, and other accessories of their business. 
The weaving mills of different places in Catalonia obtain their flax 
and cotton from England and America. Many other like examples 
might be cited which do not occur to us at this time. 

And can the industrial importance of Catalonia be doubted? 

In the same manner many industries in Porto Rico might be fostered 
without taking into account that not a few of the raw materials neces- 
sary can be found in the country. 

To this end we propose the following general bases, susceptible of 
great amplification: 

First. Declares free from duty all raw material and machine^ from 
whatever source. 

Second. Authorize the manufacturers doing business or those 
licensed to manufacture to make a declaration before the custom- 
houses of the raw materials and machinery which they import for their 
respective industries. 

Third. Impose an additional tax of 30 per cent upon all goods simi- 
lar to those manufactured or which may be manufactured in this 
island, from whatever country they may be imported. 

Fourth. Exempt from duties, taxes, or other burdens, for the space 
of five years, the new industries which may be established here. 

Fifth. Stimulate industrial enterprise by offering premiums of some 
value, to be awarded each year, to those who have made most progress 
in their respective industries. 

These are, in our opinion, the only means really practicable to favor 
in a substantial manner the development of the industries of Porto 
Rico. 

We do not care for monopoly; we are the first to condemn unjust 
privileges; but the insular industries should obtain a margin of pro- 
tection under the tariff in force, for, according to an old adage, ' ' Char- 
ity, well understood, begins at home." Furthermore, if protection is 
ample and is based upon fair measures, monopoly could not exist. 
Any industry that attempted it would find itself at once mistaken, 
because, by virtue of the ample protection afforded, other similar indus- 
tries would be established for the purpose of competition. 

In proof of our assertion we will refer to the case of the match fac- 
tory of Bolivar, in San Juan de Porto Rico, and to the ice manufac- 
tories in the capital and in Ponce. Their abuses brought to them a 
non-productive result. 

Protection, protection, and protection in every sense of the word, 
in all its forms and in every measure — this is what the industries of 
Porto Rico need. 

Having made the foregoing statements upon industries in general, 
we will proceed to describe, in detail, three of the most important in 
Porto Rico — shoe factories, cigar and cigarette factories, and salt 
mines. 

We do not refer to the other industries, because each has its special 
report accompanying this. 



404 

SHOE FACTORY. 

Of the 1,000,000 inhabitants of the island it is calculated that only 
150,000 wear shoes regularly and 50,000 use them occasionally. Of 
these — 

50,000 wear 4 pairs per year _ 200, 000 

50,000 wear 3 pairs per year 150, 000 

50,000 wear 2 pairs per year __ 100,000 

50,000 wear 1 pair per year . . . 50, 000 

Total 500,000 

Deducting the shoes made in the country, which may be estimated 
at about the fifth part of the number used, or 100,000, there remains 
as imported, 400,000 pairs of shoes, of which seven-eighths are from 
the Balearic Islands and from Catalonia and the remainder from 
France, England, and the United States of America. 

Calculating that the 400,000 pairs of shoes imported cost in the fac- 
tory about 10 pesetas each, on an average, they yield in addition an 
annual duty of 4,000,000 pesetas, or 800,000 pesos (dollars), which is 
the tribute we pay to the countries which supply us with these 
articles. 

As will be seen Porto Rico contributes quite a respectable amount 
to the morocco leather industry. Our market is, for the Balearic 
Islands, a veritable mine of wealth. This should oblige them to send 
to us their best; but notwithstanding our trade, only the commonest 
kinds produced by those factories are sold here. Generally these 
shoes are badly made, unsightly, coarse, and without durability; they 
are made of the worst kind of materials, with pasteboard soles, and 
are commonly called "pacotilla" (unwarranted). 

Although the shoe industry in Porto Rico is hardly more than in 
its infancy, the manufacturers have the firmest conviction, based 
upon the balance of their accounts, that they will be able, success- 
fully, to compete with the foreign goods in the home market. For 
this reason the enterprise has been established. Now is the time, 
when we are emerging from the tutelage of exploiters, for us to look 
about for the means to establish a good shoe manufactory and place 
the Porto Rican shoe within the reach of everyone. Large shoe fac- 
tories must be established in Porto Rico, supplied with all the modern 
improvements. 

Keeping strictly to the foregoing calculations, which must serve as 
a basis for others if we could manufacture all the shoes used in the 
island, we would be obliged to increase the number of shoemakers 
now occupied in the trade by 1,323 additional for the manufacture of 
the 400,000 pairs of shoes annually, imported, supposing that each 
shoemaker can make one pair of shoes daily. Another favorable 
result of home manufacture would be the saving on exchange which 
now amounts to the- value of the imported shoes ; this would be reduced 
one-third, more or less, being the value of the raw material imported 
for use in the manufactories. 

In view r of the reasons set forth, it seems to us that articles under 
items of the tariff numbered 270, 271, and 272, now in force should be 
exempted from duty. These items refer to sheepskin, calfskin, patent 
leather, and all similar goods of every class, which are the raw mate- 
rials used in the maufacture of shoes and carriages. 

On the other hand, we think that an additional tax should be imposed 
upon the articles under item 274, raw skins, because the shoemakers 



405 

will, in turn, protect the tanneries by creating a demand for leather 
through greater consumption. 

In the same way an additional tax, amounting to three times the 
duty now in force, should be imposed upon items under 276 and 277, 
which comprise shoes for men and women, respectively. Up to the 
present time, shoes from the Peninsula have entered our ports free of 
duty, whilst our shoe industries are heavily taxed for the raw material 
imported. 

If the old slow methods of prohibition are pursued, there will be no 
progress made in the industries of Porto Rico. 

THE MANUFACTURE OF CIGARS. 

Considering that of the 1,000,000 inhabitants of Porto Rico one- 
half are women and half of the other half are children and nonsmok- 
ers, we have still 250,000 smokers upon whom to base our calculations. 
Suppose that of these smokers only 50,000 smoke cigars, there still 
remains a body of 200,000 who smoke cigarettes and tobacco. Calcu- 
lating the minimum of one package of cigarettes daily to each smoker, 
we have a daily consumption of 200,000 packages, 73,000,000 packages 
per annum. These figures agree with the number of packages imported 
from Havana if we deduct the consumption of cigarettes of home 
manufacture. 

Taking as a basis 2,000 cigarettes manufactured daily by each work- 
man, in order to manufacture 200.000 packages per day, 3,000,000 
cigarettes, at 15 per package, it would be necessary to employ 1,500 
workmen who would be exclusively engaged in this branch of the 
tobacco industry. To this calculation there must be added other 
employees— say 5U0 more workmen, occupied in separating, chipping, 
and preparing the tobacco, in boxing, packing, and in the other 
accessory manipulations. 

It is necessary, therefore, for the manufacture of cigarettes in the 
country, to employ dail} 7 2,000 workmen, which number might be 
duplicated in the probability that there would be some exportation. 

We do not hide from ourselves the fact that machinery considerably 
diminishes the employment of manual labor. Rut this effect is not 
sensibly experienced when we take into account that not all factories 
are able to have machinery, and that the cigarette in use can only be 
manufactured by hand. 

In the manufacture of cigars a greater number, perhaps, of work- 
men are employed. 

There is no use to enter upon the details of this assertion, admitted 
by everyone and proved by the facts. It is sufficient to say that in 
those factories where both articles are produced there are more per- 
sons employed in the selection, preparation, and manufacture of 
cigars than in factories where cigarettes only are made. 

From this data it will be seen that with a little protection afforded 
to this industry Porto Rico might decently maintain at least 8,000 
workmen employed in the manufacture of cigars. Thanks to such 
protection, the cultivation of tobacco would greatly increase and the 
agricultural wealth of this product would receive notable encourage- 
ment. 

From a careful examination of the foregoing you may assure your- 
self, without danger of falling into error, that in the balance of our 
agriculture the production of tobacco will have as much weight and 



406 

importance as that of coffee and sugar cane, which are now our most 
valuable agricultural products. 

SALT MINES. 

Porto Rico has a mine of wealth in its salt beds of Cabo Rojo. 
These salt mines cover, approximately, a surface of 1,200 cuerda, 1 of 
which only one-tenth part is worked.. But neither the country nor 
the Government knows what the salt mines contain ; they are veritable 
gold mines. The portion now being worked produces sufficient salt to 
supply the needs of the island and leave a surplus of 300,000 quintals, 2 
and if they are properly developed they would produce salt enough to 
supply Cuba and the United States of America, which countries do 
not produce the article and are obliged to import the same. This 
branch of industry owes the basis of its prosperity to the consumption 
in the island, and having this consumption guaranteed it would soon 
become sufficiently strong and prosperous to supply salt to the afore- 
named countries, which are near to our ports. If to-day these salt 
mines are worth 350,000 pesos and afford employment to 200 laborers, 
to-morrow they might be worth a million pesos and employ a thousand 
men. 

The causes of the actual decline of this industry may be summed 
up as follows: 

The facility with which salt enters our ports from foreign countries 
and the Peninsula. 

The enormous prohibitive duties in the United States and Canada, 
which make it difficult for our salt to find a market in those countries. 

The fact that although we have good salt here, better and purer 
than that imported, the majority of the home consumers favor the 
salt from Spain. The low price of the article. 

Generally the merchant vessels which enter our waters bring salt 
in ballast or to complete their cargo, and pay no import duties in vir- 
tue of the sui generis existing between Porto Rico and the mother 
country. 

On the other hand, Porto Rican salt pays a custom-house duty in 
the United States of. 6 cents, gold value, on each bushel — a measure 
equal to 70 pounds, more or less, resulting, therefore, in a tax of 9 
cents per quintal (hundredweight). Under such a heavy burden it 
will be understood why our island is deprived of that important 
market for our salt. 

It would be otherwise if there existed between Spain and the United 
States a broad and equitable commercial treaty, which would give an 
opportunity for the easy output of the products of the Antilles. 

As a means of prosperity for the salt mines of Cabo Rojo and for 
the municipal district which depends upon them for its wealth, we 
propose the following : 

First. Concessions in the commercial treaties with the United States 
and Canada, upon a reciprocity basis, which would admit our salt free 
of duty to those markets, or at least give it the maximum protection. 

Second. Impose dutj^ on salt from Spain equal to that of any other 
foreign importation of the article, with a maximum duty of 35 per 
cent fixed by the autonomic constitution. 



1 Equal to 81 varas or Spanish yard measure. 
' A quintal is equal to 1 hundredweight. 



407 

Third. Open the port of Cabo Rojo, now closed. 

Fourth. Grant facilities to foreign and domestic ships to load with 
salt without compelling them to stop at Mayaguez before clearing. 

Fifth. Exemption from cargo duty of ships loading with salt. 

These are, in our opinion, the measures which will conduce to the 
freest development of which the salt industry of the country is capable. 

We will conclude this task by showing that in our humble opinion 
if the tariff reform should protect in a decided and explicit manner 
the manufacturing industries which might exist in Porto Rico until 
the capital invested in them shall be guaranteed, there will be estab- 
lished in the island as an immediate consequence of such reform 
paper mills, breweries, cotton mills, and candle factories. 

Upon these four industries studies and plans have been made, which 
only await the decisions of our governmental organizations for the 
required protection to be given to the industries of this region in 
order to be put into execution. 

We have no hesitation whatever in asking exemption from taxes 
for industries of such importance. The statistics demonstrate as an 
irrefutable truth that little, very little, revenue accrues to our treas- 
ury from duties on raw material imported for manufacturing pur- 
poses. Thejr also show that the sums derived from duties on imports 
on manufactured articles are insignificant, because the greater part 
of these goods come from Spain and are exempt from all duty by rea- 
son of their nationality. 

Therefore to admit the importation of raw material free of duty 
for manufacturing purposes, and as a consequence of that concession 
cease to import manufactured products from the peninsula, because 
they are manufactured in the island, would not make any marked 
difference in the actual revenue derived from this source; and even 
though the revenue should decline somewhat, the loss would not equal 
the enormous surplus which accrues to it every year. 

Besides, we believe that from the moment that the Spanish products 
have no other protection than the 35 per cent levied upon foreign 
products they would in turn contribute, as in justice they ought, to 
the revenues of the public treasury. 

For these reasons we believe that a resolution to protect the indus- 
tries of Porto Rico would not result in serious injury to the provincial 
treasury. 

We have endeavored to fulfill the mission confided to us with the 
strictest impartiality, with the best desire to serve the material inter- 
ests of Porto Rico, and to combine with the justifiable project for 
reform a demand for that of the tariff. 

If we have failed in our object, the failure is due to our inability, 
but not to a lack of the best intention nor of our intense love and ten- 
derness toward the noble and generous soil, which returns with inter- 
est the labor devoted to it. 

. A. Casals, 
Arturo Ldrach, 
I. Agtterrevere, 
Julio E. Prats, 
J. Cabrer, 

Commissioners. 

Ponce, April 8, 1898. 



408 

MANUFACTURE OF SOUP PASTES, ETC. 

[Presented by Messrs. Casals & Besosa, of the city of Ponce, to the commission appointed to 
secure information for the projectors of a scheme to reform the tariff.] 

This industry was established in Ponee in 1881 . The production, 
at first very small, continued to increase from day to day, whilst the 
market price declined. 

From 1884 it increased rapidly. The products of the vermicelli fac- 
tory at Ponce made such a creditable name for their superior quality 
and cheapness that they almost completely superseded similar products 
imported from Spain and foreign countries and supplied the necessi- 
ties of the island. Before that time the consumers in the island used 
very bad Catalan soup paste at 20 centavos a pound and 25 centavos 
for the Italian article. Since then the best quality of soup paste made 
in the island is sold at 12-J and 15 centavos a pound; and herein was 
the first advantage derived by the inhabitants of Porto Rico from the 
introduction of this industry. 

To prove the excellent quality of the soup paste produced by the 
manufactory of Ponce it will be sufficient to state that at the famous 
international exhibition in Chicago the Soup Paste Factory of Ponce 
took the first gold medal in competition with the other countries. 
Besides it had other gold medals awarded to it in Porto Rico. 

This manufacture reached the height of its success in 1894, when 
owing to the assistance of the laws then in force and the tariff guar- 
anteed by the commercial treaty with the United States of America, 
the undersigned put up a large three-story building of stone and mor- 
tar and supplied it with all the modern improvements. It has a 
capacity for manufacturing 600 boxes of soup paste daily — a steam 
engine of 24 horsepower, a furnace and registers, and all other mod- 
ern improvements known in 1894. This factory is the best and most 
important of its kind existing in Spanish territory. None of the soup- 
paste factories of Spain have the appliances that this has, nor can they 
manufacture 600 boxes of soup paste daily. 

Who could have foretold that within four months after the opening 
of this fine factory a decree would be issued denouncing the treaty 
with the United States of America and at the same time compassing 
the ruin and extermination of the soup-paste industry of Porto Rico? 
Who could have said that there would be a depriving of work and 
bread to hundreds of workmen? From that time forward the factory 
has barely sustained itself, suffering many losses in order not to 
abandon completely the home market to foreign and Spanish specu- 
lators and, besides, not to discharge the workmen who are expert in 
the practical knowledge which it requires niany years to attain. 
Skilled workmen are not invented nor assembled when they are 
needed ; they are trained at the expense of years and years of appren- 
ticeship to labor. 

We will conclude this report by inclosing a copy of an appeal made 
to the foreign minister, dated October 16, 1897, which we indorse in 
all its points, and which, like many others, sleeps the sleep of the 
just (is pigeonholed). 

To his Excellency tbe Minister of Foreign Affairs: 

Messrs. Casals and Besosa, manufacturers of soup paste (thickening for soup), 
established in the city of Ponce, island of Porto Rico, appear before your excel- 
lency and respectfully submit the following: 

In February, 1894, under protection of the laws, they established a factory for 
the manufacture of soup paste, investing 40,000 pesos in building a factory three 



409 

stories high, a photograph of which we herewith present, in order that an idea 
may be had of the said industrial establishment. 

Supplied with all the necessaries for the manufacture of soup paste, with mod- 
ern steam machinery of 24 horsepower and all the modern apparatus used for this 
purpose in the principal manufacturing centers, we have in consequence a manu- 
facturing establishment which does honor to Spain in the Antilles. There is none 
other, neither here nor in all the Spanish peninsula, which can compare with it, 
not only for its importance, but for the superior quality of its manufactures, which 
it has introduced into the market through several foreign and international expo- 
sitions, in which it has been awarded for the excellent quality of its products, 
and to the glory of the nation, first premiums in the shape of gold and silver 
medals. 

This factory, your honor, gave employment and bread to 100 laborers of both 
sexes. It also sharpened the intelligence of these people by teaching them a new 
industry, before unknown to them; it gave occupation to coasting vessels trading 
with other parts of the island; it contributed to the State and municipality large 
sums as taxes on manufactures and thousands of dollars in custom-house duties. 
The products of this factory acquired such fame for the quality and cheapness of 
its manufactures that from that time this article of prime necessity has been fur- 
nished to the consumer at almost half the price which it brought before the fac- 
tory was established, and this is another benefit which this enterprise has brought 
to the island. 

But how short was the satisfaction of seeing the progress of a West Indian 
industry! 

Four months later, your honor, the annulment of the treaty "with America 
reduced to naught our apparently well-founded hopes of success. The industry 
was annihilated, and on the horizon appeared a picture of the dark future which 
threatened the success of the projectors of this industry and portrayed the want 
and misery of the 100 unfortunate laborers who depended upon this industry for 
their livelihood. 

The import duties on grease and American flour, which are the raw materials 
used in the manufacture of soup paste, were increased from 1 peso per 100 kilos to 
5 pesos for the same quantity, thus making an increase in our daily expenditures 
of 80 pesos. And it was upon those raw materials that the manufacturers had 
based their hopes for profit from the business in which they had invested all of 
their small capital. Later the duties were reduced to 4 pesos per 100 kilos, butnot 
even with this reduction was it possible to earn a loaf of bread for our children. 

Thus a cloud settled over the smiling future which we had courted and the 
business in which we had invested our capital, believing ourselves under the pro- 
tection of Spanish laws. 

On several occasions, and to every minister who has presided over the foreign 
office, we have made appeals for protection for this industry and for the laborers 
who are to-day without work and food. Finally the big factory had to close, 
owing to the competition in the market of similar goods imported from foreign 
countries and from Spain; especially from the latter, from whence they enter our 
island free of all duties, while we have to pay heavy import duties on the grease 
which we import. 

All the ministers and all the governors who have presided in turn over the 
respective offices, and to whom we have applied for a just compensation for our 
losses, have recognized our argument and our right to appeal for indemnity or 
for a tariff reduction which would put us in the position to sustain the competi- 
tion of similar products imported into Porto Rico, but no one of them has con- 
sidered himself sufficiently authorized to accomplish this act of justice. 

The admission free of duty of grease, wheat flour, and unfinished boxes as raw 
materials for the manufacture of soup paste would justify, if necessary, an 
import duty on the soup paste, etc., imported from Spain which now enters free 
of all duty, while we are paying an exorbitant duty upon all our raw materials. 
An additional tax of 25 per cent over the tax now paid by the foreign article 
would be the only means of restoring the vitality and energy which this industry 
enjoyed before the rupture of the American treaty. 

And while we are treating of an industry established and well known in the 
island, where two important factories exist, and are both closed, representing 
inert capital, two ruined families, and 200 laborers without employment — in a 
word, ruin, desolation, poverty — we would state that this condition arises from 
the little or no attention which has been paid to our just complaints, so often 
made to the officers of the Government. If ever a minister intended to cast a 
pitying glance upon such injustice and relieve so much misfortune by some saving 
measure, this intention never materialized, but was strangled in its birth by the 



410 

influences brought to bear by Spanish manufacturers, and only promises and 
still other promises of speedy relief reached us through our deputies. 

Now that a liberal government presides over the destinies of Spain and a min- 
ister anxious to do us justice is seated in the foreign office, there is some guaranty 
of success for those of us who are hungry and thirsty for justice, and we again 
make our everlasting complaint and beg for redress and justice. 

Therefore, and by virtue of the arguments here set forth, we beseech 3'our excel- 
lency to grant the appeal which we make for redress or for modifications in the 
tariff such as in the opinion of your excellency may be deemed just and advisable, 
and enable our industry to return to active life and compete without loss with 
similar articles from foreign countries and Spain. These can be produced at home 
for less money, and there is no necessity for importing them, neither from Spain 
nor from foreign countries. 

From the well-known rectitude of your excellency, we hope to receive the con- 
sideration and justice for which we make appeal from Ponce, October 16, 1897. 

Casals & Besosa. 
E. Coetada. 



HAT FACTORY. 

[Presented by Senor Juan Cabrer, of the city of Ponce, to the commission appointed by the 
industrial club to secure information for the projected tariff reform relating to the manufac- 
ture of hats. ] 

Straw braids for the manufacture of hats are classified under the 
tariff as worked straw and pay a duty, under item 257, of 30 pesos 
per 100 kilos and an additional transitory tax of 10 per cent, making 
a total of 33 pesos per 100 kilos. As the greater number of hats used 
in Porto Rico are of coarse straw and heavy weight, we, the manufac- 
turers of the island, are unable to compete with the imported hats, the 
high duties on the raw material raising the price to such a figure as to 
make it impossible for us to compete with the imported article. 

In our opinion, these braids should be taxed, under item 256, at 3 
pesos 20 centavos per 100 kilos, as raw material for hats, and not as 
manufactured straw. 

It would be well if the braids were classified as first, second, and 
third class. First class would comprise braids of from 3 to 5 milli- 
meters in width; second class, braids of from 6 to 8 millimeters wide, 
and third class, those of 9 millimeters and over. In this way each hat 
would pay a relative duty according to its value, and not as happens 
at present — that a hat of least value pays most duty, because it is 
heavier than a finer one. 

In the classification of felt hats there is no provision for untrimmed 
and unironed hats, which should be rated as felt in strips and pieces, 
item 194, paying 18 centavos per kilo, and not as unfinished hats, for 
the following reasons: 

Most of the felt hats imported in the island are woolen. The value 
of the forms for the manufacture of one dozen of these hats is 1 peso, 
more or less; the import duty on the same is 1 peso 25 centavos, plus 
the 10 per cent transitory tax, making a total of 137+ per cent. Besides, 
there is a duty on the ribbons, bands, linings, and other materials, 
such as stiffenings and dyes, which raise the price to 1 peso 75 centa- 
vos per dozen. Adding this to the 137+, centavos for the forms, makes 
a total of 3 pesos 12+ centavos — that is to say, 312^ per cent of the 
value of the forms. 

The value of the finished hats is from 3 to 6 pesos a dozen — an aver- 
age of about 4+ pesos per dozen. The import duty under item 409 is 
3 pesos, plus 10 percent transitory duties — $3.30 — making a total tax 
of from 73 to 74 per cent on their value. 



411 

The name " casco " (form) given to unfinished hats is not applicable. 
A casco is an untrimmed hat — that is to say, a hat without lining, rib- 
band, and binding. The cascos (forms) bought by the hatters from the 
manufacturers are called, in French, " campana,"and the houses which 
deal in these goods "manufacture de cloches pour le chapellerie," 
whilst the hat factories are known by the same name which we use in 
Spanish. 

The foregoing, we believe, will explain the causes of the nonsuccess 
of the hat industry in the island, and we hope that the insular gov- 
ernment will amend the errors of the existing tariff. 

J. Cabrer. 

Ponce, P. R., March 27, 1898. 



SOAP FACTORIES. 

To the President of the Industrial Club of Ponce: 

Having been asked to make a report enumerating the obstacles 
which paralyze the industry in which we are engaged and to offer prac- 
tical suggestions which may conduce to its development and prosperity, 
we have the honor to comply with pleasure and to offer the following 
as the result of our experience through long years of labor : 

Although this industry seems to be of little importance, it is without 
doubt one to which the attention of the government officials should 
be called in order to protect the province from the enormous contri- 
butions it makes to the foreign manufacturers who supply us with this 
article. 

The consumption of soap in our country is immense, as is shown by 
the last statistics of imports. 

In the past year, 1897, Porto Rico imported from Barcelona 30,060 
boxes of soap of 1 hundredweight each, for which it paid 20 pesetas a 
box, making a sum total of 601,200 pesetas, which we expend annually 
through bills of exchange in order to procure this article for our neces- 
sities. . The soap made in the island is scarcely used, in spite of the 
great economy exercised by the manufacturers in its production with 
a view of lowering the price and enabling our product to compete with 
the imported article. Notwithstanding these measures and the infe- 
rior quality of the soap with which we endeavor to compete in price, 
we have not succeeded. 

The raw materials which we need in our manufacture are heavily 
taxed because similar manufactures coming from Barcelona enter 
our markets free of all revenue taxes and subject only to a transitory 
tax of 10 per cent, which is equal to about 15 centavos, more or less, 
for every 100 pounds or 15 pesos for every hundred boxes of soap of 1 
hundredweight each. 

Meantime the insular industry pays duties on the raw materials 
which it requires in order to manufacture 100 boxes of soap of 1 hun- 
dredweight each, as follows: 

1,610 Mlos (35 quintals) grease, item 292, at $1.20 per 100 kilos $19.32 

1,104 kilos (24 quintals) rosin, item 92, at 90 cents per 100 kilos 9. 93 

92 kilos (2 quintals) caustic soda, item 107, at 65 cents per 100 kilos ' .59 

Total 29.84 

10 per cent transitory tax 2.98 

Total 32.82 



412 

It is clearly seen that our soap industry pays for the raw material 
to manufacture 100 boxes of soap of 1 hundredweight each more 
than double the amount paid by 100 boxes of the same article manu- 
factured in Barcelona. 

What business can succeed under such circumstances? Who can 
stand the competition? 

Nor should it be argued that we ought not to enter into this busi- 
ness because we have not the raw material. Rocamora and all the 
other large soap factories of Catalonia import rosin from North 
America, rough tallow from the Argentine, and paraffin and stearine 
from other foreign countries, and, notwithstanding, the soap industry 
of Catalonia is rich and powerful. 

It is more economical to manufacture soap in connection with 
stearine or tallow candles, and in almost all factories where the busi- 
ness is carried on these two manufactures appear together. The 
same might be done in Porto Rico if item 121 of the tariff relating to 
"pacapua" (animal fat), stearine, wax, and sperm oil were allowed 
free entry instead of paying a duty of 4 pesos 50 centavos per 100 
kilos. 

If the. articles under this item, as well as those under items num- 
bered 292, 92, and 107, respectively, were declared free of duty for 
manufacturing purposes, and an additional tax placed on imported 
candles and soap, from whatever source, the soap industry of Porto 
Rico might improve its products, cheapen its goods, and enjoy pros- 
perity. 

The foregoing is the result of practical experience and careful study 
of this industry through long years of labor. 

Manuel Hedilla. 
Aguerrevere Brothers. 

Ponce, P. R., April 9, 1898. 



TINWARE. 
[By representatives of the tinware industry, on the requirements of said industry.] 

The raw materials imported to give impulse to this industry are 
designated under the four items of the existing tariff as follows : 

Per 100 kilos. 

Item 60. Unmanufactured tin . . 82. 10 

Item 80. Pig iron . 11.00 

Item 81. Bar zinc, rosin, etc _.- 2.90 

Item 82. Sheet zinc, nails, and wires -. 3.00 

In the Latin republics of America this industry has achieved the 
greatest success to which it could attain. Everything in the way of 
tinware is manufactured at home, and nothing of the kind is imported. 
This is due to the free importation of the raw material for manufac- 
tures of all kinds, and amongst those which have had the greatest 
success is the tinware industry. In Central America it has made most 
progress, and large establishments have been founded there for the 
manufacture of this article. 

If Porto Rico enjo c yed free importation of raw materials for the car- 
rying on of this branch of industry, no manufactured articles would 
be imported, but a preference given for the home products, in the 
assurance that they would be as well finished as the imported goods. 






413 

Raw materials, free of duty, would be an advantageous commercial 
concession to importers who wish to manufacture them. 

Several importing houses of this city received from abroad zinc bath 
tubs and bracket oil lamps. Now they are supplied with the same 
articles manufactured in the country, as good and as handsome as 
those from abroad. 

All utensils connected with this industry can be manufactured at 
home with the exception of one or two articles, which, on account of 
the lack of apparatus for the manufacture of the same, would not be 
profitable — such, for instance, as frying pans, large bowls or basins, 
tinned iron pots and saucepans, for the manufacture of which steam 
machinery is necessary. 

If a tin factory should be established, protected by the tariff, there 
would be no difficulty in suppressing the importation of all these 
articles, and the necessary apparatus and machinery would be forth- 
coming. 



Felix S. Rojas. 



Ponce, P. P., March 28, 1898. 



The undersigned, manufacturer of all kinds of chocolate, in the 
city of Ponce, invited by the Industrial Club to make a report upon 
the causes of the obstacles in the way of the progress of this industry, 
explains : 

MANUFACTURE OF CHOCOLATE. 

There are several chocolate factories of some importance in the 
island. They produce fine and delicious chocolates of various kinds 
and prices. Some fail and others sustain themselves, but none pro- 
gress. Why? Because chocolate menier, Swiss, and other foreign 
chocolates, under the protection of the Peninsula, which is exempt 
from the payment of duty, enter the island with very low duties, under 
the present tariff, whilst the chocolate manufacturers of Porto Rico 
have to pay 14 pesos for every 100 kilos of cocoa imported from Vene- 
zuela or Trinidad. 

But even without this duty on raw material, very little of which is 
imported, for Porto Rico produces a sufficient quantity of cocoa, and 
the product augments daily, the insular manufacture can not compete 
with the ordinary chocolate imported from the Peninsula, the greater 
part of which is of inferior quality and contains very little cocoa. If 
the directors of the board of health should look into this matter and 
analyze the product they would doubtless find that much of it is com- 
posed of cracker dust. 

This is the reason why such fine factories, well furnished with 
machinery — such as that of Don E. Cortada, which has cost thousands 
of pesos — sleep the sleep of the just, hoping for the day when the 
industries of the country will be protected. 

This industry needs free entry for the raw materials used in this 
business, and an additional tax upon similar goods imported from 
foreign countries as well as those coming from Spain. 

And this is the petition made by the undersigned. 

Pablo E. Arroyo. 

Ponce, P. R., March 29, 1898. 



414 

The undersigned, manufacturers of carriages in this city, present 
the following report to the Industrial Club, in order that it may for- 
ward the same to the secretary of agriculture, industry, and com- 
merce, so that in the discussion of the projected tariff reform the 
requirements of the carriage makers may be had in view: 

CARRIAGE FACTORY. 

This industry has been much depressed since it was established in 
Ponce. Many years ago Mr. Hicks, founder of the same, was very 
poor, but as his resources improved in Ponce he drew around him a 
hundred workmen to whom he taught the trade. 

The annulment of the treaty with America in 1894, by virtue of 
which the duties on carriages and coaches had been increased, put a 
little life into this industry, and to-day there are two magnificent fac- 
tories competing with each other in their superior workmanship of 
vehicles, as well finished as those imported, and stronger. 

A carriage built in either of these factories, it can not be denied, 
is as elegant and as durable as any imported. Notwithstanding, 
many carriages are imported from the United States which ought not 
to be imported when we have such perf ect and well-finished vehicles. 

If the importation of carriages could be curtailed, instead of 
employing only a little over a hundred workmen, sufficient now to 
supply the necessities of the factories, the number could be doubled. 
This is what the country needs — workmen. Convert the laborers 
into artisans. 

If the raw materials for this industry were imported free of duty 
we might be better able to compete with the importations from foreign 
countries. This, and a higher duty on imported carriages, would 
favor our industry and place us in condition to build large factories, 
to the honor and prestige of our island. 

The articles imported as raw materials for use in this industry are 
as follows : 

Shins. — Buffalo, morocco, patent leather, rubber or oilcloth of dif- 
ferent kinds. 

Wooden articles. — Felloes for wheels, spokes, shafts and poles for 
carriages, breeching hooks, splinter bars, crosspieces, linchpins for 
wheels. 

Iron and steel. — Spring braces, axles (iron and steel), screws of 
various kinds, clamps, iron and steel tires. 

Nickel-plated. — Compasses, lanterns, points for poles and splinter 
bars, buttons of various kinds, rods (para ante pecho). 

Molds, fans lined with j>atent leather, fans (unlined), paints, and 
varnishes. 

It is very necessary, furthermore, that manufacturers should be 
able to import the raw material which we need for our respective 
industries without paying tax as importers. 

O. Florensan. 
Julio M. Bernard. 

Ponce, P. R., April 3, 1898. 



MANUFACTURE OF SOLE LEATHER. . 

Mr. President:* 

We, the undersigned manufacturers of leather, established on the 
coast (playa) of this city, declare that the manufacture of sole 






415 

leather, in which business we have been exclusively engaged for over 
thirty years, instead of increasing as would be natural, diminishes 
from year to year for the following reasons : 

First. The unpremeditated measure of monopolizing the mangrove 
trees of the province without any advantage to the revenue, thus 
obliging us for the past twenty years to seek, outside of the country, 
a material so indispensable to the tanning of leather as is the bark 
of the mangrove. It may be estimated that about 30,000 pesos at 
least have been expended by us, outside of the country, for the said 
material. 

Second. Since 1893 we have been taxed 50 cento ves of a peso for 
100 kilos of tanning bark imported by us from abroad. This meas- 
ure has been greatly to the detriment of the manufacture of sole 
leather already so costly. 

Third. With our monetary system we have to struggle with the 
speculators in raw hides, as they get a premium of from 60 to 70 per 
cent on goods in the markets of Havre and Hamburg, and from 20 to 
30 per cent on those in the markets of the Peninsula, whilst we have to 
pay prices not in accord with the sales. There is not that valid and 
legitimate agreement which should exist between manufacturers in 
the island for the increase of price, because we are obliged to buy 
the raw materials such as mangrove bark and raw hides. 

In view of the foregoing, and in order not to witness the decline of 
an industry so valuable to the country as is ours, we beg for use, free 
from all tax, of the mangrove bark on the coast of the province, where 
hundreds of laborers may earn their daily bread and sustenance for 
their families. We also ask for the suppression of that item in the 
tariff that taxes the mangrove bark which we import from Santo 
Domingo and Venezuela; and whilst our present monetary system 
obtains we think it logical that an export tax should be levied on 
raw hides. 

This is the justice for which we plead. 

BONGEOIS & BOISSEN. 

Ponce, P. R., March 4, 1898. 



MANUFACTURE OF LIQUORS. 

To the President of the Industrial Club: 

The undersigned subcommission, appointed to report on manufac- 
ture of liquors, with a view to the advisability of reforming the tariff 
in force relating to the branch of industry which we represent, are of 
the opinion : 

First. That the industry has no present need of greater protection 
under the tariff than that it now enjoys, and does not, therefore, ask for 
anything further than that the existing tariff shall remain in statu 
quo, and that the transitory tax levied on the consumption of liquors, 
national and foreign, imported into the island shall remain in force. 

Thanks to the aforenamed duties, and especially to the last, that 
on the consumption of liquors, which is the only tax on the produc- 
tions from the Peninsula, they being exempt from all others, we have 
been enabled to develop the local industry in spite of the imports from 
Spain, and to compete with her, notwithstanding the advantage which 
she enjoys over the foreign markets, on account of the comparatively 
low rate of bills of exchange drawn on Spain. This of itself consti- 



416 

tutes at times a protective margin of from 40 to 50 per cent over 
foreign products, and is a great advantage. Should any future modi- 
fication in the tariff suppress the tax on consumption, it would be 
impossible in future to sustain this branch of our incipient industry. 
For this reason the subscribers believe it to be of the greatest 
importance that the taxes upon all classes of alcoholic drinks remain 
in statu quo. Should the tax on consumption be suppressed, as pro- 
posed, it would be necessary to augment the import tax to an amount 
equivalent to that of the tax removed. 

Second. That for the purpose of further protecting their industry 
they beg to suggest the propriety of arousing the zeal of the custom- 
house officers to prevent the introduction, under the denomination 
of liquors, dutiable at a very low rate, of real alcoholic drinks and 
brandies which are subject to higher rates. This is done to evade the 
payment of tax on the higher grade of goods and is in detriment not 
only to the local industry, the raw material of which is alcohol and 
the common brandy of the country, but it is also an injury to the 
sugar-cane estates which produce these raw materials. 

Third. That while no glass manufactories exist in the island, bot- 
tles intended for use in this industry be imported free of duty, and 
that this exemption of tax extend to seeds and such other raw materials 
as are used in the manufacture of liquors. 

Arturo Idrachs. 

J. M. Saavedra. 

Duran y Coll. 

Narciso Vilaro. 

Julio E. Prats. 

I. Charidox. 
Ponce, P. R., March 28, 1898. 



SHOE FACTORY. 

To the President of the Industrial Club : 

The undersigned, in compliance with the call inserted in the news- 
papers of this locality for manufacturers to furnish data as they con- 
sider advisable to satisfy the requirements of their respective indus- 
tries, for the information of the projectors of a reform in the tariff, 
have the honor to submit: 

That there exists a great difference between the import duties on 
shoes and the raw material for the manufacture of the same. The 
result of this is that shoes pay 100 per cent less than the raw mate- 
rials, for which reason the manufactures of this country can not com- 
pete with the imported goods. 

Opening the market free to the importation of raw materials, espe- 
cially those from Germany, where the best class of goods at the low- 
est prices is procured, there is no doubt but that this industry will be 
put in condition to attract men of capital to invest money in it, build 
factories with machinery, and produce shoes which will compete in 
style, price, and quality with the imported article, and at the same 
time give occupation to a greater number of workmen, which of itself 
would be a source of wealth to the country. 

Jaime Homar. 
Gabriel Ripoll. 
Jaime Oliver. 

Ponce, P. R. , March SI, 1898. 






417 

MANUFACTURE OF CRACKERS. 

Report made and presented by the undersigned, manufacturers of 
crackers in this city, to the commission of industries, appointed by 
the club to present a report relative to the needs of this industry in 
reference to the customs tariff as relates to our manufacture of 
crackers. 

The causes which we justly believe are responsible for the languish- 
ment in the manufacture of all kinds of crackers in this country are 
principally due to the high tariff on flour — 4 pesos per 92 kilos, or 
a sack of flour of that weight. Besides this a local tax is levied on 
the consumption at the rate of 2 pesos 30 centavos on the same quantity. 
We would call attention to the duties imposed on crackers imported 
from North America, which are out of all proportion to those levied 
upon flour. 

As to crackers imported from the Peninsula, they pay no custom- 
house duty whatever, but enter absolutely free of duty. These are 
the reasons why this industry has been prostrated to such extent that 
it is not now able even to manufacture the most ordinary kinds of 
crackers, which were the only tolerable means of subsistence of some 
laborers. 

Thus, in order that this industry may prosper, it is necessary that 
the crackers imported from the Peninsula and foreign countries should 
pay an import duty in proportion to that of 6 pesos 30 centavos cus- 
toms duty and tax on consumption, levied on a sack of flour weighing 
92 kilos. 

Besosa Brothers. 
Alrizu & Arias. 
Bigas Brothers. 
Garcia & Colon. 
Ponce, P. R., March 23, 1898. 



TAILORS AND SHIRT MAKERS. 

To the Commission Appointed by the Industrial Club : 

The undersigned, tailors and shirt makers, present the following: 
The large importation of shirts and ready-made clothing from Europe 
to this island, principally to Ponce and to the capital, is the reason 
why our industry languishes and declines, more and more, in detri- 
ment to our interests. 

Notwithstanding the subscribers pay into the municipal treasury 
large amounts for the afore-named industry, the merchants pay very 
low duties upon shirts, ready-made clothing, collars, and cuffs, which 
they import from various points in Europe. This tariff regulation 
enables these merchants to sell their goods at a much lower rate than 
those manufactured here. 

Our shirts and ready-made clothing can compete, with advantage 
as to quality and shape, with those imported, and for these and other 
reasons our industries should be protected and favored in every pos- 
sible manner. With such protection the demand would increase, 
prices would be lower, and consequent gain would accrue to our manu- 
facturers and workmen. 

In order to obtain these results we beg that, in fixing the rates of 
duty under a new tariff, there should be borne in mind the above 
1125 27 



418 

explanation — that import duties on all classes of shirts, collars, cuffs, 
and ready-made clothing coming from foreign countries should be 
increased as much as possible. 

We do not doubt that the board, having in mind our best interests, 
will favorably consider the present appeal and accord us what we ask. 

F. Alsina. 

roql t e scarez. 

Successors to Pbnzgl. 

e. auffaut. 
Ponce, P. R., March 28, 1898. 



CIGARS AND CIGARETTES. 

To the Commission of Manufacturers 

on the Projected Tariff Reform: 

This tobacco industry of Porto Rico until lately was in an abandoned 
condition, owing to great competition with similar products from Cuba 
and because there is an erroneous idea that the tobacco of that 
country is better than ours. But, as no error is lasting, our tobacco 
industry has arisen from its unjust prostration. This is due to the 
demand of our leaf tobacco from the sister island, where it is prepared 
in their factories with the same results as obtain with Cuban tobacco. 

This, in conjunction with the improvement in making cigars and 
the practical skill introduced by Cuban and foreign cigar makers, has 
caused the tobacco industry of Porto Rico to emerge from its lament- 
able illusion that our tobacco was inferior in quality to the Cuban. 
Under the new system of cultivation already adopted in some districts 
of the island we have been able to prove that the tobacco of Porto 
Rico can attain equal excellence with that of Cuba and that our 
country has a mine of wealth in the production of the weed as aro- 
matic, fine in texture, and as well colored as the best in the world; in 
fine, that the tobacco industry of our country may reach at no distant 
date equal development, importance, and fame as that of our sister 
island. 

The importations to our island of cigars and cigarettes from Cuba 
approximate 1,500,000 pesos per annum, an amount adequate to insure 
the prosperity of our factories if the consumption could be suppbed 
by the home industiy. But the Cuban products enjoy free entry into 
the markets of Porto Rico, without the payment of any customs duty, 
and are only mulcted in the 10 per cent transitory taxes, which amount 
to 4 cents per kilo, while the sister island responds to those advan- 
vantages afforded by our tariff by closing her ports against our 
tobacco because it is to her advantage to do so. 

There are now five tobacco factories of more or less importance 
manufacturing cigars and cigarettes in Ponce. One of them, recently 
established, is run by steam power and possesses machinery and appa- 
ratus of the most improved kind up to the present. Together they 
give employment to 250 workmen and niay be increased to thousands 
when the home industiy is enabled to supply the consumption of the 
island and export its products with some advantage. This might be 
attained through commercial treaties made by our Government with 
foreign countries, above all with the United States of America and 
Canada, where our tobacco, in leaf and manufactured, pays an import 
tax almost prohibitive. 



419 

Our filling tobacco, crude, pays in the United States 35 centavos 
gold per pound; the wrapper un worked, 1 peso 85 centavos gold per 
pound, and manufactured cigars and cigarettes 4 pesos 50 centavos 
gold per pound, besides 25 per cent ad valorem. 

The whole island seconds the movement just initiated in the tobacco 
industry. In Mayaguez and San Juan there are factories which have 
adopted the necessary improved methods, and there are over thirty 
factories of more or less importance, which are seeking industrial 
progress. Some of these are creditable establishments, known for the 
excellent quality of their manufactures. We estimate that there are 
thousands of cigar makers who now earn their living by the tobacco 
industry of the island, and this number might be greatly increased if 
under judicious protection the industry should reach the summit of 
success. 

The more the tobacco industry of the country develops and does 
credit to itself the more advantage it will be to the farmer as a product 
of the soil. He will have to depend less upon foreign markets and can 
with greater confidence invest his time and capital in the cultivation 
of tobacco, feeling assured that he will be able to sell it in the island 
at a remunerative price. 

It is our unanimous opinion, and we therefore waste no time in proofs, 
that in the production of tobacco, in leaf or manufactured, Porto Rico 
may aspire to a new source of wealth of great importance. It will give 
employment to thousands of laborers and cease to pay tribute to Cuba 
of nearly 1,500,000 pesos. 

This will contribute to the decline in values of exchange in propor- 
tion as the product is quoted in the export value. 

But in order that this flattering future should be realized and become 
a practical and evident fact it is necessary that all the protection 
which its well-known importance merits should be given it. 

Tax the cigars and cigarettes imported from Cuba to our island in 
such amount as to give some advantages to the product of Porto Rico. 
In making treaties with foreign countries bear in mind the advantage 
of making concessions with such as will favor the importation of our 
tobacco, in leaf and manufactured. 

These practical measures are, in our opinion, such as will be most 
efficacious in securing the development of the tobacco industry in the 
island and will guarantee the capital invested. 

At the same time such tariff regulations as will encourage the culti- 
vation of tobacco on a large scale will itself be a powerful factor in the 
increase of the agricultural wealth of the island. 

Jose M. Besosa. 
F. Tort & Co. 
Toro & Co. 
C. F. Vaillant. 

Ponce, P. R., April 6, 1898. 



Proposed Changes in Schedules. 

[Committee: Don Javier Mariani, Don Olimpio Otero, Don Domingo Felici, Don Jose Trujillo 
Don Antonio Piza, Don Ernesto Mormglane. Subcommittee: Don Ramon Gadea, Don Antonio 
Yumet. ] 

OBSERVATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE. 

The undersigned, representing the dry goods committee on the pro- 
jected tariff reform, have the honor to present the accompanying 
report as the result of their labors concerning woven goods, perf umery, 
hats, umbrellas and parasols, preserves, liquors, and sewing machines. 



420 

■Nothing is farther from the thoughts of the committee than the 
assumption of having completely fulfilled the difficult task confided 
to them, when the importance of the work and the short space of time 
in which they had to accomplish it is taken into consideration; but the 
undersigned believe that they have done all in their power to fulfill 
the noble and patriotic desires of the association, which, having 
greater duties to perform, put into such inexperienced hands as ours 
.so difficult a task. 

In the preparation of this modest work we have observed a tendency 
1bo excessive grouping and an evident fear of multiplying the items. 

The latest statistics show that the importation of certain articles do 
not bear an adequate proportion to the number of similar articles in 
constant use in the island, and therefore many subdivisions, which 
^complicate the tariff in force without advantage to the revenue, may 
may easily be done away. 

Another advantage of the mode of procedure adopted here is that in 
"the future the doubts which now arrest every attempt made at the inter- 
pretation and appreciation of the tariff will not arise. These doubts 
often put the merchant at the mercy of the officials, or vice versa, and 
it frequently happens that the latter do not possess the quabfications 
necessary to fulfill conscientiously the duties for which they were 
^appointed. 

The foregoing suggestions appear trifling and unimportant when, 
from another standpoint, we think of the ease with which frauds are 
perpetrated. 

On the verge of such an abyss — for we can call it nothing less — which 
we are bound to avoid at all hazards, it becomes necessary to remodel 
the tariff, as well as the actual necessities of the provincial treasury, 
so that they will bear a just relation to each other and to the social 
influence which every well-regulated tariff exercises upon the future 
<of the commonwealth. 

The products which are the subjects of our present investigation 
*aa*e, doubtless, among the most fruitful sources of revenue to tne island. 
It therefore becomes necessary that the total amount of duties now 
:fixed by the tariff should be collected ; but there are some reductions 
absolutely indispensable on goods which are of prime necessity to the 
poorer classes, and which reductions would enable them to subsist 
oinder more advantageous circumstances. 

We will not examine here the statistics of the past few years. It 
is sufficient to say that they show a flagrant contradiction of state- 
ments and figures with the actual facts relating to the import of 
textile goods and the intentions of those who framed the tariff in 
force. 

This contradiction, from the moral and material force of which no 
one can escape, is the veiy point which must be cleared with firm and 
resolute hands. It is principally to this end that the authors of the 
projected tariff have given careful attention. 

Without entering into unnecessary details, the undersigned believe 
that they have accomplished this purpose by subdividing their work 
_in the form adopted. 

They dare to affirm and to demonstrate clearly in the note given 
herewith that the projected tariff scheme, as drafted, relating to those 
articles which have been the object of their studies will give a larger 
revenue to the provincial treasury and that all classes of consumers 
will derive positive advantage therefrom. 

The first object of every well-organized government, having at heart 



421 

the welfare of its people, should be to have a wisely regulated tariff, so> 
that the most perfect civilization would not advise its absolute sup- 
pression. 

J. Mariani. 

F. A. Vendrell. 

Jose R. Gonzalez. 
Ponce, P. R., April 15, 1898. 

Note. — From the statistics for 1896 and the custom-house receipts^ 
of the island the importation of certain articles comprised in this- 
report is given, and estimates are made for future years in an equal 
amount. This estimate we have found to be erroneous, as our imports 
are constantly increasing. If the native products were accorded the^ 
maximum protection under the present autonomic constitution, there- 
would still result a difference in favor of our project of 387,843 pesos 
89 centavos, which sum might be at once applied to a considerable 
reduction of the enormous duties now imposed upon flour, rice, and: 
other articles of large consumption. 

REPORT ON DRY GOODS, FRUITS, LIQUORS, ETC. 



Items. 



Articles. 



Proposed; 
duty. 



133 and 134 

137. 

158 

139 

130 

131 

133 

133 

134. 

135. 

136 



PERFUMERY. 

This item, gross weight, is valued at 73 centavos per kilogram. Sole 
duty per kilograni- 

COTTOKT. 

Cotton, raw, cotton waste, and cotton twisted in wicks for can- 
dles; valued at $15.50 100 kilograms, only rate, gross weight, per 
100 kilograms 

Cotton yarn and thread, crochet cord and embroidery cotton, per 
gross weight (value of 100 kilograms, $90) per kilogram. 

COTTON FABRICS. 

Cotton textures of all kinds, smooth or cross-barred, plain or fig- 
ured, white or colored, fine or medium fine, light and heavy, up 
to 30 kilograms inclusive (approximate value per kilogram, 

78 centavos) per kilogram . 

Textures of the above class over 30 kilograms (approximate value 
per kilogram, $1.56) .per kilogram- 
Cotton fabrics, felt, quilts, towels, and bed spreads (approximate 

value per kilogram, 91 centavos )... per kilogram . 

Cotton fabrics, woven in counterpanes and the like, unbleached, 
white, colored, figured, and all coverlets (approximate value 

per kilogram, 58 cents) -per kilogram .. 

Cotton lace, edging, or simple sewing cotton in whatever article 

(approximate value per kilogram, 70 cents) per kilogram. 

Fabrics of cotton lace with an edge, with double edge, or without 
edge, on whatever kind of article (approximate value per kilo- 
gram, $1.95).. -- per kilogram- 
Tulle and lace of all kinds, including cardboard and paper lace 

(approximate value per kilogram, $3.75).-- ..per kilogram.. 

Velvets and velveteens and the like, in pieces, ribbons, and s,uit- 
ings per kilogram- 



Pesos. 
0.2(5> 



2. so 

.25- 



REMARKS. 

A. The fabrics under items 129 and 130, when figured, to pay a surtax of 25 per cent. 

B. Embroidered goods, in pieces or strips, to pay an additional duty of 50 per cent. 

C Handkerchiefs, hemmed or seamed, not hemstitched, to pay an additional tax, over that 
levied on the texture to which it belongs, of 25 per cent. 

D. Readymade or partlymade clothing of materials comprised under items 139 to 136, to pay 
sur-tax of 50 per cent. 

E. Lace goods, under item 133, are held exclusively to mean such as are finished with a 
scalloped edge. 

P. Cotton goods mixed with silk exceeding 9 per cent, to pay an additional tax equal to the- 
regular duty. 
G. Hemstitched handkerchiefs, to pay an additional duty of 50 per cent. 
H. Cotton tape, besides the prescribed duty, to pay an additional tax of 35 per cent. 



422 



Items. 



Articles. 



Pro- 
posed 
duty. 



163, 164 
165.... 
169,170 

171.... 



172,174 
175,179 

180,185 
186.... 
187.... 



TEXTURES OF JUTE AND FLAX, ETC. 

Hemp, raw, hackled, or tow, abaca, manila hemp, aloe, jute, and 
other vegetable fiber (approximate value per 100 kilograms, 
$12.50) - - - per 100 kilograms.. 

Thread, pack thread, on spools, tackle and cordage of the same 
materials, and hempen twine (approximate value per 100 kilo- 
grams, $31.80) per 100 kilograms.. 

Textiles as above, mixed or unmixed with cotton, unfinished, 
smooth or crossbarred, although they may have colored stripes, 
such as pack cloths, hessian. empty sacks and similar goods, up 
to 5 kilograms, inclusive (approximate value per kilogram, 15 
cents) — per kilogram.. 

Fabrics as above, unbleached or partly bleached, with or without 
a mixture of cotton; smooth or twilled, such as nankeen, Irish 
linen, creas, osnaburg, drill, and other similar cloths, from 5 to 
8 kilograms (approximate value per kilogram, 37 cents), per 
kilogram _ 

Fabrics as above, of more than 8 kilograms (approximate value 
per kilogram, 98 cents).. per kilogram.. 

Fabrics as above, white or colored, plain, such as creas, long- 
lawn, and the like, up to 21 kilograms, inclusive: and all those 
crossbarred or twilled, such as German drill and the like (ap- 
proximate value per kilogram, SI. 42) per kilogram. . 

Fabrics as above: bleached, but over 21 kilograms (approximate 
value per kilogram, S3. 12). per kilogram.. 

Fabrics of linen lace or of linen and cotton, in all kinds of goods 
(approximate value per kilogram, $6.75) per kilogram.. 

Lace, edging, and netted goods of linen or mixed with cotton (ap- 
proximate value per kilogram, $10.20) per kilogram. . 



Pesos. 
1.00 
8.00 

.04 

.10 
.25 

.35 
.75 

1.50 
3.00 



REMARKS. 

I. Fabrics under 169 and 170 ought to show the gross weight separately in order that they 
shall not be confounded with those under the item next to them. 

J. Tape, linen, or linen and cotton mixed, to pay, besides the duty on the class of weave, an 
additional tax of 25 per cent. 



Items. 



188,190. 
191 



192,193 
194-197 

198,199 
200-212 
213.... 



Articles. 



Bristles, horsehair and other animal' hair, human hair, manufac- 
tured and unmanufactured, and raw wool, per gross weight, per 
100 kilograms -- 

Woolen yarns of all kinds, wool, white or dyed, spun or twisted 
(approximate value, per kilogram, $1.45) per kilogram.. 

WOOLEN FABRICS. 

Carpets and coverings of all kinds (approximate value, per kilo- 
gram, 80 cents) per kilogram.. 

Felt textures and coverings or rugs and baize in all kinds of arti- 
cles, although mixed with cotton, dyed or figured (approximate 
value, per kilogram, 75 cents) per kilogram.. 

Woolen fabrics, mixed with cotton, whatever the weave (approxi- 
mate value, per kilogram, §1.90) - per kilogram. 

Similar tissues of pure wool (approximate value, per kilogram, 
$3.70) per kilogram.. 

Woolen tissues of lace or netting, pure or mixed with cotton, in all 
kinds of goods (approximate value, per kilogram, $3.40), per 
kilogram 



Proposed 
duty. 



Pesos. 



10.00 
.40 



.30 

.20 

.50 

1.00 

1.00 



REMARKS. 



K. Ready-made clothing of wool, or of wool and cotton mixed, even though only half made, to 
pay, besides the duty levied on the weave, an additional tax of 50 per cent. 

L. The fabrics should be examined and appraised by measuring from the center the width of 
the goods, not including the selvages. 

M. The fabrics under items 175-185, when figured, to pay an additional tax of 50 per cent. 



423 



Items. 



Articles. 



Pro- 
posed 
duty. 



214,215 

216,217 

218.... 
219,220 

221 



Silk and waste silk, spun or twisted, in hanks and on reels, includ- 
ing the weight of the reels (approximate value per kilogram, 
$3.75) per kilogram. 

Textures of silk or with a mixture of other material, always when- 
ever the proportion of silk is not inferior to that of the other 
material (approximate value per kilogram §11.80), per kilogram. 

Textures of pure silk (approximate value per kilogram, §17.80), 
per kilogram 

Laces, edgings, blondes, tulles, and the like of pure silk or of silk 
mixed with other material (approximate value per kilogram, 
§19.80) per kilogram. 

Netted tissues of pure silk or silk mixed with cotton or other ma- 
terial (approximate value per kilogram, §27) per kilogram. 



Pesos. 

1.25 

4.00 
6.00 

8.00 
10.00 



REMARKS. 

N. Silk ribbons or ribbons mixed with silk and other materials to pay, besides the tax on the 
weave, a surtax of 50 per cent. 

O. Clothing of all kinds made up with fabrics under the preceding items to pay a surtax of 100 
per cent. 

P. Handkerchiefs of silk or of silk mixed with other materials, besides the regular duty, to 
pay a surtax of 50 per cent when the handkerchiefs are hemmed or hemstitched. 



Items. 



311. 



337 
347. 

357 
358 
359 
360 

361 

362 
363 
364 
365 
366 
367 
368 



Articles. 



SEWING MACHINES. 

Sewing machines, gross weight 100 kilograms (approximate value 
per kilogram, 20 cents) 



CANNED GOODS AND LIQUORS. 

Pish and shellfish, in oil or in other forms, in cans, including the 
weight of the immediate package, gross weight (approximate 
valtie per kilogram, 35 cents) per kilogram- 
Vegetables and garden products, pickles, preserves in vacuo, mush- 
rooms, etc., including the weight of the immediate receptacles, 
gross weight (approximate value per kilogram, 20 cents) , per kilo- 
gram.. 

Oil in jugs or tins, gross weight ...per kilogram. 

Oil in glass bottles, boxed, gross weight - do... 

Alcohol and brandy .per liter . 

Liqueurs, cognac and other brandies in casks or in demijohns, per 

liter 

The same in bottles per liter. 

Beer and cider, natural or artificial, in casks do 

The same in bottles do — 

Sweet wines of all kinds in casks. ...do 

The same in bottles do 

Sparkling wines of all kinds do 

Table wines, red or white ..do 

The same in bottles do 



Pro- 
posed 
duty. 



Pesos. 
5.00 



.10 



.02 

2.50 

.30 

.15 

.20 
.02 
.03 
.10 
.15 
.50 
.03 
.15 



REMARKS. 

Q. The consumption tax on alcoholic liquors, sherry wines, beers and liqueurs should be 
removed. 

R. The tax on receptacles containing the articles as above, whether of glass or of wood, to be 
removed. 



424 



Item. 


Articles. 


Pro- 
posed 
duty. 


371 

374 - 


PRESERVED ARTICLES. 

Alimentary preserves, not otherwise mentioned per kilog.. 

Chocolates and candied sweets, gross weight do 

BONNETS AND CAPS. 

Hats, of yarey or straw of Italy, India, rice straw, and Spanish 
straw, finished or unfinished (approximate value, $3.75 to $4 per 

dozen) - per dozen. . 

Same, of jipijapa, Panama, or other similar straw do 

Same, of felt, wool, trimmed or untrimmed and unfinished.. .do 

Same, finished do 

Hats, of felt or haired felt, of cloth, cashmere, satin, or plush, un- 
finished _-_ _ .- per dozen.. 

Same, finished do 

TRIMMED HATS. 

Hats, trimmed, for ladies and children, adorned with handwork, 

plumes, flowers, tulle, etc each.. 

Caps and berrets of all kinds, for men and children per dozen. . 

UMBRELLAS AND PARASOLS. 

Umbrellas and parasols, of silk or mixtures of same each.. 

Same, of other materials do 


Pesos. 
0.10 
.15 


402 




403 


2.00 
6.00 


404 


1.00 


405 


2.00 


406 




407 


2.50 
5.00 




1.00 
3.00 

.60 
.25 



GLASS, PAPER, BOOKS, TOYS, ETC. 

The undersigned committee, having fulfilled with pleasure the com- 
mission intrusted to it, has the honor to present its opinion. With 
very little previous knowledge of the subject, but with a will to accom- 
plish the work, it has, as far as possible, endeavored to adjust the import 
duties to the requirements of the insular budget. 

As will be seen, we have been able to follow an opportune and eco- 
nomic course with respect to the importation 'of such raw materials as 
are necessary to maintain the existing industries and facilitate the 
establishment of others. We have lowered the tariff on some articles 
in common use, especially by the middle and poorer classes. We have 
decreased the duties on paper of all kinds and manufactures, because 
it is the essential basis of a thousand mediums of intelligence and 
liberty, and we have absolutely put on the free list printed books of 
every description for the same reasons, which it is unnecessary to 
explain. 

We have endeavored also to correct the classifications by reducing 
the number of items in order to avoid injurious and cumbersome com- 
plications. 

In weights, in general, we have provided a greater allowance for tare, 
guided by experience, which proves that in many cases great loss is 
suffered by neglect to protect the cargo, as well on steamers as on 
lighters and wagons. 



425 

In toys we have made all possible reductions, considering them for 
the most part as a stimulus to children and, when properly directed, 
as a moralizing factor. 

Allowance for tares on glass, porcelain, china, etc., has been in- 
creased, because we have observed that in many cases the breakage 
is greater than the allowance for tare now in force. 

Olimpio Obero. 
e. g. moringlane. 
Amadeo Gilot. 
Ponce, P. P., May SI, 1898. 



Articles. 



Proposed 
duty. 



GLASS AND CRYSTAL. 

Common hollow glassware, flasks, uncut .. per 100 kilograms.. 

Glass, flatf , or pavements and window panes, tare, 50 per cent. 
Glass, packed in barrels, colored and flat, gross weight. 

For expediency we have made a larger average for tare, as 
experience has proved that there is greater loss by breakage 
than allowed for in the tariff. 
Quicksilvered glass, large mirrors, including the frames, per 100 

kilograms - - 

Same, without frames... per 100 kilograms. . 

Allowance for tare, 50 per cent. 

The reduction made has for its object allowance for the cost 
of packing. 
Small mirrors, of all kinds and shapes, ordinary .. per 100 kilograms . . 

Tare, 40 per cent. 
Glass, for optical purposes, spectacles, statuettes, jars, flower 
vases, and other similar articles for toilet purposes and house 

decorations per kilogram. . 

Tare, 40 per cent. 

Wineglasses, goblets, and similar articles per kilogram... 

Glass chandeliers with crystal ornaments do — 

Glass in wineglasses, goblets, and the like in all shapes for domes- 
tic use, and lamps with glass stands per 100 kilograms . . 

Tare, 50 per cent. 

UTENSILS OF CLAY, EARTHENWARE, AND PORCELAIN. 

Clay tiles for floors and roofs, fire brick, etc per 100 kilograms.. 

Tare, SO per cent. 
Glazed clay tiles, square, for paving. do — 

Glazed tiles for roofs, tare, SO per cent. 
Clay in manufactures, hollow, glazed, or imglazed, for cooking and 
domestic utensils. per 100 kilograms.. 

Tare, 20 per cent. 
Flintware, fine earthenware, and gypsum statuettes do — 

Tare, 40 per cent. 
Note.— This reduction is made in order to encourage the use 

White porcelain in all its applications per 100 kilograms. 

Tare, 40 per cent. 

Painted or gilt china, a surtax of 50 per cent. 
Clay, faience, porcelain, and bisque in figures, jars, bas-relief, 
flower vases, and ornaments for toilet tables, houses, and other 
like uses; liquor cases and dishes for sweets. .per 100 kilograms. 
Tare, 30 per cent. 

PAPER AND ITS APPLICATIONS. 

Cardboard. 



Pulp or paste for the manufacture of paper 

Printing paper, white and colored, for typography or for stamp- 
ing per 100 kilograms. 

Writing paper of all kinds, in reams and folded, including the en- 
velopes per 100 kilograms- 
Surtax on envelopes, 50 per cent. 

Books, bound or unbound, those pointed in Spanish or other lan- 
guages 

Stamped paper, forms for invoices, tickets, cards, and similar 
objects, printed, engraved, or lithographed, in one color, per 
kilogram .._ - 

Paper, stamps, maps, and drawings per kilogram . 

Chromolithographs, oleographs, etc., in three or more colors, on 
cards, tobacco packages, and other articles per kilogram- 
Wall paper on natural ground and printed on dull or glazed 
ground. .- per 100 kilograms . 

With gold, silver, etc do 



Pesos. 
2.00 



17.50 
8.00 



8.00 

.30 

.30 
.30 

450 

.45 

.72 

.90 
2.50 

4.50 
.30 



Free. 
2.75 
6.00 

Free. 



.20 
.20 

• 70 

6.00 
24.00 



426 



Item. 



235 

236 
337 



239 

240 

82. 



250-251 

78 

86 

297.... 
298.... 

299.... 
300.... 



396 

378 
379 
380 
238 



22.. 
381. 



83 

3S3 

381 

86 
385 



Articles. 



paper and its applications— continued. 
Cardboa rd— Continued. 

Sandpaper, white and ordinary wrapping paper, straw paper, 
blotting paper, thin yellow wrapping paper, parchment, per 
100 kilograms - - 

Thin paper of common pulp for packing fruits .. per 100 kilograms .. 

Music paper, lamp and fire screens, drawing paper, and other 
paper not in the tariff per 100 kilograms.. 

Pasteboard and fine cardboard. 

Pasteboard and fine cardboard glazed and pressed in sheets, 
per 100 kilograms • 

Same, cardboard in sheets, ordinary pasteboard articles, and those 

of stone cardboard in unfinished articles per 100 kilograms.. 

Same, in finished articles per kilogram. . 

Thin sheets of tin and lead per 100 kilograms.. 

Note.— Paper in all its applications being a prime element to 
facilitate education, we have endeavored to lower the tariff. 
Catalogues of all kinds, without commercial value 

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS. 

Violins, violoncellos, double basses, viols, clarinets, fiddle bows, 
mouthpieces, hautboys, flutes, fifes, terceolas, flageolets, etc., 

per 100 kilograms.. 

Musical instruments of brass, such as drums, trumpets, baritones, 

helicons, cornets, etc.. per kilogram.. 

The same instruments nickle plated do 

Pianos, grand _ - each.. 

Other pianos of from 5 to 8 octavos _._ -__.■ do 

Small pianos for practice, up to 4 octavos do 

Harmoniums and organs. per 100 kilograms. . 

Hand organs - do 

Musical boxes do 

Military musical instruments, drums, double basses, kettledrums, 

and cymbals per kilogram.. 

Accordeons . per 100 kilograms.. 



Toys of all kinds, except those of tortoise shell, mother-of-pearl, 
ivory, gold, or silver, including mouth organs, .per 100 kilograms. 

Fans, with sticks of bamboo, cane, or wood per kilogram. 

Same, with sticks of paste, bone, and horn.. do... 

Same, mounted on tortoise shell, ivory, or mother-of-pearl. -.do.-- 

Fans of palm leaf, pasteboard, with advertisements, per 100 kilo- 
grams. 

JEWELRY. 

Ornaments of gold, silver, platinum, in trinkets and .jewelry, even 
if set with precious stones, pearls, and precious jewels andpassa- 
menterie of such metals, ad valorem 

Trinkets and ornaments of all kinds in amber, jet, tortoise shell, 
coral, meerschaum, ivory, mother-of-pearl, and paste, and other 
similar materials ._ per kilogram. 

Same of whalebone, horn, gutta-percha, bone, paste, in imitation 
of the preceding classifications, and of other metals, whether or 

not gilded or plated per kilogram. 

Note. — The materials used in the manufacture of these trink- 
ets are generally of such low price that they are excluded from 
group 381. 

Amber, horn, jet, whalebone, tortoise shell, coral, meerschaum, 
ivory, and paste, in the rough or cut, even in strips or sheets, 

per kilogram _ 

These are considered as raw materials. 

Amber, jet, tortoise shell, coral, ivory, and mother-of-pearl, man- 
ufactured ..per kilogram. 

Horn, whalebone, bone, and paste, manufactured, including tooth 
brushes per kilogram. 

Buttons of all kinds, except those of gold and silver do 

Walking sticks and 'umbrella and parasol handles, per 100 kilo- 
grams 



427 

HARDWARE, LEATHER GOODS, ETC. 

The committee appointed by the official chamber of commerce and 
the Industrial Clnb has the honor to propose the following reforms in 
the tariff of the island : 

Glass or crystal lamps or chandeliers, under item 15, ought to be 
combined with item 12, at 6 pesos 50 centavos, and not 52 centavos 
per kilogram. 

Machetes for agricultural purposes, of all kinds, should be appraised 
under item 307, at 1 peso 10 centavos per 100 kilograms, as agricul- 
tural implements. 

Files, under item 48, should be appraised under item 58, at 3 pesos 75 
centavos. 

French or screw nails, so called, should be appraised under item 47, 
at 250 pesos. 

Iron shovels, appraised under item 56, at 4 pesos 10 centavos, should 
be incorporated with spades, under 307, at 1 peso 10 centavos per 100 
kilograms. 

Iron hooks and hinges, which at manufacturers' price cost 1 peso 75 
centavos per quintal, are appraised under item 56, at 4 pesos 10 cen- 
tavos per 100 kilograms, and we think, therefore, that the duties 
should be reduced one-half. 

Iron locks for doors, under item 57, at 6 pesos per 100 kilograms, 
should be appraised under item 56, at 4 pesos 10 centavos, as ordinary 
manufactures. 

Common pins and hooks and eyes, appraised under item 62, at 1.50, 
should be appraised under item 78, as wrought iron, brass, at 30 
centavos. 

Scissors, under item 64, at 90 centavos, should be incorporated with 
item 48, at 11 centavos. 

Knives and forks with handles of iron, whalebone, bone, or compo- 
sition, appraised under item 55 at 40 centavos, this duty being more 
than the original cost, we beg that they be appraised under item 48, 
at 11 centavos. 

Linseed oil, under item 88, appraised at 9 pesos 70 centavos, should 
be appraised under item 87, the same as cocoanut and palm oil, at 5 
pesos, net weight only. 

Varnishes, being of little cost and appraised under item 99, at 9 
pesos, we think that the tax should be reduced to one-half, paying 
only net weight. 

Paints, in powder, prepared, and inks, appraised under 100 and 101, 
should be taxed, instead of 2 pesos 90 centavos and 5 pesos 95 centavos, 
at 2 pesos 50 centavos per 100 kilograms, net weight. 

Woven-wire bed springs, appraised under item 249, should be 
appraised as spring or wire beds, under item 53, at 2 pesos 85 centavos 
per 200 kilograms. 

Leather belts for machinery, appraised under item 312 at $4.90, and 
afterwards under item 288 at 47 centavos, we think that as those 
articles are only applicable to machineiy used for sugar cane and 
coffee, they should only be appraised under 312 at $4.90. 

Saddles, straps, stirrups, and the like articles, for harness manu- 
facture, not patent leather, should be appraised under 287 at 23 cen- 
tavos, instead of under 288 at 47 centavos, because this duty is in 
proportion to the cost. 

Tanned or dressed skins, patent leather, under item 272, at 80 cen- 
tavos, should be appraised under item 271 at 45 centavos, because these 



428 

goods belong to the same class, and the fact of being varnished does 
not change the first cost. 

Wagon sidepieces and rods for poles, spokes, felloes, and hoops for 
carriages, uncovered, we think should be appraised under item 248, 
at 12.14, because the hoops and poles are similar to broom handles or 
clothes poles, and should be included under the same head, instead of 
appraising them under item 249, at 19.50, which only applies to com- 
mon furniture. 

Carriage wheels, being of common wood, should be appraised under 
common furniture, to which class we think they belong. 

All furniture of common wood, including wickerwork and bent wood, 
not veneered, though with cane seats and backs, should be appraised 
under item 249 as common furniture. 

Buttons of bone and metal, appraised under item 386, at 75 cen- 
tavos, is altogether too high a rate, and such articles should be appraised 
at 30 centavos per kilo. 

The tare allowed on hollow glass should be increased to 70 per cent 
in place of 40 per cent. 

Jose Trujillo, 
Mariano Vidal. 

Ponce, P. R., April 6, 1898. 



RULES, FINES, ETC. 

The committee appointed by the official chamber of commerce and 
the Industrial Club has the honor to propose the following reforms 
in the customs tariff of the island : 

Article 4-0. — Omit exception in regulation 3 "that textiles and 
opium can not enter to order " as other merchandise of lawful com- 
merce. 

Regulations 10 and 11. — Word in the following manner: "If ship- 
owners, supercargoes, or consignees notice on the countersigned 
manifest, presented by the captain, any error, they should notify the 
customs collector of the port, who will receive and amend the mani- 
fest within twenty-four hours after the arrival of the vessel." 

Article 1^8 . — Concludes as follows : ' ' Unless said manifest shall have 
been amended within twenty-four hours of the arrival of the ves- 
sel." It should be edited to read: "At the expiration of twenty-four 
hours, more or less, after the arrival of the vessel, the captain must 
present a copy of the manifest, in Spanish, properly stamped, to the 
collector of customs, who will cancel said stamp by the affixture of a 
seal. The fact that the twenty-four hours limit may expire on a 
holiday shall be no hindrance to the presentation of the manifest. 
The captain of the vessel will also deliver, at the port of entry, the 
manifests of cargoes intended for other ports; these will be counter- 
signed bj 7 the collector of customs and returned to the captain upon 
the clearance of the vessel.'" 

Article 62. — Add: "When the fines and surtaxes imposed upon 
the captain shall exceed the value of the freight, the consignee will 
have the right to renounce the consignment and the custom-house 
will proceed against the vessel, by notifying the consul, if the vessel 
is foreign, and proceed to recover the liabilities incurred by the cap- 
tain." 

Article 63. — The consignee, if he thinks proper, may present one 



429 

declaration only to cover all the goods on the manifest, separating' the 
merchandise to be forwarded to warehouses, and furniture or goods 
to he deposited, and he may request an extension of three working 
days instead of forty-eight working hours. 

Article 65. — Omit regulations 10 and 11 provided for in Article 40. 

Article 68. — All merchandise of lawful commerce, whether or not 
consigned to order, may be declared in transit for another part of the 
island, or for some place not in the island. The consignee should 
apply, in writing, to the collector of customs for transit before declar- 
ing the merchandise "for consumption." In such case the director 
or collector will file in the office a list of the merchandise declared in 
transit for another port. Omit the rest of Article 68. 

Article 69. — Vessels may begin to discharge the cargo as soon as the 
consignee makes the required application, which must not be delayed 
longer than forty-eight working hours from the time of the arrival of 
the vessel. The collector, in cases that seem to him justifiable, may 
extend this time forty-eight hours longer. 

Article 75. — Omit the last paragraph, referring to a vessel that has 
stopped at some foreign port and from the cargo of which packages 
containing opium and textiles are missing. 

Article 87. — Section 4: The consignee shall ask for the opening and 
examination of packages of damaged goods, in order to judge of the 
allowance to be made on the same, in the payment of duties. 

Article 101. — Omit the second section, which reads: "That the port 
to which the goods are consigned shall not be the same from which it 
sailed nor any of those at which it has stopped en route." 

Article 103. — Transshipment will be allowed in all cases, even when 
the goods come consigned on the captain's manifest to some certain 
person. 

Article 106. — Omit section 4 of case 6, which relates to the abandon- 
ment of prohibited merchandise. 

FINES. 

Total receipts from fines imposed shall be covered into the treasury; 
one-half of the same to be used for repairs and improvements of 
custom-house buildings and offices. 

Article 149. — Oasel: Lower the fine to 1100. Case 2: Lower the 
fine to $5 for each. Case 3: Lower the fine to $10 for each. Case 4: 
Lower the fine to $10 for each. Case 5: Any difference found in the 
weight, exceeding 10 per cent, more or less, of the gross weight, shall 
be fined double the amount of unloading duty, if the captain is found 
to have disregarded the stipulations relating to the manifests. Case 
6: Omit. Case 7: Fix the fine at 10 pesos. Cases 10, 11, and 12: Fix 
the fine at twice the duty. Case 13: Double duty. Case 14: Lower 
the fine to 300 pesos. Case 15 : Lower the fine to 10 pesos per package. 
Case 16 : Double the duty in both cases. Case 17: Fix the fine at 300 
pesos. Case 19: Double the duty. 

Article 150.— Case 1 : Fix the fine at 25 pesos. In other cases double 
the duties. 

Article 151. — The fine for the presentation of the manifest beyond 
the limit of time specified will be 2 per cent on the duties imposed for 
the first eight days and 4 per cent for further delay. In other cases 
under article 151 the fine will be double the duty. 

Article 153. — Case 1 : Double duties. 

Article 151/.. — Cases 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5: Ten pesos fine. 



430 

Article 156. — Case 1: Ten pesos fine for each package. Case 2: 
Double duty. 

Article 157. — Case 5: Ten pesos fine per package or double duty. 

Article 158. — Double duty. 

Article 183. — Claims for unintentional errors made in the assessment 
of duties will be considered if presented before payment of the same; 
and if found valid, the appraisement will be amended by a second 
appraisement. 

Article 189. — Omit the distribution of packages and turn the same 
over to the treasury. 

Article 144- — The president of the board of arbitration will be the 
municipal alcalde. The president will have a casting vote in case of 
a tie. 

When the merchant has failed to receive an invoice, he ma}* ask for 
an examination of the goods, and in such case will pay 5 per cent 
additional duty. 

E. Salazar. 
C. Armstrong. 

E. G. MORINGLANE. 



DRUGS, MEDICINES, ETC. 

[Report submitted by the committee on drugs and pharmacy for the consideration of the com- 
missioners appointed to advise on tariff reform.] 

First. Medicinal elixirs, being pharmaceutical products, should not 
have a special item, and instead of appraising them under item 115 
they should be included in item 116, to which they belong. 

Second. It is neither just nor equitable that sugar candj*, as entered 
in the tariff, should pay a duty which amounts to no less than 300 per 
cent more than the original cost, and. we think that this article as 
well as sweet pastilles and gum drops, the principal ingredient of 
which is not medicine, should form a separate item under which the 
duty should be assessed at 6 pesos per 100 kilograms. 

Third. Antipyrine, and other aromatic substances, being chemical 
products, it is a mistake of our tariff to class them under item 105, 
which included the alkaloids and their salts, with which the former 
are not allied; therefore, antipyrine and other products of that class 
should be appraised under 117, to which they properly belong. 

Fourth. Item 88 should be included in 87, because the first cost 
of the oils, to which both items refer, is at about the same market rate 
as those appraised under 87. 

Fifth. There is little equity in the appraisement of pharmaceutical 
products; on some articles the rate is as high as from 50 to 100 per 
cent, while on others it is as low as 25 per cent on the first cost. It 
follows, therefore, that many articles of equal cost can not be sold for 
the same price, and it is unjust that the wrappers, packages, etc., 
should be rated as high as the contents. As it is impossible to 
restrict the importation of specialties to which the public are accus- 
tomed, we propose to amend item 116 in such manner that the high- 
est rate will not exceed 25 centavos per kilogram, and, like the former 
tariff, the products, to which said item refers, should be appraised at 
net weight. 

Sixth. Item 115 should be included in 116, because capsules, pills, 



431 

and comfits are medicines which constitute first specialties, defined as 
wine, tonics, or sirups, etc., mentioned in the second. 

Seventh. Item 115 has been erroneously interpreted by some of the 
customs employees. They have held that such articles as Pelletier 
capsules, from the mere fact that they are manufactured with an 
alkaloid, should be rated as alkaloid. For this reason it is necessary 
to give attention to the matter and show that the said capsules have 
a definite medicinal formula, that they belong under item 115, and 
such interpretation of the item can not be justified. Now then, as in 
the preceding paragraph, we ask for the incorporation of items 115 
and 116, and we think that Pelletier capsules should be appraised 
under the latter. 

Eighth. We consider the rate under 89, of 6 pesos per 100 kilograms 
on spirits of turpentine, as excessive. On account of the low price and 
extensive use of the article we think it should not pay over 3 pesos 
per 100 kilograms. 

Ninth. We beg the suppression of item 94, so that all seeds, roots, 
and grains used in medicine may be rated under item 91. 

Tenth. The frequent use of aniline colors has caused a notable 
reduction in the price of indigo blue and cochineal, for which reason 
these articles might be rated under item 98. We think, also, that 
articles now overcharged under item 102 should be rated under 98. 

Eleventh. Alkaloids and their salts being overcharged in the ap- 
praisement (12 pesos per kilogram), we ask that the rate be reduced 
one-half. 

Twelfth. Glue, gelatin, glycerin, and sealing-wax, being articles 
used in manufacture, and bearing in mind that all the protection 
which can be afforded to industry redounds to the benefit of the coun- 
try, we think these articles should pay 3 pesos per 100 kilograms. 

Thirteenth. Abolish items 113 and 114 and let the articles embraced 
in these items, along with borate of soda, be incorporated in item 107, 
to which class they belong. 

Fourteenth. Perfumed vaseline should not be considered as per- 
fumery ; it is a very cheap product, and we think it should be classed 
under item 8 when in packages of 1 pound and over. 

Fifteenth. Distilled waters, such as lettuce, lime, rose, etc., being 
only used in preparations put up in a pharmacy, should not be 
appraised under 116, as at present; these waters are very cheap and 
should not jjay over 8 centavos per liter. 

Sixteenth. Cod-liver oil, purified, is an animal product used in 
medicine. If its price were lower it would be within the means of 
many persons who now are deprived of its healing properties, and we 
think, therefore, that it should not be rated under item 116, but under 
95, to which it legitimately belongs. 

Seventeenth. Fluid extracts, the use of which has become so gen- 
eral, are solutions of solids, and therefore should be appraised under 
item 116, which refers to such articles, unless a reduction is made in 
the tariff of from 50 to 70 per cent. 

Eighteenth. Essential oils, most used in pharmacy, are very heav- 
ily taxed under item 124, which also embraces fine perfumery. We 
consider this surtax unjust, and believe that a reduction of 50 per 
cent should be made on the duties now paid. 

Antonio Yumet. 
Ramon E. Gadea. 



432 

FOOD STUFFS, MACHINERY, ETC. 

The undersigned, having been requested to report upon the princi- 
pal articles of export embraced in the customs tariff of this island, 
and also upon the principal imports, such as provisions, lumber, coal, 
cement, machinery, etc., for the purpose of fixing a basis which, in 
their opinion, should regulate the projected tariff rates, and to sug- 
gest means of securing commercial treaties with certain countries, 
have concluded the duties accepted by them, and report : 

I. — Export Duties. 

The principal articles of export produced in this island are as fol- 
lows: Coffee, tobacco, sugar, and molasses; to which might be added 
salt, an excellent quality of which is produced in the salt mines of 
Cabo Rojo and Guanica. This last is an industry which is capable 
of great development if placed under favorable circumstances. 

Products now exported through our custom-houses pay duties as 
follows, per 100 kilograms. 





Export. 


Cargo. 


Total. 




. $1.00 
.22 
.15 

Free. 

Free. 

Free. 

Free. 


SO. 10 
.10 
.10 
.07* 

.m 

.10 

.10 


$0.10 




.32 




.25 




.07i 




.07* 


Salt - 


.10 




.10 







The committee is of opinion that export and cargo duties on the 
products of the country should be entirely abolished; the more so 
because real estate contributes to the State 5 per cent of its revenue 
and to the municipality 7£ per cent, making a total of 12% per cent. 
It follows, therefore, that all export duties collected are a great bur- 
den to the producers, who in years when the crops are short and the 
prices low find great difficulty in covering their expenses and paying 
the direct taxes. 

Export duties are paid solely by the producer. The merchant, 
agent, or exporter, knowing the market prices of export articles, 
naturally deducts from the price of the goods paid to the farmer the 
export duties and cargo dues, which logically should not be part of the 
first cost. 

The export and cargo duties paid by the producers of said articles 
in the year 1896 were as follows : 

Cargo dues on sugar $44, 081. 00 

Export duty on coffee - §266.621.94 

Cargo dues on coffee 26, 662. 06 

293, 284. 00 

Lumber, both duties. _. - - 75. 15 

Tobacco, both, duties 3, 222. 25 

Molasses, cargo duty .. 10,962.00 

351,624.40 

If the present condition of the treasury of Porto Rico does not 
admit of the immediate abolishment of these duties, a gradual reduc- 
tion might be made, beginning the first year after an agreement has 
been had, by abolishing the duties on all grades of sugar, lumber, 



433 

tobacco, molasses, salt, and other articles exported except coffee. In 
the second year the cargo duties on coffee ought to he abolished, and 
in ten more years the export duties might be abolished on this product 
at the rate of one-tenth part per annum. 

II.— Import Duties. 

The articles imported, to which our report refers, are: 

Pesos. 
Wheat flour: In 1896 there was imported kilograms 15,400,000 — import 

and unloading duties, at $4.10 per 100 kilograms 631,400.00 

Wheat: 318 kilograms, at $3.25 per 100 kilograms, both duties 10. 33 

Corn: 50,000 kilograms, at $3.25 per 100 kilograms, both duties 1, 625. 00 

Corn meal: 30,000 kilograms, at $4.10 per 100 kilograms, both duties ._ 1, 230. 00 
Pork and lard: 4,700,000 kilograms, at $4.60 per 100 kilograms, both 

duties ---- 212,200.00 

Rice (hulled): 32,000,000 kilograms, at $2.88 per 100 kilograms, both 

duties 896,000.00 

Butter and beef suet (or grease): Of the 141,028 kilograms imported, 
94,780 were from the peninsula. The total amount paid for duties on 

cargo and imports was ....-- 3, 787. 00 

Jerked beef: 3,524,116 kilograms, at $2.45 per 100 kilograms— cargo and 

import duties 86,341.00 

Codfish and other salt fish: 86,369 kilograms, imported from Spain, ex- 
empt from import duty; 728,714 kilograms, imported from the United 
States; 11,974,462 kilograms, from English possessions. The two 
latter paid import duties at the rate of 90 centavos per 100 kilograms, 
which, with the unloading duty of 10 centavos per 100 kilograms, 

amounted to.,. - 128,675.00 

Olive oil in tin cans: 

1,175,808 kilograms, imported from Spain, free from import duty: 

unloading duty -. -. 1, 175. 80 

1,660 kilograms from other countries, at the rate of $3.55 per 100 

kilograms, both duties. . . - - 74. 04 

Olive oil in bottles: 

13,640 kilograms, imported from Spain, free from import duties; 

unloading duty 13. 64 

6,304 kilograms, from other countries, at the rate of $5.35 per 100 

kilograms, both duties 337. 26 

Cheeses: 

16,008 kilograms, from Spain, free of import duties; unloading 

duty 16.00 

311.872 kilograms, from other countries, at $15.10 per 100 kilo- 
grams, both duties 47,093.00 

Casks and hogsheads (for sugar and molasses, set up or not): 3,170,000 

kilograms, at 28 centavos per 100 kilograms, both duties 8, 876. 00 

Barrels, made or unmade: 174,000 kilograms, at $2.24 per 100 kilo- 
grams, both duties 3, 723. 00 

Lumber, common, in boards and other pieces: 38,000 cubic meters, at 
$1 per cubic meter, plus 10 centavos for each 100 kilograms (transi- 
tory duty) 80,472.00 

Lumber, planed or dovetailed: 5,652 cubic meters, at $2.20 per cubic 

meter, plus 10 centavos per 100 kilograms 18,086.00 

Mineral coal: 32,561,151 kilograms; import duties only, at 33 centavos 

per 100 kilograms - 10,740.00 

Cement: 878.943 kilograms. Of this number of kilograms 241,393 came 
from Spain, at 5 centavos per 100 kilograms, and 637,550 kilograms 

from other countries, at 50 centavos; both duties _ . _ . 3, 627. 00 

Machinery for the manufacture of sugar: 1,587,166 kilograms, at 75 

centavos per 100 kilograms; both duties - 12, 905. 36 

Machinery, apparatus, tools, and agricultural implements: 190,724 kilo- 
grams, at' $120 per 100 kilograms; both duties 2,497.00 

Motors, boilers, etc.: 152,325 kilograms, at $2.60 per 100 kilograms; 

both duties 4,106.25 

Copper machinery and detached pieces: 12,490 kilograms, at $15.10 per 

100 kilograms; both duties .-. 1,780.00 

1125 28 



434 

With regard to the articles above referred to, the committee are of 
opinion: 

First. Import duties should be collected only on the net weight, 
deducting the weight of the inner or outer covering, as follows: 

Meat; lard; unhulled rice, wheat, corn, and flour of these grains; 
jerked beef and codfish; oil and olives; cheese and butter. 

The packing cases should only pay duties when they are likely to 
become of commercial value when emptj 7 , in which case these packing 
cases should be subject to duty under their respective items of the 
tariff. If the value of the packing case proves to be less than the duties 
assessed, and the circumstances justify it, a reduction of 20 per cent 
on the actual value in the island of the packing case should be made 
in the appraisement. 

Casks, hogsheads, and barrels should pay duty per gross weight in 
the cases in which they come, according to the tariff. 

As to mineral coal, cement, and machinery, motors, and boilers of 
all kinds, the committee think that, so far as the exigencies of the 
treasury of the island permit, the import duties should be reduced, 
and on food products the reduction should be made as low as possible. 
As far as preference is concerned it should be given to the articles 
cited by us as follows : (1) Wheat flour; (2) unhulled rice; (3) jerked 
beef; (4) pork and lard; (5) olive oil and olives in all kinds of pack- 
ages; (6) cheese; (7) butter! 

Codfish and other salt fish may continue to pay the same duties as 
at present. 

We think that wheat and unhulled rice should pay half the amount 
of duty assessed upon wheat flour and hulled rice. 

Casks, hogsheads, and barrels might be reduced 5 per cent of the 
present duty. 

There is no reason why lumber and cement should not continue to 
pay the same duties as at present. 

Machinery for sugar works and for other purposes, sugar estates 
and farms, including copper machinery and the like for similar pur- 
poses, ought in our opinion to be free from duties. 

We also think that the same exemption should be accorded to other 
machinery, apparatus, and agricultural implements, as well as to min- 
eral coal. 

On steam engines of all kinds and boilers for generating steam we 
think there should be a great reduction in the tariff; the import duties 
should be reduced to about 25 per cent of those now paid. If still 
greater reduction were possible, we would agree to have it made. 

As regards locomotives and material for railroads, we would reduce 
the duties to one-third of those now assessed. 

We would also reduce by one-third the duties on copper machines 
and combinations not intended to improve agricultural products. 
(For this purpose we have asked that such articles be put upon the 
free list.) 

Detached pieces of machinery of all kinds should be appraised 
under the items, respectively, to which the completed article pertains. 

III. — Treaty with the United States. 

If the North American Republic should concede a reduction of 20 
per cent in duties on the importation of tobacco, sugar, molasses, and 
salt from Porto Rico, we might in turn concede to that country cer- 
tain reductions in the tariff, so that the total amount would be approx- 



435 

imately equivalent to the reductions made by the United States on 
the products of Porto Rico. 

A proper estimate of the reductions to he made might he arrived at 
by taking into account the difference in money values of the two coun- 
tries, and a rate might be estimated and fixed until the standard is 
changed in some positive manner. 

An account will be kept of the amount reduced each year, and for 
each dollar in gold of the sum total of duties reduced in the United 
States on the products of Porto Rico an allowance will be made here 
of 1.76 pesos. That is to say, if the total reductions made in the 
United States in one year on the imports from Porto Rico amounted 
to 100,000 pesos, the amount of reductions in our country would be 
176,000 pesos on the products of the United States imported into 
Porto Rico. 

A. This basis, referred to in the preceding paragraph, should be the 
initiatory work of the framers of the treaty, and every five years 
thereafter the proper reciprocal estimates should be made. 

B. If the average of exchange should appreciably and permanently 
change, the consequent changes would be made in the rates of exchange, 
without loss of time, in order that the reciprocal arrangement might 
be effective and advantageous to both countries. 

The treaty may be annulled by giving notice three months in advance 
of such intention, but during that time the tariff shall not be altered 
to the injury of the products of either country. 

Until notice of annullment of the treaty be given the same shall 
continue in force, although subject to the changes indicated in Para- 
graphs A and B. 

Porto Rico will reserve the right to make similar treaties with other 
nations, importing the products of the island, which will give it 
equivalent advantages. Such treaties will be based upon the same 
terms as those entered into with the United States. 

IV. —Relations with the Peninsula. 

The reductions made in the tariff in Porto Rico on the products of 
the Peninsula should necessarily be compensated by proportionate 
reductions made in Spain and the adjacent islands on the products of 
Porto Rico imported by such places. The total reductions made by 
one country should equal or approximate those made by the other 
country, always keeping in mind the difference in money values whilst 
such difference exists. 

The total amount of reductions made in the island of Porto Rico in 
favor of the products of Spain should be made in Spain and the adja- 
cent islands in favor of the products of Porto Rico — such as on sugar, 
molasses, and coffee — in such manner that the said concessions could 
prove absolutely reciprocal. It would not be fair to continue our 
present rates, for whilst the products of Spain pay little or no import 
duties here, those of Porto Rico are heavily taxed in the Peninsula to 
the extent of being almost prohibitive. 

There should be but one rate of customs duty for both countries, 
and not as it happens, that, under the term "consumption" or other 
similar terms, a surtax is levied upon the first import duties. 

V. — Dues on Loading and Unloading and the Customs Duty on Con- 
sumption. 

The first two should be abolished and the third incorporated in the 
import duties. 



436 

With the foregoing we close our report, which is based upon careful 
and conscientious study of the points embraced in it. Nevertheless 
we are bound to consider the necessities of the public treasury if the 
circumstances demand certain modifications. 

Carlos Armstrong. 
J. M. Mora. 
P. J. Rosaly. 
Ponce, P. R., April U, 1898. 



HOW TO HELP AGRICULTURE. 

The undersigned, commissioned to suggest measures which should, 
in the interest of agriculture, serve as a guide for drafting a new 
tariff and making commercial treaties to be celebrated with the United 
States and Canada, herewith submit to your judgment the following 
considerations : 

This committee believe that it would be advisable to reduce con- 
siderably the import duties paid on provisions coming from those two 
countries. 

The total imports from those two countries in 1894 amounted to the 
value of 6,290,218 pesos 35 centavos; of this sum the value of food 
articles was 4,376,257 pesos 73 centavos, or more than two-thirds of 
the whole amount. Based upon these figures, the reduction in the 
tariff would have to be considerable in view of the necessity for lower- 
ing the price of living in the island and bettering the condition of the 
poorer classes. But the subject is worthy of consideration, and the 
committee believe that such purpose might be used as an argument 
for obtaining from the Governments of the United States and Canada 
markets for such product of the island as sugar, coffee, tobacco, 
hides, live stock, fruit, etc., under more favorable conditions than 
those existing. 

The committee also believe that, with the exception perhaps of the 
Peninsula, the United States and Canada are the natural markets for 
the products of the island, and nothing should be left undone to 
place this island in the most advantageous position possible with 
those countries. 

With regard to tariff the undersigned believe that whatever tends 
to facilitate the cultivation and improvement of the products of the 
country, and the introduction of the same into foreign markets, with 
the least possible expense, should be exempt from duty. In this 
class would come agricultural implements, etc. 

At this time, when the production of cane sugar is brought into 
competition with beet sugar, a product which enjoys a bounty of 1 peso 
80 centavos, provincial money, for each 50 kilograms exported, and 
now that this bounty has so stimulated the production of. beet sugar 
that it has almost driven cane sugar from the markets of the world, 
with a consequent decline in price, it has become necessary to 
retrench our expenses by investing less money in modern apparatus. 
During fifteen years of high prices the production of coffee in the 
world has almost doubled; from year to year the price has declined, 
and, from all appearances, will continue to decline year by year. 
Under these circumstances, the committee think that agriculture 
ought to be aided to sustain itself and should not be burdened with 
duties which, besides being unjust, are suicidal. Satisfied with this 



437 

view, the committee recommends the following as a basis for the 
drafting of a new tariff relating to these subjects: 

(1) That machinery, spades, and mineral coal be exempt from duty, 
as they were in the tariff of 1882. 

(2) That the import duties now paid on sacks, staves, and wooden 
hoops, from whatever source, be reduced 75 per cent. 

(3) That loading and export duties paid on the products of the 
island should be abolished. 

The undersigned believe that if the suggestions submitted' are 
adopted, as well as those to be made by the other committees appointed 
to consider other branches, they will tend materially to improve the 
agricultural interests of Porto Rico, and, although perhaps not perti- 
nent to the business in hand, the committee believe that they are in 
duty bound to point out that the natural market for the products of 
the island is that of the peninsula, to which we are united by the ties 
of history, race, religion, and customs, and that in order to bind still 
closer these ties of union between the mother country and this island 
a common interest should be encouraged. 

It is not sufficient that our products enter the peninsula free of 
duty so long as taxes under the name of "consumption" are levied. 
Under this duty sugar pays 33^ pesetas plus 10 per cent and coffee 60 
pesetas per 100 kilograms. 

Such prohibitive duties place these articles beyond the means of the 
poorer classes and have a fatal tendency to drive away the export com- 
merce of the island to other markets than Spain. This is shown by 
the following figures : 

Total exports of coffee and sugar in 1894- 



Coffee. 



Sugar. 



To Spain . 

To foreign countries 

Total.... 



Kilograms, 

5, 568, 284 

17,341,405 



Kilograms. 
13,781,281 
32, 839, 858 



22,909,689 



46,621,139 



We are all victims of this exorbitant tax. The people of Spain are, 
for the most part, deprived of one of the necessaries of life on account 
of its artificial price. This island is deprived of its natural market 
where, at least, it should be protected, and the treasury is deprived 
of this source of revenue because the high prices caused by the tax 
curtail the importation and consumption of articles which, under a 
more liberal regime, would largely contribute to the finances. 

The committee are of the opinion that for the good of both the 
mother country and Porto Rico the import duties on articles imported 
from this island into Spain, if not abolished altogether, should at least 
be considerably reduced. 

And, Mr. President, in spite of their inadequacy for the task, the 
commissioners believe that they have fulfilled their task as representa- 
tives of the agricultural wealth of the country. 

Gusto Cabrera. 

Jose Serra. 

E. Wellenkamp. 

Rafael Collazo. 

Felix Jauri. 

Luis Rubert. 
Ponce, P. R., April 5, 1898. 



438 

THE TARIFF AND PORT CHARGES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 26, 1898. 

Mr. T. G. J. Waymouth, of the house of J. T. Silva & Co., San Juan, 
P. R.: 

Dr. Carroll. I want to ask you about the customs. Do you under- 
stand that the same customs are levied now, practically, as were levied 
previous to the occupation of the island b} r the Americans, except that 
the duties collected from goods coming from Spain are precisely the 
same as those from other countries? 

Mr. Waymouth. That is my understanding of it. 

Dr. Carroll. Formerly you collected a very small tariff on Spanish 
goods? 

Mr. Waymouth. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. I have had an intimation that the business men of 
Porto Rico consider this tariff too high; that they would like a reduc- 
tion of 50 per cent in it, and that that reduction ought to be made 
immediately ; also that there ought to be a removal of certain port 
charges which are now in the nature of an embargo. Do you regard 
the rates now charged too high and onerous to the merchants and 
people of Porto Rico? 

Mr. Waymouth. I consider all the duties on machinery double what 
they ought to be — perhaps more than double. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that true of any other articles? 

Mr. Waymouth. Articles like flour pay too high a duty and I think 
most of them could be reduced without doing any harm to the island. 
There was formerly a heavy duty on American flour, so that practi- 
cally it had to be shipped to Spain and from there reshipped to Porto 
Rico. Now, of course, it will come direct from the United States, 
but the dutjr is too high still. Formerly the duty was something like 
$4 a bag; now I believe it is $2 a bag. 

Dr. Carroll. You get it as cheaply as under Spanish sovereignty? 

Mr. Waymouth. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think of any other articles that ought to be 
reduced? 

Mr. Waymouth. I don't think of any at the present moment. I 
only have in mind now those principal things — flour, which is the 
principal article of consumption imported into the island, and machin- 
ery, which we need in order to develop our industries. To import a 
piece of machinery for grinding sugar or coffee you require to be 
almost a capitalist. It is very expensive, not only because of the 
freight charges, but because the duties are enormous. 

Dr. Carroll. Where has the island been getting its machinery 
from chiefly? 

Mr. Waymouth. They are getting it from England and France; 
also from the United States, but not so much for sugar plantations. 
They seem to prefer here the English mills for grinding cane. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the English cheaper? 

Mr. Waymouth. Yes ; they get boilers from the United States ; also 
telephones and telegraphs. The bridges of the island have been 
imported principally from Belgium. I think the tariff should be 
reduced about 50 per cent all round. I believe the increased impor- 
tation which would result would compensate for the loss of revenue 
by the reduction. 



439 

Dr. Carkoll. Yon have also a duty on exports. Is it desirable to 
continue that? 

Mr. Waymouth. That is a question of calculation after you con- 
sider the budget. You will figure that the administration of the island 
costs so much, and then you can select such means of revenue as may 
seem most convenient and desirable to produce the amount required. 
The ambition of the people here is, however, that there should be free 
trade between the island and the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. Could you make up some of the necessary amount 
for purposes of administering the affairs of the island by some form 
of internal revenue? 

Mr. Waymouth. No ; I think it would be unwise to have any more 
internal revenue. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think any of the present internal taxes should 
be wiped out altogether? 

Mr. Waymouth. I do, and I believe that will be necessary to build- 
up the country. 

Dr. Carroll. We have a successful system of revenue tax adopted 
for the purpose of paying war expenses. Under this system a stamp 
is required to be put upon every telegram, bank check, deed, mort- 
gage, contract, etc., which distributes the burden equally. 

Mr. Waymouth. That is just. Our internal-revenue law will have 
to be looked into, because, up to the present, it has been very loose. 

Dr. Carroll. Who can give me the most accurate and full infor- 
mation as to the stamp and other taxes that have been imposed, 
licenses, stamps on merchants' books of account, etc. ? 

Mr. Waymouth. I will tell you how that is done. They generally 
divide the merchants into groups which they call gremios. The first 
gremio includes the bankers and importers and exporters ; the second 
gremio would be importers who are not also exporters; then there 
would be a gremio to take in the coffee houses. The Government says 
we require so many thousands of dollars. This amount is divided 
among the various gremios, and each gremio is required to produce 
the amount assigned to it. The gremios call meetings and each 
gremio adjusts the amount to be paid by each person included in it, 
which amount is arrived at by taking the proportion of business that 
is done. 

Dr. Carroll. Who apportions the several amounts to the gremios? 

Mr. Waymouth. The secretary of the treasury. . 

Dr. Carroll. Is the amount, as between the gremios, equitably 
apportioned? 

Mr. Waymouth. Not generally. The Government is only concerned 
with getting the money and does not care whether the apportionment 
is equitable or otherwise. The apportionment is changed from year 
to year. 

Dr. Carroll. Was there any tendency on the part of the Govern- 
ment to discriminate? 

Mr. Waymouth. No; they got the money where they could, but 
there was a tendency among the gremios to squeeze each other. 

Dr. Carroll. How was the collection of the amounts made — was 
it farmed out? 

Mr. Waymouth. After agreeing upon the amounts in the gremios 
the collection was made by the Spanish Bank. 

Dr. Carroll. There were revenues that were farmed out. 

Mr. Waymouth. Yes; stamp revenues. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not a fact that a tax is collected on all produce 
f every kind brought into the city? 



440 

Mr. Waymouth. Yes; that was another tax. I would like to speak 
of another matter. I refer to the port charges which are collected 
here under the new order of things. These charges are extremely 
heavy. They collect at the rate of 20 cents on each net registered 
ton; that is, 20 cents on vessels arriving from a foreign port and 2 
cents on vessels arriving from any other port of the island. Vessels 
coming here to take on cargo — usually tramp vessels — run all around 
the island wherever there is coffee, sugar, or other cargo, and pick it 
up at the different ports. But if each vessel has to pay 20 cents a ton 
at the first port and 2 cents a ton at the others they will not be able 
to come to the island to look for cargo. 

■ Dr. Carroll. As a matter of fact, how do you ship your exports of 
coffee? 

Mr. Waymouth. There are several lines of steamers. There is a 
German line, and there is also a French line, of which our firm are 
agents here in Porto Rico. But these steamers won't be able to come 
to Porto Rico if these duties continue. This port charge is new. 
Formerly vessels arriving at any port in Porto Rico paid $1 a ton on 
the cargo discharged. 

Dr. Carroll. Was that too heavy a charge, in your judgment? 

Mr. Waymouth. That was not complained of. If a vessel dis- 
charged, say, 100 tons, the charge would be $100, but the steamship 
companies generally protected themselves by laying that duty on the 
importer of the goods. Consequently the vessel did not really pay 
that duty. For instance, a French vessel seldom brings more than 50 
tons for Porto Rico. That would mean $50 distributed among all 
the importers. But if a vessel of that kind had to pay 20 cents on its 
net tonnage — which is usually about 3,000 tons — the charge would be 
excessive. This 20-cent charge is new and is in substitution of the 
$1 charge on cargo discharged. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it your opinion that there should be free trade 
between Porto Rico and the United States? 

Mr. Waymouth. Yes, absolutely free. I am an Englishman and 
am in favor of free trade altogether. 

Dr. Carroll. You believe that on principle; but aside from that 
do you regard it as proper and desirable that there should be no 
imposts on exports or imports between the United States and its own 
possessions? You are aware that Canada levies a duty on goods 
received from England. 

Mr. Waymouth. That is the Canadian idea. They do it- in order 
that they may develop their industries side by side with the United 
States. 

CHANGES DESIRED. 

Statement by Senor Miguel L. Arsuaga, of the firm of Sobrinos 
de Esquiga, San Juan. 

The customs tariff and regulations for ports in Porto Rico, issued 
by order of the United States, contains this regulation : 

Trade between ports of the United States and all ports or places in Porto Rico 
in control of the United States, and trade between ports and places in Porto Rico 
in control of the United States, shall be carried on in registered vessels of the 
United States and in no others. 

For every passenger transported and landed in violation of this regulation the 
transporting vessel shall be subject to a penalty of $800. 

By the Spanish regulations all foreign A r essels might take passen- 
gers to all ports of the island, as in some periods few steamers pass 



441 

by, and when rainy weather comes on the roads become almost impass- 
able, making- traveling over land very difficult and troublesome. For 
this reason facilities for travel by sea are important. 

ENTRANCE AND CLEARANCE OF VESSELS. 

Should any packages or articles named on the manifest be missing on the 
arrival of the vessel, the latter shall pay a penalty of $1 per ton measurement, 
unless such deficiency shall be satisfactorily explained or accounted for. 

It is rather strange that a big vessel should pay more penalty than 
a small one for the same fault. I think it ought to be even. A large 
ship may get more freight than a small one, but the proportion of 
missing goods is larger. There is the same question about the deliv- 
ery of the manifests twenty-four hours after the arrival of the vessel. 

TONNAGE DUES. 

On each entry of a vessel from a port or place, except from another port or 
place in Porto Rico in possession of the United States. 20 cents per net ton.. 

On each entry of a vessel from another port or place in Porto Rico in possession 
of the United States, 2 cents. 

Under this tariff all vessels have to pay according to their net reg- 
istries, whether they bring much or little cargo. Formerly this charge 
was more reasonable. Then we paid $1 on each ton of merchandise 
imported or exported, but now we have to pay generally or always 
more than what it should be, for vessels never discharge here half a 
cargo nor take half a load. 

Besides, most of the steamers, or nearly all of them, with cargo for 
the island of Porto Rico call first at San Juan. Therefore we have to 
pay always 20 cents, and only 2 cents at the other ports. This is not 
equitable. We would be the losers if these regulations were carried 
out for any length of time. 

Also some vessels come here in ballast for orders, they being cleared 
in like manner for another place in the island. However, they have 
to pay half of the said tariff, though they would have had nothing to 
pay under the old "landing charges." 

CUSTOMS TARIFF. 

This tariff is rather high in general, especially for a good many 
articles which we were accustomed to receive at a very low rate of 
duties, viz, 10 per cent for goods coming from Spain. This sudden 
and extensive change will affect very much the prices of the articles 
in the market and necessarily the consumers. A good many of them 
can not stand it very well, especially the poorer classes, and some of 
those a little better off. Most of the articles are necessary articles 
here, such as Spanish rice, onions, garlic, olive oil, beans and pease 
(garbanzos), potatoes, chestnuts, nuts and filberts, fruits, water- 
melons, grapes, raisins, wines, cider, dry goods, hardware, etc., and 
no doubt a reduction of the tariff by 50 per cent would have a very 
good effect on general trade and the people in the island. Otherwise 
they will suffer very severe consequences, for commerce is light and 
living will be high if goods must be sold at enormous prices. If we 
have to pay these high, duties, workmen will require more wages. 
Consequently, it will make everything higher, contrary to the interest 
of all concerned. Most of the articles imported here can not stand 
an increase in price, for few people can paj r more; and our exports are 



442 

so burdened with charges and meet so much competition in the mar- 
kets that they can not bear anymore expenses of production. I refer 
to sugar, coffee, tobacco, molasses, etc. On the contrary, it is recom- 
mended that charges on the same be reduced, so that we may compete 
favorably in the produce markets abroad, instead of obtaining very 
small profits or even suffering losses on most of the articles exported 
for consumxDtion in America and Europe. 

TAXES COLLECTED BY THE CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION. 
CONSUMPTION TAX ON BEVERAGES. 

The consumption tax on beverages has been increased so much now 
that hardly anybody can take a drop of any liquid, especially of com- 
mon wines, red or white, to which drink our people have been accus- 
tomed at meal times, however small the quantity. In future they 
will be deprived of these drinks. Beer is high, so also are other 
liquors, such as gin and hollands, cognac, brandy, etc. 

Formerly the Spanish wines paid 10 per cent of the current duties, 
and the consumption tax on Spanish beverages was smaller than now; 
consequently selling prices were low and equitable. As a rule there 
is no excess committed in drinking in this island by any class of 
people. 

Export tariff for the island of Porto Rico. 

Coffee _ per 100 kilograms-. SI. 00 

Wood do .15 

Tobacco .... .do .22 

These articles and sugar are the principal productions of the colony, 
besides molasses, rum, etc., and though their exporting dues are not 
heavy, still it would be convenient to reduce them as much as possible 
or make them free, so that their exportation may be increased con- 
siderably, with great benefit to our agriculturists, tradesmen, etc. 

MANUFACTORIES. 

Besides the sugar, coffee, rum, and tobacco works, we have in the 
island some match factories, ice, electric-light, and gas works, etc. Also 
we have an oil refinery, which was built in 1890 and was very much 
helped by the Spanish tariff as an important industry in the country, 
the same as the match works, for it employs many workmen. All the 
materials of this oil refinery have been imported from the United 
States of America, also the engineers for erecting same, besides the 
coal required every year — about 1,000 tons — all the crude oil, acids, 
all necessaiy things for running the refinery, and thus giving employ- 
ment to American vessels. In landing and taking to the refinery 
some benefit is afforded to lighters and lighter men. Labor is also 
required to ship the refined oil to the different ports of the island. 
Therefore it would be well to pay particular attention to the welfare 
of all these industries on which so many people live. 

This oil refinery is called the " West India Oil Refining Company" 
and belongs to the " Standard Oil Company," of New York City, where 
all the capital invested is American. Consequently we hope it may 
continue working under tariff protection as heretofore, viz, fourteen- 
fif teenths of a cent (gold) per gallon on crude oil less than on refined oil. 

In case the refinery should be obliged to close for want of tariff pro- 
tection very few refined-oil importing houses would be benefited by 
it, and for each person benefited fifty would be the losers. 



443 

Formerly the prices of oil were higher, but owing to the erection of 
the refinery they went down, the consumers getting the benefit. It is 
very important to keep up the refinery. 

PORTO RICO PRODUCE EXPORTS. 

SUGAR. 

It is a very important question for our agriculturists that sugar, 
molasses, and rum should be admitted free of duties in the United 
States, for the prices obtained for these articles for some years past 
have been so poor, after deducting the dues, freight, and charges, 
that very little or no margin is left for the producer. Any help in 
this way would be very much appreciated by all parties concerned. 



The prospects of our coffee going to the States are poor, on account 
of competition with the Brazilian grades, which are much inferior to 
and cheaper than ours; therefore it is desirable to have some pro- 
tection for our article in the United States against other foreign 
coffees. 

Porto Rico has been in the habit of supplying the Cuban markets 
with various kinds of coffee, but especially with the common or 
inferior qualities, and now we hear from Havana that they will be 
unable to buy our low grades if prices are not lowered a great deal; 
otherwise they will import from the United States and Mexico. 

Our molasses goes to the United States and Canada, but prices 
obtained are not so good as they ought to be, considering the cost of 
production and charges. The reduction of duty is solicited as a good 
measure for this country. 

Some bay rum is exported to the United States and other countries. 

RUM. 

No white rum is exported to the United States. If customs dues 
over there were not so high, it would be a good thing to make some 
shipments, as it is produced in fair quantities, but nothing profitable 
can be done under the present tariff. Most of the good grades of 
molasses are exported from this island and the balance is kept here 
for rum-making purposes, for the consumption of the colony. 



The production of tobacco is an important industry. The leaf has 
been exported until now to Spain, Cuba, and Germany. For the future 
it is necessary to secure some good markets in order to avoid a heavy 
loss to this territory. 

MAIZE. 

We produce, too, a fair quantity of corn, which is sent to Cuba, the 
balance being used here for horses and mules. There are also some 
other productions in the island of less importance. 

COASTING VESSELS. 

It would be well, we think, to change the registry of coasting ves- 
sels and schooners from the Spanish to the American flag quite free, 



444 

without having- to pay any customs duty for this change, as this island 
has become an American possession. For such an allowance by the 
Government at Washington small shipowners here would be exceed- 
ingly obliged. 



SPANISH TARIFF NOT BASED ON SOUND ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 4, 1898. 
Mr. Manuel Fernandez Juncos, a resident of the island forty 
years : 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any suggestions to offer regarding the 
tariff? 

Mr. Juncos. It is very necessary to institute a new customs tariff. 
The present one does not follow any economic or scientific rule what- 
ever. It puts a heavy duty on articles of food of the kind most required 
for the island's consumption and on the drugs most necessary in this 
island for the preservation of health. For example, the sulphate of 
quinine — without which 20 per cent of foreigners would die in this coun- 
try before a great while, and many of us also, it being the principal 
medicine here — is subject to a duty of $12 per kilo, and other useful 
medicines pay duty in proportion. A larger dutj^ is levied on maps 
and educational appliances than on playing cards, which are instru- 
ments of vice. This tariff, it is fair to say, is our old tariff, which 
has been adopted by the new government. 

I think that articles of everyday consumption should be placed at 
a much lower rate than they are at present, and articles of luxury 
should have a correspondingly heavy rate of duty. Under the Spanish 
tariff silk and diamonds paid a very heavy duty, but for seven years 
not a cent has been collected under these heads ; every piece has been 
imported contraband. This also shows the unscientific provisions of 
the tariff. If the duty had been made reasonably low, people would 
not have been tempted to smuggle those articles, and their importa- 
tion would have brought into the custom-house a substantial sum of 
money each year. 



SPANISH TARIFF DUTIES EXCESSIVE. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R,, October 31, 1898. 
Mr. Andres Crosas, an American citizen, for many years engaged 
in business in Porto Rico : 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any fault to find with the present tariff 
and the new port charges? 

Mr. Crosas. Yes. ^Ye are as bad off as in the time of the Spaniards 
or worse, though I am positive that the Government of the United 
States will eventually fix the matter right. I have not lost hope. The 
Government is situated like a man who has moved into a new house. 
It always takes a couple of months before eveiything can be put in 
order. 

In the matter of dry goods, for instance, all of it that came here 
from Spain paid little or no duty; the rest came from England and 



445 

France. When I was a boy I commenced life here as a clerk. I used 
to import American shoes here, and I was making money. When 
they found it out they put a high duty on American shoes. 

You can not heat a Spaniard in some things. He won't invent for 
you a telegraph or a sewing machine or an electric battery; but a 
Spaniard will beat anybody inventing red tape to serve him in the 
accomplishment of some end. Spaniards have a great deal of diplo- 
macy. When they really want to do a thing they will go over the 
Rocky Mountains to do it, and when they don't want to do it a little 
straw will stop their progress. 

Dr. Carroll. It has been suggested to me that about a 50 per cent 
reduction of the tariff would be a wise thing as a present measure of 
relief. 

Mr. Crosas. I think it would be. 

Dr. Carroll. General Brooke said he thought such a reduction 
might greatly reduce the revenues; but would it not increase the 
amount imported? 

Mr. Crosas. It would greatly increase the imports, and so make up 
the deficiency, and at the same time be a benefit to American manu- 
facturers. I think, if we are admitted as a Territory, everything from 
the United States should be admitted, here as domestic goods. That 
is another thing I happened to hear about that I want to mention to 
you. It appears that Nova Scotia has proposed to the United States 
to allow American vessels to fish and bait in Nova Scotia waters if the 
United States will allow the free introduction of her fish in Porto 
Rico. Well, allow me to inform you that the best market for codfish 
is the island of Porto Rico, and the people of Nova Scotia don't want 
to lose it. I can not but think it would be well to collect a small duty 
on Nova Scotia codfish, mackerel, and hake. 



FAVORABLE TARIFF ON IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES. 
STATEMENT OF SENOR ALKIZU, OF PONCE, P. E. 

The tariff on imports from the United States should be 25 per cent 
of that levied on foreign imports. This measure is necessary in order 
to provide cheap food for our laboring classes. 

The best producing lands of the island are taken by sugar and cof- 
fee plantations, thus leaving the poor lands to raise corn and vegeta- 
bles for home consumption. Until the country gets roads to the 
interior, which will afford means of transporting cheaply articles of 
food produced there to the coast cities, the laboring classes must 
depend on imports for their food supply. Therefore the reduction 
recommended is a just and politic measure. 



A WORKINGMANS OPINION ON THE TARIFF. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 4, 1898. 
Mr. Santiago Iglesias. I think the Government should impose 
heavy duties on all luxuries, such as wines, and everything conducive 
to pleasure and vice, by way of recompense for low duties on food 
products imported for the benefit of the working classes. 



446 

Dr. Carroll. Do you include tobacco among the articles of luxury? 

Mr. Iglesias. Yes. I think the Government should impose pro- 
tective duties on all manufactured articles so as to protect the embry- 
onic industries which exist here at present for at least a certain term 
of years. After these industries are in shape to look after them- 
selves the} 7 could enter into competition with other markets. I think, 
regarding custom-house matters, that the Government should allow 
the introduction of food stuffs at a very small duty to lower prices 
for the laboring man. 



MEASURES PROPOSED. 
STATEMENT OF MERCHANTS AND BANKEES OF MAYAGUEZ. 

To abolish all export duties levied now on coffee and other products 
of the island. (This refers especially to coffee, because the coffee 
planters will not be favored by the high duties existing in the United 
States on foreign sugar and tobacco; also, the only markets for the 
lower classes of our coffeee, Spain and Cuba, are probably lost forever, 
and any measures taken to support the coffee planters would certainly 
be highly appreciated.) To allow the manufacturers themselves to 
import their raw materials. (Under the Spanish law nobody could 
import unless he paid taxes to this effect, and the petition is made 
that all manufacturers shall be allowed to introduce raw materials, 
even if they are not licensed as importers. ) 

The foregoing proposals represent the views of 32 firms of Maya- 
guez, comprising all the large firms and most of the smaller ones. 



LOWER DUTIES ON FOODSTUFFS. 
STATEMENT OF ENRIQUE DELGADO, SAN JTJAN. 

The tariff should receive careful study. It must be remembered 
that the custom-house still produces a large income here; but as the 
budget will be greatly reduced, the tariff should be made to corre- 
spond so as not to burden the country uselessly. So as to cheapen 
living for the working classes, such articles as flour, lard, bacon, cod- 
fish, and others should receive all the reduction possible. Spanish 
products, such as are not produced in the United States, should also 
have consideration, as this would not prejudice commerce in the Union, 
and large quantities of Spanish goods are consumed here. Wines 
should not pay so heavy a duty as imposed under the provisional 
tariff, which imposes a heavy consumoduty as well as a duty of import. 
The consumo duty should be abolished and a duty imposed which 
would leave a margin of protection for the wines of the United States. 
Export duties, which bear ultimately on agriculturists, who are in need 
of help, should be totally abolished. On modifying the tariff to meet 
requirements of the budget it may be necessary to impose some dutj 7 
on articles of prime necessity, in which case products of Porto Rico 
should be allowed free entry into the United States; or, if that is impos- 
sible, then sugar and tobacco should be favored as much as possible 
and other produce and products of the island allowed free entry. 

The tonnage due of 20 cents on other than American ships is too 
high, especially as there is a lack of bottoms, and foreign ships can 



447 

not carry freight or passengers from here to the States or Cuba. If 
there were sufficient American shipping this tax would be natural and 
logical, but as it is it is only a hindrance to commerce, which is free in 
all countries, and especially in the American Union. 

Attention should also be given to the heavy licenses under which 
merchants are suffering, which should be abolished. No other taxes 
should be imposed in the island but custom-house duties and taxes 
on urban and rural property. 



THE TARIFF REVISED. 

The Porto Rican tariff was revised by the Hon. Robert P. Porter, 
special commissioner to Cuba and Porto Rico, in accordance with 
the preceding recommendations, and promulgated by an Executive 
order issued January 20, 1899. Mr. Porter stated in his report accom- 
panying the revision that the new rates were framed on a revenue- 
yielding basis of 15 per cent ad valorem, although it must not be 
inferred that all the schedules were uniformly 15 per cent. 



SPECIAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER ON THE NEW TARIFF. 

San Juan, P. R. , February 17, 1899. 
The Secretary of the Treasury. 

Sir: The reduced rates of the new tariff, Class XII, comprising 
food stuffs, are recognized as of great benefit to the poor people. Rice 
and flour, two indispensable articles on every table, now pay low 
duties compared with those levied heretofore. Rice, on the gold 
basis at the rate of $2 to $1, paid $1.85; it now pays 60 cents, a reduc- 
tion of about 68 per cent. The old rate on flour, in gold, was $2; it 
is now $1, a decrease of 50 per cent. Pork comes in at upward of 
40 per cent less; cheese at 60 per cent less; beans and pease at 56 
per cent less; lard at about 25 per cent less. On the other hand, 
hams are increased from $1.85 to $3.50; bacon from $2.25 to $2.40, 
and butter from $3.37 to $4.20. The increase in building materials 
is a disappointment. It was hoped that a reduction would be made 
in these articles in order that the building of good houses might 
be stimulated. Cement, which is a very necessary article here, pays 
60 cents now where it paid 25 cents. Galvanized iron pays 20 
cents more; cast iron, in ordinary manufactures, 65 cents more, and 
other building materials have been slightly advanced, considering the 
change in the money rates. The removal of the duty of 55 centavos 
on native crude oil, and the increased duty on the refined oil from $1.55 
to $4, calls forth some comment- It is believed, however, that the 
prices of oil will not be advanced. On the contrary, the agency of 
the oil refinery here has issued a circular announcing a reduction in 
price of oil from 1 to 17 centavos on 8-gallon, of from 10 to 18 on 9- 
gallon, and of from 20 to 40 on 10-gallon packages, according to qual- 
ity. It is said that the oil refined here is not as good as that imported. 
The reduction in cotton goods is especially welcome. The great 
majority of the people wear cotton fabrics of a cheap class, and the 
decrease in price will be a boon. Woolen and silk goods will prob- 
ably come more freely into use as the result of the cutting down of 
duties on them. 



448 

Following is a translation of some observations in a mercantile bul- 
letin, prepared by one of the leading importing houses here, on the 
new tariff: 

Business is not moving with the rapidity desirable, and we do not think there 
will be any real improvement until military government ceases and until a civil 
administration shall give a stable government and the legislation so necessary to 
inspire capital with confidence. The solution given to the money question, 
although incomplete, improves the situation as tending to introduce the gold 
standard in private transactions, already existing in State transactions, and help- 
ing to give stability to exchange. 

The new tariff reducing, considering the duties on articles of prime necessity, 
betters the conditions of the poorer classes, who form the majority of our popula- 
tion, and the cheapening augments the consumption, thus increasing the volume 
of business. 

The suppression of export duties is another of the improvements of the new 
tariff whose benefit requires no demonstration, and will relieve somewhat the 
losses suffered by the low price of coffee and the want of markets for our tobacco. 

The maritime traffic in our ports has increased somewhat lately, owing mainly 
to the number of transports which enter and leave with troops and effects for the 
Government more than to merchant shipping, the amount of which has been 
reduced. 

We miss very much by the consumption of goods by the troops and civil employees 
under the last Government. These are now supplied by the United States and 
pay no duty whatever, establishing an improper competition with merchants to 
their prejudice. For this reason the market is fully stocked. 

Henry K. Carroll, 

Commissioner. 



FURTHER REVISION DESIRED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 2, 1899. 

Mr. Doria (mayor). I have a lumber yard and wood-working fac- 
tory. I am very much astonished to see that free entry has not been 
granted in the new tariff for machinery coming from the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. It was not asked that agricultural machinery be free. 
We reduced it a great deal. We did not make it free, but we made 
agricultural implements free. 

Mr. Doria. Yes; but it is necessary that all kinds of machines 
should be free. 

Dr. Carroll. The duty on them has been reduced a good deal. 

Mr. Doria. This country especially needs to build up its industries. 

Dr. Carroll. The revision of the tariff was with that object par- 
ticularly in view, and also to favor the poor classes with cheaper food 
stuffs and cheaper cotton goods, and of course we have had regard to 
the necessity of income from customs, so as not to cut off too much. 
We cut off the consumption tax; we cut off the export tax, the cargo 
tax, and we reduced the duty on food stuffs and on most of the neces- 
saries of life; but we had to retain a tax on machinery and other 
things, enough for the necessary revenue. 

Mr. Doria. In my opinion — and I don't wish to criticise the persons 
who drew up the tariff — the best way to assist the poor is to allow fac- 
tories to spring up, as they give employment to a large number of 
people. 

Dr. Carroll. There is no question about that. 

Mr. Doria. I have been studying the tariff, and I think some items 
might have been retained ; but on machinery the duty could have 
been cut off. Some items pay more than they did before ; for instance, 
cement, which is indispensable. 



449 

Dr. Carroll. I made representation about cement. It was not 
according to my recommendation that it was increased, but we found 
various conflicting interests to consider. For instance, the carriage 
makers wanted everything going into the construction of carriages 
brought in free, and at the same time they wanted the old duties on 
carriages increased, although the duty on berlins was $350. If we 
had done what they asked we would have given enormous advantage 
to the carriage makers at the expense of the people. These things 
must be held in equilibrium. 

Mr. Doria. That is not protection. Protection means protecting 
the whole people. 

Dr. Carroll. The shoemakers and the carriage makers wanted us 
to let in leather free of duty and levy an embargo on the exportation 
of hides. You see they did not care anything about the interests of 
the tanners. So we had to decide between those conflicting interests. 

Mr. Doria. I have a shop in which there is considerable machinery, 
costing a great deal of money; and while it would not be an advan- 
tage to me to have machinery brought in free, I nevertheless would 
like to see it brought in free to enable people to start industries. 



TARIFF. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 7, 1899. - 

Mr. Felici. There is a question in regard to the surcharges in the 
tariff that I want to speak of. I refer to paragraphs 117 to 174. 
Under the old tariff white cloths or calicoes or muslins or, in fact, any 
textile fabric was charged by weight, with a surcharge for print of 
colors and for manufactured articles made from these textiles. Under 
the new tariff these goods are paying an ad valorem duty, and the value 
taken for the basis of imposing duty would include the matter of 
printed, colored, or manufactured textiles; the surcharge really is a 
double charge and is not, therefore, proper. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they so rule in the custom-house on importations 
of that kind, as a matter of fact? 

Mr. Felici. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you pay more for printed muslins than you did 
before? 

Mr. Felici. The actual amount is less; but we pay a double sur- 
charge and too much in proportion for the printed textiles. I think 
that in the condition in which the country now is the duty on flour 
should be removed altogether — on that one article only. 

Dr. Carroll. The price of bread has come down immensely; it is 
down to 4 cents in some parts of the islands where formerly it was 8 
and 9 cents. 



THE MONEY QUESTION. 

PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER. 

In submitting the accompanying papers and interviews, I must 
explain that they were gathered upon a somewhat brief visit to Porto 
Rico, during which several other very important subjects were inves- 
tigated. Ail classes are represented. 

1125 -29 



450 

The metallic money now in circulation, according to the estimate of 
the Spanish Bank of Porto Rico, consists of about 86,000,000. "When 
the exchange of Mexicans for the colonial peso was made in 1895 the 
amount paid out was: 

In pesos $5,561,000 

In fractional silver . _ .. 1,015,000 

In copper coins - 70, 000 

Total 6,646,000 

It is estimated that upward of $600,000 in coin was taken to Spain 
by Spanish soldiers when they left the island, the Government at 
Madrid promising to receive these pesos at par. 

The fractional silver consists of 40, 20, 10, and 5 centavo pieces; 
the copper coins of 1 and 2 cent pieces. 

The volume of paper money in use it is difficult to ascertain. For- 
merly the Spanish Bank of Porto Rico, which has a monopoly in the 
issuing of notes, had between $2,500,000 and $3,000,000 in circulation. 
But it is stated that recently the greater part of this has been retired. 
If $1,500,000 be taken as representing this form of currency, we have 
a total of $7,546,000 of native money in the island. It is impossible 
to sajr how much American currency is in circulation. It is intimated 
that the old dies for the pesos and 40-centavo pieces have been 
brought into use, and that new coins of these denominations are being- 
manufactured and introduced as money. Evidently such a business 
would be profitable at the present price of silver bullion, with the 
peso bringing about 60 cents American. 

The manner of exchanging the Mexican for the provincial system 
in 1895 was this: The Government fixed upon a date in December 
when it would receive at various convenient places in the island the 
Mexican dollars. The exchange was made by means of a "billete de 
canje," or exchange note, pi-ovided by the colonial minister of Madrid. 
To these notes were attached coupons. Each note and coupon bore 
the same number. As many of the notes were given out as Mexican 
dollars were offered, the coupons being retained. When these notes 
were presented they were paid with the new colonial pesos. A series 
(in my possession) of these notes, with coupons attached, showing 
that they were never used, are variously numbered from 4,729,378 to 
4,729,514. Evidently considerably less than five millions of these 
notes were required. So little did the Government know of the 
amount of money in circulation in the island in 1895 that it was sup- 
posed that some $20,000,000 or $25,000,000 of new coins would be 
required to make the exchange. 

Opinions on the currency question in Porto Rico are naturally 
divided into two classes, those favoring a high valuation of the peso 
and those favoring a low valuation. Tho'se who have considerable 
amounts of cash or of credits feel it to be a matter of simple justice 
that the rate of exchange should not be fixed at a figure which would 
rob them of their capital and at the same time reduce the volume of 
money in circulation below the needs of the island. The managers of 
the Spanish Bank of Porto Rico, the only bank in the island permit- 
ted to issue paper money, asks for a high valuation for the peso, hold- 
ing that an American dollar is worth only 33^ per cent premium over 
native money, and that the peso should be valued at 75 cents. 

The Territorial and Agricultural Bank of Porto Rico, which loans 
money on mortgages by issuing bonds, mainly to agriculturists, 
agrees to this rate. As the peso is not redeemable in gold and is a 



451 

legal tender only in Porto Rico, and is therefore worth ultimately only 
its value as silver bullion, which is at present less than 40 cents, this 
proposition fixes its commercial rating at nearly twice its intrinsic 
value, and fixes it higher, too, than the average rate of exchange for 
the seven years ending with 1897. The average for those years, 
according to the table given by the bank, was 45.45. This period, it 
should be noticed, included three years when the exchange was very 
low, at a lower point than it has touched since. In 1895, the last year 
of the Mexican dollars, the average rate had risen from a little more 
than 21 in 1891 to nearly 68. Moreover, the colonial peso is of less 
weight and fineness than the Mexican peso, which it superseded. It 
would seem, therefore, that 75 cents is an extreme value to place on 
the colonial money, even with the prospect of an early fall in exchange, 
which is confidently predicted by some of the bankers. 

It will be observed that the bankers, merchants, and agriculturists 
of Ponce and Mayaguez, large and prosperous cities on the south and 
west coast, have agreed with substantial unanimity on $1.50 for $1 
American as an equitable rate. They unquestionably represent exten- 
sive money and business interests, though the capital is the financial 
center of the island. They propose that the peso shall be received for 
retirement at the value of 66f cents American. 

The borrowers, among whom the agriculturists must be considered 
as the chief class, ask for a low valuation of the peso for various rea- 
sons. The money they have borrowed has cost them dearly. The 
rate of interest has been high, ranging from 9 up to 24 per cent, and 
in many cases they have not really seen the money, but got the values 
in machinery, stores, and credits on debts. Those who borrowed of 
the Agricultural Bank got bonds, or cedulas, which brought from 80 
to 90 per cent of their face value. The way of the borrower has been 
hard, unquestionably, particularly in the past two or three years. If, 
for example, he borrowed to pay for purchases made abroad, he not only 
paid a high rate of interest and had to submit to a discount of 10 per 
cent or more to get cash on his cedulas, but he had to pay a high rate 
for exchange. United States Consul Hanna refers to an instance 
where, in June last, when exchange rates were phenomenally high, 
owing to the war, a planter borrowed 10,000 pesos to save his estate. 
He agreed to pay 12 per cent interest on the mortgage, which is to run 
for five years. Mr. Hanna says that, according to the rate of exchange 
at that time, he only received in value from the bank about $4,000. 
This is true, undoubtedly, if he was compelled to buy exchange; 
but if he used the sum to pay debts or make purchases in the island 
there could have been no such large percentage of loss, for insular 
prices were not increased to any very great extent during the brief 
war. If the money was used to pay debts, it Avas as valuable as it 
would have been in the previous year, when exchange was considera- 
bly less than half as high. If the money was used to pay for pur- 
chases abroad, the transaction was a ruinous one and must be set 
down as one of the hardships which war imposes upon a people the 
ultimate value of whose silver currency in the markets of the world 
is the price it will bring as bullion. The commercial value of the 
peso in the business affairs of the island has, it is claimed, been rea- 
sonably stable. 

Those who ask that the peso be allowed a value of only 50 cents 
emphasize the disadvantages under which the borrower labors as an 
argument in support of their proposition. This disadvantage is due 
in part to the small volume of money, in part to the extremely limited 



452 

banking facilities, and doubtless, also, in some degree, to the risks 
which lenders assume in accommodating agriculturists. It would be 
hardly fair to charge all these disadvantages to the lending class. 
The colonial money has an ascertainable value apart from these con- 
siderations. If, for example, a banker lends to-day 10,000 pesos, no 
matter what rate of interest he bargains for, is he not entitled to have 
the 10,000 pesos back when the mortgage falls due? Suppose this sum 
to have been lent in 1896. The average rate then was SI. 56^ to $1. 
Make it $2 to $1 now, and you take away from the lender 81,410. It 
can not be right to rob, under process of law, by way of correcting 
abuses in private transactions. It is undoubtedly true that it would 
be unjust to compel those who have borrowed cheap pesos to pay in 
dear dollars, but it would also be an injustice to compel lenders to 
submit to the scaling-down process. The money of Porto Rico was 
worth to Porto Ricans in 1896 or 1897, or any other year, just what 
it would bring. On the one hand, the annual average of the peso 
never rose to $1 American; on the other, it never fell to 50 cents. It 
will not be possible to find any rate which will not do more or less 
injustice to individuals, but an average can be reached which will do 
substantial justice to all classes. 

The following table shows the equivalent values in Porto Rican 
and American money of the various rates proposed : 







Equiva- 


Porto 




lent of 1 


Rican 




Porto 


pesos 


Premium. 


Rican 


for SI 




peso in 


American. 




American 
money. 




Per cen t. 




2 


100 


SO. 50 


If 


75 


.57 


If 


66f 


.60 


li 


50 


.66$ 


U 


33i 


.75 


li 


25 


.80 


1 




1.00 





The effect of the several rates proposed on the volume of circula- 
tion is indicated by this table, on the assumption that the amount of 
coin is $6,000,000: 



Ratio. 


Percent- 
age of 
reduction. 


Volume of 
money. 


Loss in 

volume of 
money. 


Porto 
Rican. 


American. 


$2.00 
1.75 
1.66| 
1.50 
1.33J 
1.25 
1.00 


SI. 00 
1.00 
1.00 
1.00 
1.00 
1.00 
1.00 


50 

43 

40 

33| 

25 

20 


S3, 000, 000 
3.420.000 
3,600,000 
4,000,000 
4,500,000 
4, 800. 000 
6,000,000 


S3, 000. 000 
8,580,000 

2, 400, 000 
2,000,000 
1,500,000 
1,200,000 







The need of banking facilities, so as to bring borrowers in various 
parts of the island into closer connection with the lenders, is a mani- 
fest necessity. Capital is concentrated in San Juan, where the only 
two banks in Porto Rico engaged in regular banking business are 
established, and most of those who would borrow must make their 
way thither. If a system of banks similar to those which exist in all 



453 

parts of the United States could be introduced in the leading cities 
and towns of Porto Rico, facilities for getting money would be afforded 
to those compelled to borrow, the number of lenders would be 
increased, business transactions would be made easier, and money 
could be moved when and where it is needed with the least possible 
difficulty and delay. The use of drafts and checks and other forms 
of financial paper would also lessen the inconveniences of the limited 
volume of monej" in circulation. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Henry K. Carroll, 

Commissioner. 

Washington, December 25, 1898. 



THE CURRENCY OF PORTO RICO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 26, 1898. 
Mr. T. G. J. Waymouth, of banking house of J. T. Silva & Co., 
San Juan: 

Dr. Carroll. Will you please state as clearly and succinctly as pos- 
sible the condition of the currency question with special reference to 
the inconvenience and inconsistency of the two standards which at 
present exist in Porto Rico? 

Mr. Waymouth. Well, I think at present, owing to the introduction 
of American specie into this country, the state of affairs in the respect 
you mention is bewildering. 

Dr. Carroll. By specie do you mean gold? 

Mr. Waymouth. I mean all the American currency which has been 
imported and is continuing to be imported by American visitors to the 
country. Former conditions were bad enough, but we could then 
always calculate our exchange by the business that was done in the 
island and the competition between the bankers; but now every vis- 
itor is a banker, and if he can not sell his monej 7 at one price he sells 
it at another, and inasmuch as they are selling specie in some places 
at the rate of II, American currency, for $1.75, Porto Rican currency, 
and in other places in the island $1, American currency, for $1.60 or 
even $1.50, Porto Rican currency, it is impossible to calculate any 
exchange. 

Dr. Carroll. The rates of exchange vary from day to day, do they 
not? 

Mr. Waymouth. Yes; and the change is against the American 
money. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the cause of this change, in your opinion? 

Mr. Waymouth. I think it is caused by the fact that everywhere 
throughout the island Americans are offering their gold and other 
American currency in exchange for money of the country, so that the 
rate of exchange is falling. 

Dr. Carroll. What will be the outcome of this condition in money 
matters if it is continued for some time without remedial legislation? 
Will it drive the United States currency out of the market, on the princi- 
ple that where two kinds of money circulate side by side the cheaper 
will prevail and the more valuable be driven out of circulation? 

Mr. Waymouth. I think the general result will be that the bette 
money will exclude the worse money. There is no doubt about it. 



454 

Dr. Carroll. But it is an axiom of financiers in the United States 
that where two moneys are in circulation, of different values, the 
poorer money will obtain the market, on the principle that the money 
of greater value will be hoarded or go out of the country, while people 
who have debts to pay will pay in the cheaper money. 

Mr. Waymouth. That is true; but the conditions are peculiar here. 
This is an island. Americans are coming here and bringing their 
money with them, so that the amount of American money in the island 
is increasing constantly. The Porto Rican currency — it must be taken 
into account — can not be driven out of the island, for the reason that 
it does not circulate anywhere else, unless it is given circulation in the 
United States or in Spain. If given circulation in the United States 
it will be remitted there, doubtless. 

Dr. Carroll. I will ask you if, in your opinion, it would not be 
well to have United States currency substituted for Porto Rican cur- 
rency? You will be brought into closer relations with the United 
States in trade and otherwise, and would it not be convenient to have 
one medium of exchange only? 

Mr. Waymouth. I think so, decidedly. 

Dr. Carroll. Do j^ou believe that your trade relations and finan- 
cial relations with Spain will be less and less important as time goes on? 

Mr. Waymouth. Yes; I think so. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think that your merchants will be likely to 
import more and more from the United States? 

Mr. Waymouth. I think the United States will eventually be our 
only market for imports. There is no doubt about it. Everything will 
come from the United States except cloth, perhaps, and some kinds of 
dry goods, which will continue to be imported from England; except 
also ribbons and haberdashery, which will likely be imported from 
France. But the majority of articles for wear and food stuffs will all 
come from the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. The customs of your people here, the Porto Ricans, 
are pretty well fixed and have been for centuries. Will they take 
kindly to a different kind of goods coming from the United States or 
will it rather be the province of the merchants and manufacturers of 
the United States to produce the kind of goods that are used here? 

Mr. Waymouth. The law of fashion, as you know, has a great deal 
to do with that. Americans come here and wear certain kinds of 
goods. That will set the style and everybody will want the same 
kinds of goods in order to conform to the fashion. It is not the mer- 
chant who puts the goods on the market; it is the people who deter- 
mine what he will have for sale. When I first came to Porto Rico, 
years ago, I could not get a pair of boots here, and there were no hats 
used bjT- the ladies. Instead of hats the ladies had 011I3- what are 
called mantillas; but in course of time hats were introduced in the 
island, and that rule of change in styles holds good in everything. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you kindly describe the kinds and denomina- 
tions of money you have? 

Mr. Waymouth. In Ponce they use a considerable amount of paper 
money of the Caja de Ahorros (savings bank). They are not exactly 
notes; they are in the nature of bills payable at a certain date, with 
coupons paying interest, but they are received the same as notes by 
merchants and others. They do not circulate in other parts of the 
island, however, and are unknown except in Ponce. In the interior 
of the island only silver and some copper are in circulation. The sil- 
ver is in the form of pesos, -40-cent pieces, 20-cent pieces, 10-cent pieces, 



455 

and 5-cent pieces, and the copper is in the form of 2-cent pieces and 
1-cent pieces. 

I should explain that the bank here is not the same institution as 
the Bank of Spain in Madrid, but a different institution entirely. 
The Spanish Bank here has two branches, one in Mayaguez and one 
in Ponce. 

Dr. Carroll. I have been informed that paper money circulates 
only here in San Juan and in places where the Spanish Bank has 
established branches. Is that the case? 

Mr. Waymouth. No; paper money circulates, I think, all over the 
island, but it is not a legal tender. It is only good where a person is 
willing to receive it in payment. 

Dr.* Carroll. On what basis is that paper issued by the bank — on 
its assets, on its silver, or what? 

Mr. Waymouth. They have $2,500,000 in paper in circulation. 
They redeem that with silver. I think that their calculation is that 
they have in cash and bills payable (at not more than one hundred 
and twenty days) an amount equal to the deposits and to the bills in 
circulation. I will get for you a copy of the balance sheet issued by 
the bank on October 1, which, as I recall, shows substantially the con- 
dition of its finances respecting its paper money as I have' stated it. 

Dr. Carroll. Suppose a merchant here had an account of 8500, for 
example, to settle with a merchant in Aibonito, would he send bank 
notes by post or would he ship the amount in silver? 

Mr. Waymouth. He would not do either. This capital is generally 
the bank of the whole island. People prefer, even in Ponce and 
Mayaguez, to have their money in San Juan, and the bulk of the large 
transactions is carried on by drafts at short sight, usually from three 
to fifteen days. The coffee and tobacco crops of the island are large 
and worth a great deal of money, and when the season comes on for 
the movement of these crops kegs of specie, each containing about 
$5,000, are sent to different parts of the island where needed for that 
purpose. 

Dr. Carroll. How is it shipped — by express? 

Mr. Waymouth. No; we ship it by steamer in kegs, and there is 
considerable money moved in that way. Formerly — that is, up to 
1895 — we had Mexican silver, and it was the currency of Porto Rico. 
There were many different opinions prevailing here as to what was 
then necessary to be done, everybody asking to have that money 
redeemed. They tried to change the Mexican money into gold, and 
my idea was that Spain would never give us a gold dollar for the 
Mexican dollar,, as she would lose about 50 per cent at that time, and 
she was not in a condition to lose that amount on this island. My 
idea was to raise the exchange to the par value of the Mexican money, 
which would have been sufficient to reduce the Mexican money to the 
value of gold, because you could not induce these people to pay out 
a dollar for 50 cents. If in reality my pound sterling is worth in 
London ten of the Mexican dollars, I would not be willing to sell it 
here for seven of them. Consequently, if the exchange were raised 
to the par value of the Mexican dollar, an equilibrium would have 
been established. 

Dr. Carroll. The ideal system, then, would be the system we have 
in the United States, all money resting on a gold basis, which would 
result in bringing this market into close relations with all the gold 
countries of the world. 

Mr. Waymouth. That is my idea about it. 



456 

Dr. Carroll. The great problem here is how to change the Porto 
Rican system to the basis of the United States so as to do justice as 
nearly as possible to both debtors and creditors. 

Mr. Waymouth. "Well, I think the best way is to take the middle 
course ; that is, to take the figure in between the extremes of 2 for 1 
and the least figure proposed. That would be about \\ for 1. That 
is what the people in the southern part of the island seem to desire. 

Dr. Carroll. If that figure were decided upon, what act or order 
could accomplish that purpose with the least difficulty? It is evident 
that the order which has been given to the collectors of customs does 
not settle the matter, and the process of introducing money of the 
United States through visitors is going to be slow and will acid to the 
confusion as the rate of exchange rises and falls. 

Mr. Waymouth. I will state how the Spanish Government accom- 
plished the change. When they retired the Mexican money, they 
sent out a remittance of these dollars and named commissions all 
over the island who were directed to make the exchange, commencing 
at a certain day, 1 for 1; that is, to collect the Mexican and pay 
out the provincial. Spain made a great deal by that operation. She 
gave us an inferior money and deducted 5 per cent. We lost about 
15 per cent of the purchasing value of the island's money. 

Dr. Carroll. Should the loss incident to the change be borne by 
the United States or in some way by the island? It would hardly be 
a matter of justice for the United States to have to bear it. 

Mr. Waymouth. Well, I don't think the loss would be great, because 
the amount of specie in the island is not very much. It was 6,000,000 
pesos, but much has been taken away by the Spanish troops, and I 
don't believe there is more than $5,000,000 of silver (Porto Rican cur- 
rency) here now. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much gold here? 

Mr. Waymouth. Very little. " The little gold that is here consists 
mainly of Spanish five-dollar pieces, but there is very little of that. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be wise for the United States in converting 
money to receive the pesos and subsidiary coin and stamp them so as 
to correspond to the dollar and subsidiaiy coin of the United States? 

Mr. Waymouth. No; I don't think it should be stamped. It should 
be taken to the United States and deposited in the Treasuiy, and sil- 
ver certificates given just the same as if it came from California. I 
think that would be the best way. After all, there is not a great dif- 
ference between the Porto Rican and American dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. But the American dollar rests upon the gold basis, 
which makes a great difference. Suppose we received your silver at 
its intrinsic value and issued our money on that basis, would that be 
satisfactory to the people of the island? 

Mr. Waymouth. I think it would be ■ unsatisfactory. That would 
be to commit the same error we committed with Spain. 

Dr. Carroll. How do you settle your balances with Spain? 

Mr. Waymouth. That varies. They would not receive our silver. 
We generally calculate exchange in such cases on the value of gold in 
Madrid. 

Dr. Carroll. If you owed a balance to merchants in Spain, on 
what basis would you settle it? 

Mr. Waymouth. On the basis of Spanish silver in Madrid, because, 
in reality, Spain has no gold. 

Dr. Carroll. What about the value of silver in the two countries — 
Spain and Porto Rico — are the values the same? 



457 

Mr. Waymouth. No; there is to-day a difference of 10 per cent, 
and a fortnight ago it was 16 per cent. In that time, therefore, it has 
fluctuated 6 per cent. The fluctuation was against Porto Rican 
money. 

Dr. Carroll. Now as to savings banks. How many are there in 
the island? 

Mr. Waymouth. The only one is the one in Ponce, so far as I now 
remember. I believe there is a small savings bank in this city among 
the common people, but I am not acquainted with it. They receive 
small amounts on deposit and pay a small rate of interest, the same 
as in the United States. I don't remember what the rate of interest 
is which they pay. They issue a sort of paper currency — I am refer- 
ring now to the one at Ponce. They issue notes payable in twenty 
years, for instance; they are a kind of bonds. 

Dr. Carroll (producing a paper peso). Will you please explain 
when this paper was issued and for what purpose? 

Mr. Waymouth. This note was issued when the canje (exchange) 
was made by replacing the Mexican by the provincial money. This 
was a provisional uote and is worth nothing now. It was issued by 
Spain and delivered here. It was never of value in Spain and was 
never in circulation. It was in the nature of a receipt which could 
be redeemed in Porto Rican money up to a certain date only. There 
were many who kept some of it as curiosities, but it has no other 
value now. After the date fixed they refused to receive it. 



THE EXCHANGE OF THE CURRENCY. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 27, 1898. 
Seiior Pedro J. Arsuaga, of the firm of Sobrinos de Esquiaga. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that the really burning question here 
now is the currency question. It seems very inconsistent and incon- 
venient that there should be two standards of money, the relation of 
which is constantly changing in value, and I want to ask what in 
your judgment would be the best, quickest, and fairest way of set- 
tling this financial difficulty? 

Mr. Arsuaga. Having as a basis the provincial nioney, merchants 
are much upset in their calculations, exchange rising and falling 10 
and 15 points a day, and they are unable to reckon with any certainty. 
The change from the old system to the present system of coinage was 
made in 1895. The Spanish Government thought at that time that 
there was about $25,000,000 in circulation in the island, but they 
found on making the change that there was only about $6,000,000. 
The general opinion here is that the colonial currencj^ should be taken 
out of circulation, although there are some who think otherwise. My 
opinion is that to leave it in circulation would give rise to specula- 
tive dealing in money and to the false coinage of money. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think it should be retired as the Mexican 
money was retired in 1895? 

Mr. Arsuaga. It could be done in two ways : By emitting bills in the 
form of certificates of deposit, which should afterwards be exchanged 
for gold or American silver coinage, or by bringing such currency 
here in anticipation and exchanging it, as the Spanish Government 



458 

did, through the custom-houses in the various districts assisted by the 
Spanish Bank of Porto Rico. The greater part of the currency of the 
island is in this city (San Juan). There is some of it in the coast 
towns, but very little in the interior. As soon as money is taken to 
the interior for any purpose, it is usually brought back to the coast 
towns in payment of accounts with the merchants there. 

Dr. Carroll. In what shape is money taken to distant places; in 
kegs, or is paper money sent? 

Mr. Arsuaga. It is usually sent in kegs containing $5,000 each. 

Dr. Carroll. How are these kegs shipped? 

Mr. Arsuaga. They are shipped by steamer to the nearest sea- 
port, and from there the money is taken to the interior by carts or by 
horseback in small quantities as needed. The planters have their 
accounts in the seaport town most convenient of access and deposit 
their money there. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the cart in which the money is being transported 
guarded? 

Mr. Arsuaga. There is no necessity for that. We have a sugar 
estate in Carolina and send money to Cayey every Saturday to pay 
off our men, and we send it openly in a coach without fear of robbery. 
As regards the actual rate of exchange at which the substitution of 
one coinage should be made for that of another, as the amount in 
circulation is small, it is unimportant whether it is a little higher or 
lower. The importance of the question comes in with respect to out- 
standing liabilities. There are from forty to fifty millions of dollars 
of liabilities to be settled under old contracts, and the rate at which 
the exchange shall be made will greatly affect the creditor or debtor 
class, and that is what most interests the merchants here. 

Dr. Carroll. The Secretary of the Treasury told me that the rate 
that had been most recommended to him from Porto Rico had been 
2 to 1 and that those who proposed that rate said that, while it would 
do some injustice probably to both classes, it would be fair to the 
largest number. 

Mr. Arsuaga. That, I think, would be too unjust to the capitalist 
and would be more than the debtor has a right to expect. On the 
other hand, I do not agree with the proposition made by some of the 
Ponce newspapers that the exchange be made dollar for dollar. 

Dr. Carroll. What is your opinion as to a fair ratio? Would 1 to 
1.75 or 1 to 1,50 be equitable? 

Mr. Arsuaga. I think it should be $1 gold for $1.33 of our cur- 
rency. 

Dr. Carroll. Who constitute the debtor class mostly in this 
island? 

Mr. Arsuaga. The real debtor is the agriculturist, who is indebted 
to the small storekeeper, who in turn is indebted to the larger mer- 
chants. By the agriculturist I mean the farmer. 

Dr. Carroll. If the exchange were made at 11.50 or $1.75 would 
it contract the currency so that it would not meet the needs of the 
island? 

Mr. Arsuaga. It certainly would contract the currency and the 
lending power of all the capitalists, because they would only have a 
proportionate amount of what they now have. 

Dr. Carroll. Has there been much fluctuation in the purchasing 
power of silver here? 

Mr. Arsuaga. In the five years previous to 1S98 exchange averaged 
45 per cent premium; in this year everything has gone up — the prices 
of merchandise and exchange. 



459 

Dr. Carroll. Since the war? 

Mr. Arsuaga. Since the beginning of the war. 

Dr. Carroll. To what is that fluctuation due? Is it due to the 
market price of silver as a commodity in the markets of the world, or 
to what other possible cause? 

Mr. Arsuaga. Owing to peculiar local causes, and not to the fluc- 
tuation of silver in the markets of the world. Imports lately have 
been much in excess of our exports and people have been making use 
of their credits, especially country storekeepers and the agriculturists. 
Consequently the balance against the country has had to be settled, 
and that has sent exchange up. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the money rest on anything else than its intrin- 
sic value? 

Mr. Arsuaga. The money does not owe its fluctuations really to 
any condition of the money market, because it is not guaranteed by 
Spain and is not received in Spain, but is a purely local money imposed 
by Spain, and circulates merely because we must have some medium 
of exchange. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much gold used in this country? 

Mr. Arsuaga. No ; except the gold being brought in by the Ameri- 
cans. 

Dr. Carroll. How much paper money is issued, and who issues it? 

Mr. Arsuaga. The Spanish Bank of Porto Rico had the sole right 
of emitting paper money. They had in circulation usually from 
$2,500,000 to $3,000,000, but lately they have retired the greater part 
of that. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that money accepted in all parts of the island? 

Mr. Arsuaga. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be convenient for merchants to remit 
to different parts of the island in that form rather than in silver? 

Mr. Arsuaga. Yes; they have done so. 

Dr. Carroll. An English civil engineer, now in this city, says that 
only those notes which have ' ' Mayaguez " stamped on them in red ink 
circulate in Mayaguez. 

Mr. Arsuaga. That grew out of special circumstances. The Spanish 
Bank of Porto Rico has a branch in Mayaguez. When the American 
forces landed at Ponce, these bank notes went to the nearest point for 
exchange, which was Mayaguez, and the bank there, finding that it 
would not have sufficient metal to take up these notes with, if there 
was a very heavy run on the bank, provided against it by stamping 
some of the notes and announcing that it would not accept any notes 
not bearing the stamp "Mayoquez." 

Dr. Carroll. Would our fractional currency be convenient here? 

Mr. ARSUAGA. It would be perfectly convenient and very desirable, 
especially in paying the laborers in the interior. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be well to fix upon some date when the ex- 
change shall be made in the money system — that is, when it shall com- 
mence and when it must be completed? 

Mr. Arsuaga. Twenty days were given for the last exchange. I 
think it highly important to fix a short term in which the exchange 
shall be made. The Spanish Government fixed a date when no one 
was expecting it, so as to prevent speculation as far as possible. 

Dr. Carroll. Was there speculation in spite of that precaution? 

Mr. Arsuaga. There was speculation. The importation of Mexican 
dollars was forbidden, but they were imported clandestinely. 



460 

i 

Dr. Carroll. Would the system of national banks which exists in 
the United States be suitable for this island? 

Mr. Arsuaga. I think it would be suitable and convenient, but I 
am inclined to doubt whether large capitalists would come here. I 
think the chief difficulty, however, in establishing such a system here 
is that, owing to the risk of loans in the island, which is much greater 
than that incident to loans in the United States, people would not be 
satisfied with the rate of interest which could be demanded under the 
laws of the United States. The Spanish Bank of Porto Rico last year 
paid a dividend of 15 per cent, but the reason that this bank was able 
to pay such a large dividend is that it has very little capital and issues 
about three times as much in notes as its capital. In other words, it 
operates on fictitious capital. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand the Spanish Bank of Porto Rico has a 
monopoly here. 

Mr. Arsuaga. Yes; in the matter of issuing paper money. I id re- 
sume under the new state of things that monopoly will cease. If the 
Government does purpose bringing the monopoly to an end it should 
not hurry it; the bank should have a chance to call in its notes. 



THE MONEY OF PORTO RICO SINCE 1800. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner. ] 

San Juan, P. R., October SI, 1898. 
Mr. Andres Crosas, an American citizen, long in business in Porto 
Rico: 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose you have definite ideas on the currency 
question. 

Mr. Crosas. I have some ideas on that question; perhaps I am not 
in the right. This country has been cursed by currency sj'stems from 
time immemorial. It appears that the Spaniards introduced here in 
the year 1800 a regular Spanish silver dollar; but this would always be 
remitted away from the island, resulting in a constant scarcity of 
change, until, in 1814, they established a paper currency. There was 
nobody responsible for this currency, which was called small hand- 
bills; and there was even a mutiny of the troops here because they 
were paid in this paper money, owing to which the captain-general 
then here promised to pay in regular Spanish silver, but very little of 
it was ever paid. Finding that the difficulty caused by the exporta- 
tion of this Spanish silver continued, they deposited here a coin used 
in South America, made in a very rough way, and they made it oblig- 
atory by law to receive this coin, and at the custom-house they used 
to receive half in Spanish money and half in this macuquino coin. 
That was all that circulated here. This state of things continued 
until merchants and others got to be too smart. They would go to the 
United States, counterfeit this macuquino coin, and import it here 
through the custom-house as nails. I myself was a clerk in the custom- 
house in 1855, and I remember one day handling a keg of "nails" 
from the United States and the head of the keg broke out and out 
came the macuquino coin. It finally got to be so that people did not 
care much about collecting this money. It used to give them much 
trouble. Then there was an industry established by the jewelers here 



461 

in connection with this coin. They used to shear it off so as to make 
a certain percentage, and when a person would come to collect and be 
tendered some of these recently-trimmed coins he would say, "Your 
coins are bleeding yet." This practice finally reached such a stage 
that merchants would rather accept a "vale," which was a sort of 
promissory note, for so many dollars, and they used to exchange paper 
of this kind. 

In 1857, without any notice whatever, the Spanish Government sent 
here a man-of-war with $1,250,000 in gold and silver, and announced 
that within four days exchange had to be made at 12-^ per cent dis- 
count. Consequently the island lost by this operation one-eighth of 
its capital. The exchange was made, but on the third day there was 
not sufficient Spanish money to change what remained, and then they 
forced us to take any kind of foreign gold, giving us American five-dollar 
pieces, Mexican gold at $16, and pounds sterling at $5. I was at that 
time a young boy and I had to collect some rent. I was offered pay- 
ment in this money, and I said, "No; that is not Spanish money." I 
was trying to collect from a lady; she was not a saintly lady, and she 
had considerable influence. She sued me in order to compel me to 
accept the foreign money in which she wanted to pay the rent. I went 
to the court and tried to defend the suit, but I could soon see that she 
was getting the better of the argument, and I made a saucy remark 
to the effect that "ladies gained all lawsuits," and the judge promptly 
decided in her favor, so that I had to accept what she wanted to pay 
me. She paid me in American silver. As Spanish coin continued to 
go out of the country, American silver was being introduced, until 
finally the only coin current here was American silver with some Mex- 
ican and British gold — no Mexican silver. 

The Spanish Government, which was always inventing some scheme 
by which to make money, decided not to accept this foreign silver 
except at a discount of 5 per cent. Consequently in paying the treas- 
ury an American silver dollar was worth only 95 cents. 

This continued, I believe, until the year 1879, when, seeing that 
there was money in it, they decreed that the Mexican silver should be 
received here dollar for dollar for American silver, although I read 
in the price current in New York that the Mexican silver was worth 
only 80 per cent. They introduced a lot of Mexican silver here and 
exported the American silver, with the result that shortly American 
silver paid 1 per cent premium and gold from 2 per cent to 3 per cent. 
Mexican silver, which was nicknamed "galvanized iron," continued 
to come into the island until we got so much of it that it caused 
exchange to rise. This went on for some time, without any measure 
of relief being taken, until finally, all at once, the Government decreed 
the prohibition of the importation of any Mexican silver, contrary 
to the provisions of the tariff. At the same time it was decreed that 
all the silver in the island, in order to circulate here, must have a 
fleur-de-lis stamped on it. The result of this was that a great many 
people here got fleur-de-lis stamps made and stamped their money. 
I had a few dollars without the fleur-de-lis marked on them, and I 
mentioned the fact to a friend one day, and he said, "I have a die 
and will fix them for you." There were many dollars stamped that 
way. Then they passed a law that from and after that year — I think 
it was 1889 — no coins of later date should be received, so that when a 
person collected a bill in Mexican dollars he would have to look at 
the date on each coin. It would take a person all day to collect, 
$5,000. 



462 

This state of things continued until, all at once, without consulting 
the people here, Spain decided to give us a new coin — this coin we 
have here at present, called the provincial dollar — at 5 per cent dis- 
count, although the provincial dollar is of less weight and fineness 
than the Mexican. There is now about $5,000,000 of this coin in the 
island. 

If this money is exchanged at a heavy discount, it will be a lash on 
those who have monej^. It would not make any difference to the 
laborer, because he will earn the same salary in gold and will buy on 
a gold basis; and it will make no difference to the property holder, 
because. if he has a house renting for $50, for instance, he would pass 
through one exchange, but the next month he would get $50 gold. 
But to a merchant who has $90,000 of this provincial money, as I 
have, an exchange at a heavy discount would be a severe lash. The 
last exchange in the money system here cost me $14,000. That was a 
hard stroke. 

I have thought of different ways in which the monej^ system here 
might be changed to that of the United States, and I am of the opinion 
that a way in which it would not be hard would be the creation of a 
sinking debt. The exchange could be made dollar for dollar and then 
let the island pay annually interest on the difference between the value 
of the provincial money as thus fixed and what it would really produce. 
Let the people bear it as we have had to bear the expense of freeing 
the slaves here and manjr other things. 

Dr. Carroll-. It does not seem, from your recital of the monetary 
history of the island, that Spain has lost very much from her 
transactions. 

Mr. Crosas. Spain had a nose that could always scent gold or silver. 
In the last exchange, in 1895, they made $1,200,000 between the min- 
isters. We were bound hand and foot; it was useless to complain. 

Dr. Carroll. It has been suggested by some importers here that a 
fair basis for the change in the currency here for that of the United 
States would be obtained by taking the average cost of exchange for 
the past eight or ten years; that is, about 66 per cent or 70 per cent. 

Mr. Crosas. But that would come pretty heavy on those who have 
money. It would suit those who are in debt, who are anxious to get 
out as well as possible. There are many who are in debt, and they 
are all for a big discount. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the Americans not brought in a great deal of 
money? 

Mr. Crosas. Yes, and I wish they had brought more — enough to 
"swamp" the provincial money; but it has not come in sufficient 
quantity for that. 

Dr. Carroll. Are business interests suffering much now on account 
of the fluctuations of the money standards? 

Mr. Crosas. Yes; in part because of these fluctuations, and in 
part because we do not know what is to be the policy of the United 
States toward the island. The ambition of the whole country is to 
become a Territory of the United States. They have no desire to be 
independent of the United States. They know well enough that they 
can not expand under a military government. They know that at 
present they can not be a sovereign State, and until they are far 
enough advanced to petition to become a State, they want to be a 
Territory. They are making strides in learning English, and the 
young people especially are all studying it. 



463 

IMPORTATION OF SPANISH COIN. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 

Mr. Sasteria Francesa. I desire to make some suggestions in 
regard to the money question. The whole money question depends 
only on two kinds of persons. The question would have been settled 
long ago if it were not for the agriculturists, who believed they would 
lose an indirect premium by way of paying their laborers in silver 
money, which is not guaranteed by gold reserve on the part of the 
government, and have to sell their products afterwards to New York 
and Boston and Philadelphia for gold. Every merchant here and 
every private party wants the gold basis ; that is the only genuine way 
for straight business. Those from the sugar estates are indirectly 
fomenting a genuine social movement here, because the Liberal party 
of Porto Rico is pretty well upset with this 50 cents a day matter. 
These laborers are paid in silver; they have to pay it out in buying 
what they want at gold rates ; they see that they can make no living 
out of the money they earn, so they improve every opportunity for 
rows. ISTow, if these sugar estates in defending the silver question 
here to keep the money just as it is made a profit and put in their 
pockets the difference between the silver they pay out and the gold 
they receive, there would be at least one reason for explaining the posi- 
tion they take; but that is not the case, and the proof of it is simply 
this, that every time exchange has gone up here prices for refining 
sugar in New York have gone down, and every time exchange has 
gone down here prices for refining in New York have gone up. In 
other words, the sugar-estate owners in fighting for the stay of the 
unguaranteed silver are only doing a business profitable to the sugar 
trust in New York, which is the only one that profits by it, as its quo- 
tations are always in relation to the exchange of the island, by which 
means thej^ can keep the culture of cane in the island in a state between 
living and dying. That is one side of it. 

To make the money here a sound money, if the United States Gov- 
ernment should announce that on the 1st of May every dollar of Porto 
Rican money would be taken in exchange for an American dollar, the 
exchange being paid up in installments of one-half American dollar a 
year for interest and principal by the island, all payments to be com- 
pleted in four years, the island would pay the cost of the exchange 
from silver to gold without anyone suffering by it. The island has 
no debt whatever. Moreover, $75,000, dedicated for many years to the 
payment of the silver bonds, is still in the treasury, notwithstanding 
that the silver bonds were all redeemed over six years ago. Moreover, 
there is no legal rate of exchange now established here. It all depends on 
a dozen houses who are endeavoring to keep the exchange up as high as 
possible, and if it were known that on a fixed day every dollar would 
be called in, exchange at New York would not exceed 25 per cent, 
which proves that the exorbitant rates now quoted here on New York 
are only fictitious and artificial. 

There should be, if this course is pursued, a prohibition laid on the 
importations of any Porto Rican coin into the island until the exchange 
is made, this prohibition carrying with it a term of imprisonment and 
fine. This would prevent smuggling of Porto Rican coin into the 
island. The Spanish silver dollar differs from the Porto Rican dol- 
lar only in the words "Porto Rico" instead of "Spain," and a close 



464 

examination would be required to distinguish them. And, of course, 
if the Spanish dollar could be exchanged for the American dollar it 
would be a paying business. When the Spaniards were in control of 
the island and similar changes were made in the currency as is pro- 
posed in the case of the United States, Spanish merchants who were 
in favor with the Government could import prohibited coins with 
impunity. In fact, the Government here is said to have imported 
large quantities, so that the Spanish prohibition in such cases was a 
dead letter. 



A PLEA FOR THE RATE OF 200 TO 100. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 
Mr. Felix Matos Bernier, editor: 

Dr. Carroll. What should be the policy of the United States 
■respecting the currency question? 

Mr. Bernier. The money question is a very perplexing one, because 
ever since the island was discovered its money system has been upside 
down and every aspect of it presents a vexed question. 

Regarding the exchange of the present money for the money of the 
United States, opinions vary very much. There are some who think 
the exchange should be effected at the rate of 2 for 1; others who 
think it should be made at a premium of 50 per cent or 60 per cent, 
and others still who think that the colonial peso should be regarded 
as merchandise and an arbitrary value put upon it by the American 
Government. The merchants desire to give the colonial money as 
high a value as possible. The agriculturists, on the other hand, are 
desirous of fixing as low a value as possible, and these are the two 
chief classes who represent opposing interests in this matter of exchang- 
ing our colonial currency for that of the United States. My opinion 
is that the exchange should be made at $2 colonial for $1 American, 
and that is the opinion also prevailing among the agriculturists. 

This question of exchange derives its importance chiefly from the 
consideration that there is a large amount of outstanding debts which 
will have to be liquidated at a more or less remote period in the future. 
I think that these ought to be settled at the rate I have suggested. 
The agriculturists, who constitute the debtor class, have been oppressed 
for years by the mercantile classes. The latter have already made 
their profit out of the agriculturists, and if the agriculturists are forced 
to pay their debts in gold which they have contracted in silver, as 
some have been suggesting, they will be completely ruined, and it will 
be years before the agricultural industry of the island can hold up its 
head again. 

Dr. Carroll. What proportion of the population of the island — 
900,000 — do the agriculturists constitute? 

Mr. Bernier. I can not give you that in figures without first study- 
ing the matter, but they form an immense majority, as the land is 
divided among small owners. 

Dr. Carroll. The majority of the debts contracted in the island, 
I suppose, have been contracted in the last ten years? 

Mr. Bernier. Yes; nearly all of them in that time. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, in making the exchange at 2 for 1, it would be 
charging a rate for exchange of about 100 per cent premium. Has 



465 

'the rate of exchange, as a matter of fact, ever risen to that amount 
since these debts were contracted? 
Mr. Bernier. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it then be fair to the money class to make 
he exchange at that rate? 

Mr.. Bernier. I think it would be completely just, because these 
merchants have not made loans to the agriculturists in cash, but in 
the form of goods, machinery, etc., and the profits on these transac- 
tions have been large, because the terms of credit in such cases have 
always been favorable to the merchants. 

Dr. Carroll. I do not ask these questions to express any opinion 
of my own, but to get at the basis of your opinion. I have been 
informed that every change in the currency of the country of the last 
hundred years has brought a heavy loss upon those who had money 
in large amounts and large credits. 

Mr. Bernier. You have been badly informed. The capitalists of 

the country have never suffered; it has been apparent but not real. 

Dr. Carroll. Who suffered the loss when the Mexican pesos were 

substituted by the provincial pesos? Spain is said to have made 5 per 

cent; who lost that 5 per cent? 

Mr. Bernier. The merchants did not lose, because they had made 
their preparations and made big speculations to offset the change. 
Those who lost were the working classes. 

Dr. Carroll. How did the loss fall on them? Did they get less or 
did what they got buy less afterwards? 

Mr. Bernier. The* reason the poor classes suffered was because, 

when the exchange was made of colonial for Mexican silver, provisions 

rose in value. They earned the same salary, but that salary would 

not buy as much. 

Dr. Carroll. How was it that provisions rose? 

Mr. Bernier. Because the mercantile class has no conscience or 

honor. I do not feel competent to discuss that question, however, but 

I will mention the following incident in order that you may appreci- 

« + - nething of the mercantile life in this island. When the Ameri- 

ook possession of Ponce I came over to Rio Piedras to await 

he fall of the capital. I found on my way across the island 

i the district occupied by the Spaniards, where they had no 

to outside markets, rice was selling at 14 cents a pound, while 

>;ice it was selling at 40 cents a pound. Kerosene oil and other 

were selling in the same proportion as compared with Ponce. 

Carroll. During war times in our own country we frequently 

lose tremendous fluctuations in prices. It seems to be human 

that men everywhere will get all they can for what they have 

.ernier. The merchants here have always formed a sort of 
>rporation. There has never been any real competition in 
, ind for that reason they have imposed the prices of their goods 
people. 

arroll. Whom do you include in the class of merchants — 
lo have retail stores as well as those who have wholesale? 
ernier. I refer to wholesale merchants only, because retail 
its are only dependencies of the wholesale dealers. 
arroll. On what terms do retail merchants get their goods? 
ernier. Most of the retailers pay cash for their goods or buy 
i time, seldom longer than four months' credit being given. 
_125 30 



466 

Some have current accounts, but the longer terms are from retailers 
to consumers. 

Dr. Carroll. Then retailers must have considerable capital with 
which to carry on business? 

Mr. Bernier. Not necessarily; because the retail stores here carry 
only a small stock of goods and are not of great importance. They 
are important as a class, but not individually. 

Dr. Carroll. Would that class of retail merchants not suffer by the 
adoption of the ratio you propose, of 2 for 1? 

Mr. Bernier. I don't think so; because they are not people who 
hold large amounts of money. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you think the class who would suffer most com- 
prises the wholesale merchants, shippers, and bankers'? 

Mr. Bernier. I do not think they will have any ground for com- 
plaint, because they can not expect that the nominal capital they have 
on their books will be changed into a capital good all over the world. 

Dr. Carroll. In the case of a man who has $10,000 in silver, with 
which he can buy $8,000 in gold, if the Government makes the 
exchange at the rate of 2 for 1, would he not lose $3,000 outright? 

Mr. Bernier. Out of that question springs another aspect. If the 
Government should say, "We do not recognize any money but our 
national money," what would the merchant do with his silver which 
circulates only here in the island? 

Dr. Carroll. I should say that silver is worth what it will bring. 
If it will bring so much gold, I should say it was worth that much. 

Mr. Bernier. But the colonial money to-day has no standing any- 
where outside of this island; it belongs to no nationality, and I think 
the American Government has been generous to give it recognition as 
money. They do not accept it even in Spain. 



THE AVERAGE OF EXCHANGE. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 8, 1898. 

Ramon B. Lopez, editor of the Correspondencia, a daily newspaper 
of San Juan, P. R. : 

Mr. Lopez. Turning to the money question, with your permission , 
I understand that the idea of the Americans is to establish the rat" d 
of exchange at 2 to 1 with the idea of ruining the Spaniards, who w ill 
receive, in that case, on one-half of their outstanding credits. I thimk 
that the rate of 2 to 1 would be unreasonable. A rate between 60- and 
70 per cent premium would be a just medium. I am neither a creditor 
nor a debtor, but let me add that this is a very important qu estion 
and should have your first attention on arriving in Washington:. The 
present uncertainty has paralyzed business. Merchants are not" plac- 
ing orders, because they don't know what they will have to paj^ uor 
their goods. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do you suggest a rate between 1.60 and 1.70? 

Mr. Lopez. Because it corresponds to the average of exchange for 
the past ten years. I got the result by finding the actual average 
from the data. I hope the United States will grant to the ports of 



467 

this island the same privileges as to domestic ports. This is very 
important, as shown by the following considerations: Printing ink 
costs 5 cents a pound in New York, but with the freight and duty ii 
costs me over 20 cents a pound ; another item, printing paper costs in 
the United States about 2 cents a pound, at which rate a hundred 
kilos would cost $4.30 or $4.40. That amount of paper in Spain costs 
$9.60, and yet Spanish paper costs less laid down here than American 
paper. Why was that? Because Spanish paper costs 36 cents per 100 
kilos as against $3.75 for American paper. 

Dr. Carroll. You pay the same to-day on Spanish and American 
paper. 

Mr. Lopez. To-day American paper is cheaper, laid down here, 
than Spanish paper, but if we had free trade with the United States 
the rate would be still more favorable. 



TIME OF EFFECTING CHANGE IN THE CURRENCY. 

[Hearing before the United States Conimissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R. , November 5, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. What is your opinion with regard to the currency, 
and how it' should be settled? 

Mr. Manuel Egozcue, vice-president provincial deputation. As 
regards the financial question, I am not one of those who think the 
exchange should be made at par; neither do I think at as high a rate 
as some propose. I don't think it is just that the agriculturist and 
country debtor should have to pay in gold the debts he has contracted 
in silver. On the other hand, I do not think that those who are able 
to collect their debts by reason of priority of the debts when they fall 
due should be in a better position than those who have to wait a longer 
time, and the due debts of whose outstanding accounts do not accrue 
until after the exchange of standards. There is such a variety of 
opinion in regard to the matter that it is difficult to arrive at a fixed 
statement. It is not so much a question of five or six million dollars 
of currency in the island as of the sixty or seventy millions of out- 
standing liabilities due to us merchants by persons in the interior. 

Dr. Carroll. A number of persons here have fixed the amount of 
outstanding liabilities at fifty millions. 

Mr. Egozcue. From fifty to sixty millions of dollars, perhaps, is 
right. 

Dr. Carroll. Who are the debtors? 

Mr. Egozcue. The agriculturists. 

Dr. Carroll. And the creditors are the bankers? 

Mr. Egozcue. Largely, perhaps chiefly; the merchants and private 
money lenders. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the money of the United States should 
be substituted for the colonial money? Do you consider the change 
necessary? 

Mr. Egozcue. I think it is necessary, but I think it should not be 
effected until after the forthcoming crop has been gotten in. This 
will take place in February, March, and April. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do you think it should be postponed until that 
time? The majority of the people who have been here seem to regard 
it as the most urgent question before the authorities at Washington 



468 

and think it should be given immediate attention. I should like to 
have your reasons in detail for recommending a delay in the exchange. 

Mr. Egozcue. The reason I think the substitution of the currency 
should not be effected until the end of April is that the agricultural 
interests will be able to pay what they owe to the commercial interests 
without any difficulty as matters now stand, but if the substitution is 
made before that time they will be in very great stress to make the 
payments. Once that period is past, the American coinage can be 
safely introduced. 

Dr. Carroll. Then any time after February it would be safe to 
make this change? 

Mr. Egozcue. Yes ; because the accounts not collected then can not 
be collected until the next harvest. 

Dr. Carroll. Are these amounts large. 

Mr. Egozcue. Quite large relative to the small affairs of the island. 



EXCHANGE AND FREE TRADE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arecibo, P. R., January lJf, 1899. 
Mr. Adolf Bahr and Mr. Bernardo Huicy, members of the 
municipal council of Arecibo : 

Mr. Huicy. I think that the question of the exchange should be 
left until it can be introduced at the same time with the question of 
free coasting trade. 

Dr. Carroll. I have a great many complaints that the two stand- 
ards of exchange are paratyzing all business, and that everything 
will be at a standstill until the money question is settled. 

Mr. Bahr. As regards the unstable value of the money, we have 
been passing through that all our lives. The merchant does not 
suffer from it because he regulates the prices of goods according to 
exchange. The difference is borne by the consumer, but the vital 
point is that the sugar and coffee producers who give employment to 
most of the laborers of the island would have to shut down if the 
change of money were effected without a free market in the United 
States being given at the same time. 

Dr. Carroll. How will it affect the coffee producers? They intro- 
duce their coffee now free into the United States. I can see how the 
sugar men would be benefited. The whole difficulty with the sugar 
producers, I understand, is that if the island goes to a gold basis 
they will have to pay their laboring men the same in gold as they 
have been paying in silver. 

Mr. Bahr. Not having free coasting trade with the United States, 
they will not be able to get their provisions and stores at a less price 
than they pay now. 

Dr. Carroll. But the tariff has been greatly reduced. 

Mr. Bahr. The planters can not count much on that. It will mean 
very little more than an increased margin for the merchant. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think that you will not be able to induce 
3^our peons to continue their work by explaining to them that they 
can buy as much with the gold as they could with the nominally 
laraer amount of silver? 



469 

Mr. Huicy. We will have to try it, but the chances are that it will 
not succeed and they will strike, and strikes mean fires. There have 
been two instances here of that. On two estates they cut down wages 
10 cents, and that same day the two estates were burned. 

Dr. Carroll. I can see the difficulty under which the sugar planters 
labor, and it is important because they employ more labor than any 
other industry in the island. 

Mr. Bahr. Yes ; they use 75 per cent of the labor, and they spend 
their money in the island. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the prices for sugar now? 

Mr. Bahr. Three dollars and seventy-five cents for 46 kilograms at 
the ports of shipment for centrifugal sugar, and from $2.90 to $3 for 
muscovado sugar. The duty on the centrifugal in the United States 
is $1.65 for a hundredweight of 96 degrees test, and on the muscovado, 
$1.44. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, if duty were taken off the sugar, you would 
have a margin which would enable you to pay your employees in gold 
what you now pay them in silver? 

Mr. Bahr. Yes; exactly. 



THE INTERESTS AFFECTED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

* Coamo, P. R., February 6, 1899. 

A Merchant. We think the form in which the exchange of money 
has been made is prejudicial. 

Dr. Carroll. To the planters, do you mean? 

A Merchant. For the whole island. 

A Planter. I don't think so. 

Dr. Carroll. Let us hear the merchant. Why do you think it 
prejudicial for the island? 

The Merchant. I haven't facility for speaking. 

Colonel Santiago. I will answer, if you like. It is a question in which 
there are divided interests, and naturally there are divided opinions. 
I understand it would be convenient for some coffee planters that the 
rate should be as low as possible and also for some merchants, but I 
don't think it should be higher than from 60 to 70 per cent. I think 
agriculture will be benefited by the exchange at that rate, but mer- 
chants will suffer a certain amount of injury from it for the reason that 
several years ago their capital was in gold, and now they are coming 
back to gold again and will lose what they made in the meantime. 

Dr. Carroll. How do you make that out? 

Colonel Santiago. For instance, if a few years ago I had $50,000 
gold, that gold was exchanged into $80,000 silver by edict of the Gov- 
ernment. To-day it is brought back to $50,000, and we have lost what 
we made meanwhile. 

Dr. Carroll. But the $80,000 only represented $50,000 gold. 

Colonel Santiago. The idea is that when I possessed the $50,000 
gold some years ago silver was at a premium, and to obtain silver I 
had to let the gold go. The gold left the country, and silver remained 
at par value with gold. But to-day gold is brought back and has a 
higher value. I am not blaming anybody; I am simply trying to 
explain why the merchant is the sufferer. The merchant is now bound 
to buy back gold with a depreciated silver. 



470 

Dr. Careoll. What do yon think the rate should be? 

Colonel Santiago. The lower the exchange is made in Porto Rico 
the less money there will be in Porto Rico, and consequently capital 
will be reduced in quantity. 

Dr. Carroll. There will be a less number of dollars, but more 
money when the purchasing - power is considered. 

Colonel Santiago. We have about $5,000,000 circulating medium. 
I understand from what I have read that a country requires about $16 
per head; that a dollar passes from hand to hand several times in a 
day. Under the present circumstances capital will come from the 
outside more to our prejudice than to our benefit. 

Dr. Carroll. What rate of interest did lenders of money get when 
the country was on a gold basis'? 

Colonel Santiago. The same as now. 

Dr. Carroll. At what rate? 

Colonel Santiago. I have never charged more than 1 per cent. 

Dr. Ca'rroll. What was the average per cent on the gold basis? 

Colonel Santiago. One per cent. 

Dr. Carroll. That is, 12 per cent a year. What has been the 
average rate of interest since 1895? 

Colonel Santiago. I can only speak for mj^ house; we have charged 
from 12 per cent down as low as 8 per cent. 

Dr. Carroll. I think a very large percentage of the debts of the 
island have paid about 18 per cent. 

Colonel Santiago. They are so careless here about money matters 
that if I wished to give out $100,000 in loans to-day, I could easily do 
it at 2 per cent. I don't do it because my conscience won't allow me 
to do it. 



CHANGE OF THE MONEY SYSTEM. 
OPINION OF THE SPANISH BANK OF POKTO RICO. 

By Senor Carlos M. Soler, Subgovernor of the Bank. 

The volume of metallic currency in Porto Rico is about 6,046,000 
pesos. 

Mortgages and private indebtedness amount to 16,000,000 to 
18,000,000 pesos. 

Acceptances, drafts, and other unpaid mercantile transactions reach 
20,000,000 or 25,000,000 pesos. Aggregate, 36,000,000 to 43,000,000 
pesos; six to seven times the amount of currency in circulation. 

The peso has 1.730 more grams of silver of equal fineness than the 
American dollar, the important difference being that the latter rests 
on a gold basis. 

The commercial rather than the intrinsic value of the peso should 
be taken as the basis of settlement. 

The remarkable fluctuation in exchange has been due chiefly to the 
large amounts of money sent to Spain, causing a mercantile balance 
to appear against the island, notwithstanding the excess of exports 
over imports. , 

The average rate of exchange on New York in the last seven years 
was 45.45. 

The unusual rates of 1897 and 1898 will be followed by a consider- 
able fall in prospect of large crops. 



471 

In consideration of the interests of the island, which have suffered 
much, and of the limited circulation, which can not stand further 
reduction, the rate of exchange should be fixed at 75 cents American 
for the peso, or 33^ per cent premium. 

The change of currency should take place by December or January, 
and the American dollar should be substituted for the peso. 

The retention of the peso at a fixed value in relation to the dollar 
would be inefficacious and dangerous, giving rise to variations between 
the official and commercial value and stimulating false coinage. 

The exchange should be made in a brief period to prevent specula- 
tion, and the pesos should be retired, to be recoinedor demonetized. 

Without doubt one of the most difficult problems waiting for prompt 
solution is that of the change of the system of moneys in this island, 
if, as is to be supposed, the American Government wishes to find a 
solution which will harmonize with the interests of Porto Rico and 
the new metropolis and will prevent at all hazards disturbance of the 
equilibrium and economic arrangement sure to be brought about by 
the adoption of a hasty and ill-considered resolution. 

The problem is difficult because of the impossibility of resolving it 
in such a manner as to satisfy the interests and aspirations of every- 
one. An exchange at par, for instance, of our money for the Ameri- 
can dollar would assuredly benefit capital (above all, capital in actual 
cash) as represented by the creditor class, but would be prejudicial to 
the debtor class, who have contracted their liabilities in the money 
now circulating (represented mostly by the agriculturists), and would 
facilitate the removal of fortunes from the island, greatly to its detri- 
ment. 

On the other hand, an exchange effected at a low rate — such as 30 
or 40 cents American for a Porto Rican peso — would benefit unduly 
the debtor class of the interior, to the grave and unjustifiable preju- 
dice of capitalists and creditors. This benefit to debtors, at first sight 
real, would really be inoperative, as the loss suffered by capital would 
necessarily cause a great contraction of capital and would to a great 
extent prevent the further granting of loans to the agriculturists, to 
our incipient manufactories, and to commerce. 

If, then, a just and equitable solution be sought which will injure in 
the least possible degree vested interests, it becomes necessary to 
avoid extremes, such as a substitution at par or at a rate unpropor- 
tionately low. 

The fact should not for a moment be lost sight of that the gravity 
of the situation does not consist precisely in the exchange of the 
actual stock of money in circulation, as our circulation is an extremely 
limited one, as was proved when the present peso in circulation was 
brought here to replace the Mexican dollar which formerly was the 
money of the island. This fact was brought out when this introduc- 
tion just referred to did not require a larger sum than $5,561,000 in 
silver peso pieces, $1,015,000 in fractional silver monej^, and $70,000 
in bronze; a total sum of $6,646,000. 

As this sum must still further be reduced by about $600,000 pesos 
taken back to Spain by the Spanish troops, it will be readily under- 
stood that the mere substitution of the sum remaining, $6,046,000, 
would not in itself constitute a serious difficulty in the resolution of 
the monetary problem. The difficulty of the question and the danger 
of serious prejudices which might arise from the system that may be 
finally adopted lie chiefly in the fact that the rate to be decided on 
will have an immediate and necessary influence on pending obligations. 



472 

The special conditions which have affected Porto Rico since the 
beginning of 1897 have had the effect of reducing credits on the island 
itself, and although this fact and the special well-known events of 
the present year have not had a little influence in reducing the amount 
of imports for 1898, we do not fear to state without exaggeration that 
existing mortgages and private indebtedness amount to sixteen to 
eighteen millions of pesos, besides twenty to twenty- five millions of 
pesos representing acceptances, drafts, and other unsatisfied mercan- 
tile transactions. These sums, representing a large quantity in pro- 
portion to the general wealth of the island, must not be lost sight of 
in the settlement of the question under consideration, especially when 
it is remembered that the disbursements they represent were made in 
colonial or Mexican money and, as regards the private and commer- 
cial obligations, w r ere incurred during the last year or eighteen months, 
while, as regards the mortgages, they date from eight, ten, fifteen, or 
more years back, when exchange on New York fluctuated between 20 
to 70 per cent premium, but never higher. 

Having so far ascertained in what consist the difficulties of the prob- 
lem, let us find how to resolve it. 

The Porto Rican peso is of the same weight and fineness as the 
Spanish "duro," according to the decree of December 6, 1895, and as 
the Spanish duro, according to decree of October 19, 1868, is of 25 grams 
weight and 900 fineness, it results that the peso as silver bullion is 
superior to the American standard dollar, which is of the same fine- 
ness, but only weighs 23.730 grams. 

As to intrinsic value, then, it is undeniable that the peso is worth 
more than the dollar. The real difference is that while the peso is 
and represents silver only, the American dollar is a fiduciary coin, 
because, being of silver only, it represents gold — thanks to the dis- 
position ruling in the United States. 

To resolve the problem on this basis would perhaps be defensible, 
but in our opinion would not be just, because it must be granted that 
the legal value of money is largely a conventional matter, especially 
when the greater part of the value depends on the stamp and not on 
the intrinsic value of the coin. 

For this reason, without pretending to state that the intrinsic value 
of the money should not have some consideration, we consider that at 
the same time its mercantile value should be duly considered. And 
in our opinion this commercial value should be taken as the basis for 
the settlement of the question, as by mutual concessions on the part 
of debtors and creditors, capitalists, and agriculturists much could 
be done to effect a settlement without bringing on the island a 
frightful economic disturbance, which would result in the enrichment 
of one class, with the unjust pauperizing or ruining of the others. 

It is true that Porto Rico has been an exceptional country with 
regard to its experiences of exchange. It is hardly possible to 
name any other land where oscillations so great and sudden have 
almost prevented foresight and calculation to such an extent that 
operations in exchange have resembled gambling rather than banking 
transactions. But as economic laws are as undefinable as are natural 
laws, the abnormal condition must be in part attributed to, firstly, 
the Mexican coinage; secondly, the colonial currency; and always to 
what may be termed absentee officialdom, which was represented by 
salaries, savings, and pensions, and which withdrew annually from the 
island in the form of bills of exchange a portion of the value of the 
production of the island, causing the "mercantile balance" to be 



473 



against us, when really it was in our favor, owing to the excess of 
exportation over importation. 

Rates of exchange on Netv Yor~k. 



Month. 






Year. 






1891. 


1892. 


1893. 


1894. 


1895. 


1896. 


1897. 




Pesos. 1 
21* 
21* 
20* 
20 
20* 
31| 
21* 
31* 
21* 
21f 

m 

21* 


Pesos. 1 
2L 
33 
33 

m 

25 

36* 

28" 

31 

31i 

32* 

29 

31 


Pesos. 1 
30 

28 

28 

32 

33*. 

40 

42* 

43 

41* 

41" 

43 

42* 


Pesos. J 
41 
44 
49 
50J 
49* 
50* 
52* 
60 
61 
54* 
55-1 
56* 


Pesos. 1 
57f 
82 
62 
63 
66* 
71 
72* 
73 
70* 
71 
66 
58 


Pesos* 
50 
48 
49 
49 
57 
60 
59 
61 
60* 
57" 
61 
63 


Pesos. 2 

58* 




61 




63 




69 


May 


67 




67 




69 








74 




73 




64 




68 








21* 


26| 


36| 


52A 


67H 


56* 


67& 






1 Mexican. 






2 


Colonial. 







In this resume of rates of exchange those of 1898 have not been 
included, as those rules from April to September were, owing to the 
existence of war, merely nominal and at the same time capricious 
and arbitrary. 

It will here be seen that in the period of the last seven years the 
average rate of exchange never exceeded 67J per cent premium, and 
that in 1891 the rate did not exceed 21-^-, payable in Mexican dollars; 
without going back many years, it will be seen that the rate dimin- 
ished by degrees, showing palpably how unjust it would be to fix the 
exchange at 2 for 1, as some people claim should be done. To give 
$1 American for 2 pesos would be as unjust in its way as to require 
$1 American for 1 peso. 

The rate should therefore be found between these two extremes in 
order to be just and reasonable. The value of our peso can neither 
reach 100 cents American nor can it be worth less than 50 cents. In 
seeking this just limit, it should be observed that the average rate of 
exchange on New York was during the last seven years 45.45 per 
cent premium, as shown by the above figures. It should also be 
understood that the last year and the present one, owing to abnormal 
exceptions, have caused the rate to be higher. 

According to the statistics of our custom-houses, the imports have 
diminished considerably, and this, in conjunction with the fact that 
the promising appearance of large crops of coffee and sugar, our two 
principal productions, makes it patent that our exchange market will 
soon be flooded by offerings of drafts on New York and London. 
These offerings not being counterbalanced, as in previous years, by 
the demand for drafts, the exchange market, following its natural 
course, would not be long in falling to rates perhaps lower than those 
of 1891 to 1897. 

Still more. Always taking into account the statement made at the 
beginning of this volume, that the problem of the substitution of this 
money is a very complex one, in the treatment of which neither extreme 
should be touched, it may be added that our stock of circulating 
medium is extremely small and that after the blow received when the 
Mexican coin was taken out of circulation at a discount of 5 per cent, 
for which the country has never seen any return, the country can not 



474 

see with indifference another change nor suffer another and more seri- 
ous mutilation of the capital in circulation. 

For this reason it was stated that if in the exchange our money were 
received at too low a value, capital would receive a heavy blow, and 
although for the moment debtors would appear to be favored in pro- 
portion, this would be imaginary only — simply the contraction of capi- 
tal — and lenders would no longer be able to continue loaning to agri- 
culturists or business men to anything like the extent they had for- 
merly done. Although we have no doubt that later on capital from 
outside will undoubtedly flow into the island and help reestablish our 
equilibrium, we are not among those who think that this help will 
come immediately nor, much less, free from the evils which absentee- 
ism brings in its train. 

For these and other considerations this bank considers that the 
valuation of our peso at 75 cents American gold, which is equivalent 
to a premium of 33^ per cent, is a rate harmonious to both interests, 
and will be found conciliatory to the different elements of our 
economical local life. 

Once the rate fixed in a manner, to our way of thinking, precise and 
clear, it remains for us to express an opinion as to how the operation 
should be carried into effect, without any intention on our part of 
entering into details, the arrangement of which will be the duty of 
the Government. 

In this matter we declare ourselves frankly partisans of a change 
quick and radical. We say immediate because of the damage to 
business caused by the paralyzation induced by the uncertainty of 
the present state of affairs, and to signify that in our judgment the 
settlement should not be delayed beyond December or January next, 
the period coincident with that of low-priced exchange, and radical 
because we wish the real effective substitution for once and forever 
of the American dollar for the colonial peso. 

This last observation was suggested by an article seen by us in a 
New York paper, which states that perhaps the United States Gov- 
ernment will limit itself to fixing an invariable relation of value 
between the dollar and the peso, keeping the last named in circula- 
tion at the prefixed rate. This solution, in our opinion, would be 
both inefficacious and dangerous — inefficacious, because this fixed rate 
would after a time become official onty and conventional, and would 
soon be at variance with the commercial value of the rnone} 7 , giving 
rise to mercantile speculations; and dangerous, because as soon as 
the commercial and official rates differed, the latter being higher than 
the former, this difference would stimulate false coining even of 
pieces of the same weight and fineness. 

We, therefore, are of the opinion that this question should only be 
settled after the most careful study, but that study should not be put 
off and delayed. Once the rate be settled, the exchange should be 
immediately effected; a short time only be given to retire from cir- 
culation the nioney now in use, to be either recoined or entirely 
demonetized. 

As regards the effecting of the exchange by the simple means of 
never returning into circulation the pesos received through the custom- 
houses and other Government offices, the same being sent to the United 
States and substituted by American dollars, this plan would only 
increase our ills by diminishing our circulation and leaving uncared 
for the principal part of the problem, which is relative to the settle- 
ment of pending debits and credits. 



475 

So absurd does this proceeding appear to us that we will not even 
give it the honor of study or refutation. 
San Juan, P. R., October ££, 1898. 



THE MOST EQUITABLE PLAN. 
By L. M. Cintron, merchant and sugar planter. 

Fajardo, P. R., October 28, 1898. 

In view of the great discord existing between the various cities of 
this island as regards the value of American money, the premium on 
which fluctuates from 50 per cent to 100 per cent, and the value con- 
ceded to colonial money by the custom-house, the want of equilibrium 
constitutes great prejudice for some merchants and is the basis of 
enormous speculations by banking houses and importers of this island. 
The banking houses buy American money at 60 per cent and sell 
their drafts at 75 per cent, whereas importers buy American money at 
the same price and have it accepted in the custom-house at 100 per 
cent. 

I think the most equitable and just plan which can be adopted is 
the following: Taking it for granted that existing obligations date 
back about five years, and that the rate of exchange during that 
period has fluctuated between 70 per cent and 125 per cent premium, 
at which, and sometimes a greater, rate commerce has mostly made its 
calculations, it would be equitable to fix the rate of 75 per cent for 
the liquidation of pending obligations and for the exchange of the 
circulating provincial money. 



AMOUNT OF SILVER IN PORTO RICO. 
By Carlos M. Soler, subgovernor of the Spanish Bank of Porto Rico. 

The amount of coin in circulation in this country is notoriously too 
small in proportion to the number of its inhabitants and the amount 
of business transacted. This shortage can, of course, not be remedied 
artificially, but will tend to correct itself when the causes producing 
it have been removed. In spite of the fact that exports from the 
island have been of greater amount than its imports, there has not 
been the consequent influx of money which naturally might have 
been expected. On the contrary, the opposite has always been the 
case. The amounts collected for royal dues (derechos reales) and 
other forms of taxation have been remitted to the treasury in Spain. 
A force of about 5,000 soldiers has been paid from amounts collected 
in Porto' Rico, and of these salaries a portion was always remitted 
both by soldiers and officers to their families in the Peninsula. Mer- 
chants in Porto Rico, the great majority of whom are Spaniards, 
have almost invariably returned to their native country when suffi- 
ciently enriched, taking with them their entire fortunes. I consider 
that the new regime will tend naturally to alleviate the scarcity of 
circulating medium, but some years will elapse before a just equilibrium 
can be established. 

When in 1895 the central Government decided to retire from circu- 
lation in Porto Rico the Mexican dollar and substitute therefor the 



476 

colonial peso, which could only circulate in the island, it was estimated 
that at least ^30,01)0,000 would have to be coined to provide for the 
substitution. The finances of Spain at that time were not in a position 
to obtain and coin sufficient silver to effect the substitution, so a plan 
was decided on under which provisional certificates were issued against 
Mexican dollars paid in, which certificates should be redeemed as the 
colonial currency might be melted up and recoined. All importation 
of Mexican dollars was from that date made contraband, but a large 
quantity was smuggled in by prominent merchants. The exchange 
was effected at dollar for dollar, less 5 per cent on the Mexican dollar, 
and to the great astonishment of everyone only about $7,000,000 were 
offered for exchange, this being apparently the amount of coin in cir- 
culation. The provisional certificates were therefore at once redeemed, 
and the new currency became legal tender. 

The exact amounts of colonial silver employed in this operation were 
as follows: $5,561,000 in dollar pieces, $1,015,000 in fractional silver, 
in addition to which 170,000 in Spanish copper coin was introduced. 
It being cheaper to export this copper coin than to buy drafts, about 
120,000 of it was at once remitted by merchants to Spain before the 
authorities became aware of the fact. To avoid the complete deple- 
tion of the island of its copper currency, the remaining copper coins 
were punched, making them illegal tender in Spain, thus stopping 
their exportation. 

The amount of coin has been further reduced by the estimated 
quantity of $600,000, taken by the evacuating troops to Spain under 
special permission of the Spanish Government which will redeem 
them at par for Spanish currency. 

I estimate the amount owing by merchants in this island to their 
creditors in Europe at not more than $30,000,000. This is quite a 
liberal estimate, and is much less than in former years. 

As regards rates of interest formerly prevailing, when this bank 
took over the business of its predecessors several years ago, the rate 
was 12 per cent minimum and 18 per cent maximum per annum. This 
rate lasted until 1878, but even now is frequent among private money 
lenders. Our official rate is now from 8 per cent to 9 per cent 
annually and private bankers' rates from 9 per cent to 10 per cent. 

Our statutes allow us to advance money for terms of six months, 
but we have limited loans and discounts to a period of three months 
during these abnormal times. 

I wish to press the following point, which should greatly influence 
legislation respecting the settlement of outstanding liabilities. Mer- 
cantile credits for goods have been given for periods of as long as two 
years. Some private loans on mortgage will not fall due for four, six, 
and even ten years. 

The Hypothecary Bank has loans which will not mature for ten, 
fifteen, and twenty years. 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1898. 



San Juan, P. R., October 29, 1898. 

STATEMENT OF ME. KORBER, OF THE BANKING FIRM OF MtJLLENHOF & KORBER. 

The substitution of United States coinage for the present colonial 
currency should be effected at the rate of 66 cents gold for $1 Porto 
Rican. He bases his opinion on the average gold value of the colonial 



477 

peso since its introduction in 1895, ascertained by consulting the rates 
of exchange on the United States since that date until the beginning 
of the war or shortly before. Immediately before the war exchange 
rose violently, but that was caused by the lack of confidence of mer- 
chants in local banks, and all who could remitted their money to 
Europe, thus causing an immense demand for drafts. This fact should 
have no part in determining at what rate the money is to be exchanged 
for United States currency, being purely fortuitous and temporary. 
He thinks that existing obligations between debtor and creditor should 
be liquidated in gold, at the gold equivalent — as shown by the rate of 
exchange on the United States — of the amount in pesos owing at the 
date of contracting the obligation. Thus the debtor would not be 
called on to pay, neither would the creditor receive, a larger amount 
in gold than could have been purchased with the amount of the obli- 
gation at the date of incurring said obligation. 

The question of settling outstanding obligations is of far more impor- 
tance than the mere exchange of the 5,000,000 pesos of circulating cur- 
rency, as unliquidated obligations between debtor and creditor are 
certainly not less in amount than 30,000,000 pesos, and do not exceed 
50,000,000 pesos. 

The substitution should be made as soon as possible, and, once deter- 
mined on, only a short time should be allowed for the exchange to be 
made, to prevent speculation or hoarding of colonial money. Although 
as a private individual I should like at least fifteen days' notice before 
the exchange is intended to be made, and should also like to know in 
anticipation at what rate this will be effected, I think perhaps it would 
be wiser not to make the rate known until the actual moment occurs 
for making the exchange, although it maybe said that everyone would 
be in receipt of the same information and theoretically no one would 
be favored thereby. On no account must any compromise in the 
character of the new coinage to be substituted be made — no coin 
with one face, as in the States, and the reverse some special design, 
but straightout American money. Otherwise exchange on foreign 
markets will continue a matter of speculation in the hands of bankers, 
as the coin would not be acceptable in the markets of the world in 
settlements of balances. Neither do I consider it desirable to intro- 
duce gold coin, as such w.ould be exported by merchants to Spain to 
cover speculations in the rise and fall of that precious metal in the 
Peninsula. The money introduced should be silver and bills, which 
would serve the purpose of establishing the gold basis of the United 
States in this island, and, having the same guaranty as enjoyed in 
the United States, would of course pass for their full value, while not 
lending themselves conveniently for purposes of export specie specu- 
lations. Also a certain amount of subsidiary copper money must be 
introduced for the purposes of small traders and purchasers. 

It is evident to every merchant here that exchange must soon fall 
greatly, thus appreciating the local and purchasing value of the peso 
and making more necessary the prompt substitution of United States 
currency. The reasons are threefold : 

First. Merchants do not owe as much money in Europe as in former 
years, their credits having been curtailed since difficulties began to 
be anticipated between Spain and the United States, and also owing 
to the fact that they have been urged by their European creditors to 
cover their liabilities as much as possible. This they have done, and 
as a consequence are not such heavy buyers of exchange as formerly. 

Second. The amount of exchange offering will shortly be greatly 



478 

augmented by drafts drawn against the sugar and coffee crops which 
will soon be harvested. 

Third. The amount of merchandise imported has greatly decreased 
during 1898, owing to the war and its anticipation, making the balance 
against the island much smaller than in other years, and furnishing 
another reason for the small demand for exchange. 



POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED. 
STATEMENT OF FRITZE, LUNDT & CO., BANKERS, OF MAYAGTJEZ. 

Since 1885, when the importation of "Mexicans" was prohibited, 
exchange has been governed exclusively by the law of supply and 
demand. 

The substitution of provincial pesos in 1895 was followed by a rise 
of exchange, due partly to a large issue of paper money and partly 
to the Cuban war and war in the United States. 

A table of exchange on New York for the past nine years shows an 
increase in the yearly average from 21 in 1891 to (38-J- in 1895. 

The average in 1896 was 52i; in 1897, 67£; the highest, in-1898, was 
125, in May. 

The outstanding debts were contracted at various times, some when 
exchange was 10 to 20 per cent, and the latest when it was 40 to 60 
per cent, scarcely any having been contracted at a higher rate than 
60 per cent. 

To reach a just basis the average exchange of eight or ten years 
should be taken. 

If the change were made at 75 per cent or 100 per cent premium it 
would work the ruin of many firms and families. 

All sales of property, all mortgages, and all business transactions 
have been based on values ranging from 20 to 60 per cent. 

The currency in Porto Rico has been the Mexican dollar, with free 
import and export until 1885. In the said year import was positively 
prohibited, owing to the depreciation of silver abroad and with the 
intention of keeping exchange down. But the frequent and more or 
less important attempts at smuggling alwaj T s influenced exchange to 
a certain extent. From this date our exchange was exclusively gov- 
erned by demand or supply of money and drafts. 

In February, 1895, exchange rose suddenly and fully 30 per cent 
within a few days, owing to the smuggling of 8600,000 Mexican silver; 
but it dropped down almost as fast when the momentary requirement 
of drafts was covered. 

In December, 1895, our money was changed into the actual " peso 
provincial " or Porto Rico dollar, which is coined with the very same 
weight and fineness as the Spanish dollar and in actual silver value is 
worth about 1 cent less than the United States silver dollar. 

This dollar was made with the intention of giving it free admission 
to Spain at a later date. It was not admitted at once, because it was 
not known what quantity of money existed in Porto Rico. Exagger- 
ated estimates were the cause of this resolution. The value of this 
dollar for payments to the treasury, as compared with Spanish gold, 
was stipulated at 20 per cent. 

After the Porto Rico money was put in circulation exchange con- 
tinued very steady at about 50 per cent premium on New York, and 



479 

the scarcity of coined money justified the hope that exchange would 
gradually go down to 20 per cent; but the Banco Espanol of Porto 
Rico commenced to issue an unreasonable amount of paper money, 
which of course increased and deteriorated the actual money stock. 
The issue of this paper money, circulating with and not instead of 
actual silver, amounted up to $2,580,000, and the silver to about five 
and a half or six millions. Thus the increase of our money stock 
amounted to 50 or 60 per cent. 

Another reason for the upward tendency of our rates of exchange 
was the war in Cuba and the decrease of confidence resulting there- 
from, culminating in a panic during the war with the United States. 

As soon as peace had been declared confidence returned, both in 
Spain and Porto Rico, and furthermore, as the paper money will 
probably be withdrawn, its issue not being in harmony with American 
laws, our money will be much more solid, and exchange lower in con- 
sequence. 

The following gives an exact statement of all quotations of exchange 
on the 1st of every month for sight drafts on New York since 1890 : 



Month. 


1890. 


1891. 


1892. 


1893. 


1894. 


1895. 


1896. 


1897. 


1898. 




Per ct. 
31 
24 
23 
24 
27 
28 
26 
20 
14 
16 
16 
18 


Per ct. 
21 
20 
30 
19 
30 
21 
23 
23 
23 
32 
31 
20 


Per ct. 
33 

23 

23 

23 

254 

27" 

28 

32 

32 

33 

29 

31 


Per ct. 
31 
284 
284- 
324 
33 
40 

434; 

43 
42 
41 

42 
42 


Per ct. 
43 
43 
49 
52 
62 
51 
53 
54 
64 
61 
53 
56 


Per ct. 

58 
83 
64 
64 
67 
72 
73 
73 
71 
71 
67 
58 


Per ct. 
51 
49 
50 
49 

484; 

60 
58 
61 
61 
57 
61 
62 


Per ct. 

584; 

61" 
63 
69 

67 
67 
69 
75 

74 
72 
64 
68 


Per ct. 

72 




71 


March 


76 




79 


May 

June 

July-.. 

August 


125 
119 
119 
115 
80 




75 




66 


December 




Average 


21* 


21 


274,- 


37J 


534 


684, 


554 


674; 





Note.— Mexican dollars, 1890-1895; provincial money, 1898-1898. 

It is almost unnecessary to add that the intrinsic value of a silver 
dollar has nothing or very little to do with its trade value, the best 
proof of this being a comparison between the United States dollar and 
the Spanish and ours. They are all of the same intrinsic value, but 
one is backed by a powerful nation and the others by a poor one. 

The question of the change, of course, not only affects the coined 
money, but all floating debts, contracts, and mortgages are equally 
affected and must be liquidated at the same rate when they become 
due. It may be taken as certain that a great number of these were 
made when exchange ranged from 10 to 20 per cent, some when it was 
20 to 40 per cent, some, the latest, when it was 40 to 60 per cent, and 
none or almost none at a higher rate of exchange than 60 per cent. 

All those who owe large amounts claim the highest possible rate, in 
order to reduce their debts accordingly, and those who possess money 
or property of course wish to lose as little as possible and demand a 
low rate. 

It will be difficult to find a basis to satisfy all concerned, and in 
order to prejudice as little as possible the interest of one and another 
the average of eight or ten years ought to be taken. 

If the change were made at 75 or 100 per cent premium, many firms 
and families would be siniply ruined, and this would be a very sad 
commencement of American legislation in our country. 

All sales of property, mortgages, and business transactions are based 



480 

on the value of our money, ranging from 20 to 60 per cent. The rate of 
100 per cent has never existed. Even during the war months almost 
no transactions were made at this rate, and the financial position of a 
country can not be judged by what occurs in the months of danger 
and panic. 
Mayaguez, P. R., November 3, 1898. 



THE RATE SHOULD BE TWO FOR ONE. 
By the successors to A. J. Alcaide. 

This, we understand, is the most important of all questions, and the 
changing of our provincial silver currency for American currency 
must be done at once. 

Till this is done everything will be in a state of disturbance com- 
mercially, the value of gold quoted at any price. 

We propose that the change be made at 100 per cent premium — 
that is to say, what is commonly called two for one; for every Porto 
Rican dollar the holder to be given fifty cents American coin. 

Fifty cents represents the average value between the intrinsic worth 
of the coin and the value it has reached here in the commercial trans- 
actions. 

We also propose this measure for the easiness of the operation, 
which could be understood better by the working classes. It would 
settle the labor question, for bringing in this way the country to a 
gold basis the high exchange disappears, and of course everything 
will be sold cheaper — at almost half the prices of to-day for the nec- 
essaries of life. Labor will naturally come down to its gold equivalent 
from the silver rates of to-day. 

As between those who want the money to be taken only for its 
intrinsic value and the others, who want it to be changed at higher 
rates, we stand in the middle way, and recommend this solution of 
changing our currency for United States currency at what is com- 
monly called two for one. 

The operation of the exchange could be done in a week in all the 
island, and the difference resulting between the 50 cents value given 
to our coin and the net sales result of the silver in the United States 
could be charged to our budget, to be paid in five years — one-fifth each 
year. 

We believe 100 per cent is a just and equitable rate. 

Our foreign exchange has fluctuated in the last five years between 
50 and 140 per cent premium. You will plainly see that 100 per cent 
premium is an average, and by it the solution of the problem is 
clearer and easier, and for that reason we take the liberty to pro- 
pose it. 

Arroyo, P. R., November 4, 1898. 



OPINION IN MAYAGUEZ. 

PROPOSAL OF THE BANKERS, MERCHANTS, AND PROPRIETORS OF MAYAGUEZ, P. R., 
NOVEMBER 5, 1898, THIRTY-TWO FIRMS BEING REPRESENTED. 

To exchange our provincial money for American money at the pre- 
mium of 50 per cent on same — i. e. , to give a value of 66f cents, United 
States currency, to 1 peso — according to the resolution of the Creditoy 



481 

Ahorro Panceno. Against this proposal only voted Mr. Martinez and 
Mr. Primitivo and Pedro Grau, who are of the opinion that the change 
should be effected without any more loss to the holder of our money 
than the real expenses for melting, recoining, etc. We would there- 
fore recommend that the greater amount of nioney "be in gold and 
silver coin, because the great majority of the poor and laboring classes 
can not read, and besides, not being used in the interior to paper 
money, great difficulty would arise, especially at the beginning. 



OPINION IN PONCE. 

The bankers, merchants, and agriculturists of Ponce, at a meeting 
held November 5, b}^ a vote of 14 to 2, favored the adoption of the 
rate of $1.50 to $1 in exchange of Porto Rican money for United States 
currency, allowing the peso to be worth 66f cents American. One of 
the dissidents wanted the exchange made at par, the other at $2 for $1. 



THE AGRICULTURAL INTEREST. 
STATEMENT OF J. C. M'CORMICK. 

Arroyo, P. R., November 7, 1898. 

I have been for many years engaged in. mercantile pursuits in this 
pai*t of the island and have a thorough knowledge of what in reality 
the greater part of the inhabitants desire. 

The mainstay of this island is its agriculture, sugar, coffee, tobacco, 
and cattle; and if a personal canvass were taken, you would find them 
as a class opposed to the absurd propositions of half a dozen banks, 
money brokers, and exchange and wholesale merchants" regarding the 
change of our Porto Rico dollars. 

These' parties, the holders of the Porto Rico dollars, are not peti- 
tioning for the public good, but for their sole personal benefit, and 
there is as much reason to change dollar for dollar as to change, as 
they desire, at 85 cents gold for each Porto Rico dollar, or 70 cents 
gold, or for any other rate that is not for its intrinsic value. Their 
wish is that the difference between the intrinsic value and 85 cents, 
that they wish the money to be changed to, should be paid by a tax to 
be levied on the island. For what reason should the island be taxed 
in order that two or three dozen men or mercantile firms who hold 
the Porto Rico dollars should be enriched? This would not be equi^ 
table nor just. It can not be that the whole island should be taxed 
and a burden laid on it in order that speculators who have worked 
for these ends should be enriched. 

For months before the United States Army arrived in Porto Rico 
exchange on New York was from 100 per cent to 150 per cent premium. 
The sugar, coffee, tobacco, and cattle dealers, and, in fact, the whole 
island, bought their supplies on credit from the merchants at prices 
which covered these rates of exchange ; and now that the coffee and 
sugar crop is coming in, the merchants, brokers, and banks have com- 
bined to depreciate exchange and get it down to as low a point as 
possible, so as to get back from all these planters their nioney which 
1125 31 



482 

they had put out at 100 per cent to 150 per cent; exchange at 50 per 
cent and even 40 per cent. 

The greater part of the taxpayers in this island are the agricul- 
turists, and it would be an outrage to change Porto Rico dollars at 
85 cents or 70 cents United States currency and charge the loss to the 
island budget, as it would, in fact, make the agriculturist, who has 
paid or bought his goods at 150 per cent, pay again the difference of 
those dollars from their intrinsic value to 85 cents or 70 cents United 
States currency. 

Another matter which should not be overlooked is that nothing is 
easier for unscrupulous people than to coin in Spain or some other 
foreign country the Porto Rico dollars, and what the profits would be 
if these dollars are given a value above their intrinsic one can not be 
calculated. It is an open secret that firms in this island were engaged 
in the smuggling of Mexican dollars when their importation was pro- 
hibited in 1885. So if a higher value is given to the Porto Rico dollar 
than its intrinsic one, we run the risk of the island being flooded with 
them, to the profit of unscrupulous people. 

Lastly, it is against the principles of the United States Government 
to give a false value to a base silver dollar unrecognized by any gov- 
ernment, and if Ave are Americans to-day we must be judged and 
governed by American ways and laws, and no juggling should be 
permitted with our Porto Rico dollars to the benefit of a clique. 



EXCHANGE OF PORTO RIG AN MONEY. 
By Messrs. A. Hartman & Co. 

We think it would be a most equitable course if the United States 
took up at once the Porto Rican currencj' at the rate of 50 cents United 
States currency for the Porto Rican peso, for this represents the aver- 
age value between the intrinsic value of the coin' and the value it has 
reached in commercial transactions. The loss entailed on the United 
States by this operation of giving 50 cents for a coin worth about 39 
cents should be charged to the Porto Rican budget, payable in a cer- 
tain number of years, say four years. This would also settle the labor 
question, as the working classess would then know what they are get- 
ting, which at present they can not know, owing to the constant fluc- 
tuations of the money markets. The peso should be taken up at once, 
so as not to give time for operations, like those of 1886, when the impor- 
tation of Mexican silver was prohibited and when it was smuggled into 
the island in large quantities. This would happen now if the United 
States recognized the Rorto Rican peso for anything over its actual 
intrinsic value and did not take it out of circulation at once. The 
dies for said coin still exist in Spain, and coinage is a very profitable 
business. Certainly the Spaniards have no love for the Americans 
and thej 7 would not hesitate to coin large quantities of Porto Rican 
pesos, in full weight and fineness, when by that operation they would 
gain 10 to 11 cents gold per peso. There are certainly lots of Spanish 
firms in the island that would help their friends to carry on such a 
profitable business. 

Arroyo, P. R., November 7, 1898. 



483 

THE RATE OF EXCHANGE. 
By Eustoquio Torres, Mayor of Guayanilla. 

One of the problems most affecting the country's welfare is without 
doubt the money question. , 

Although everyone recognizes the necessity of changing the circu- 
lating currency for another system which will remove the inconven- 
iences presented by the present system, the form or manner of the 
"canje" is the subject of much discussion. Many are the formulas 
presented, Avhich claim not to satisfy one party at the expense of 
another, but up to date none has been accepted as satisfying all 
interests. The generality of agriculturists of medium means, which 
class is the most numerous, and the small cultivators, all of whom, with 
but rare exceptions, have lived on credit, are in debt for large amounts. 
These see that if the "canje" is to be made at par, and they have to 
liquidate their obligations on this basis, they and the entire agricul- 
tural interests would be ruined. This being the principal source of 
wealth of the island, it is clear that its future should not be viewed 
with indifference, but should be well considered in the settlement of 
this most important problem. 

After having heard and analyzed the different opinions offered on 
this subject, I think the solution most in harmony with all interests 
would be the exchange for gold at 70 per cent, demonetizing the 
provincial currency and recoining it with the American stamp and 
design. 

Guayanilla, P. R., November 8, 1898. 



THE AMERICAN DOLLAR FOR THE ISLAND. 

San JuAn, P. P., November 8, 1898. 

STATEMENT OF UNITED STATES CONSUL PHILIP C. HANNA. 

It is my opinion that as soon as possible the American dollar should 
be made the basis of trade for this group of islands. For years past 
the constant fluctuation of the monetary unit of this country has 
greatly interfered with all internal and foreign commercial transac- 
tions among the merchants and people of Porto Rico. The peso, which 
is now the basis of trade, is a very uncertain quantity, and as long 
as the commerce of the island is builded upon so uncertain a founda- 
tion no commercial enterprise can be considered solid or substantial. 

The wholesale merchant who buys his goods in the United States or 
Europe and is compelled to pay for them in gold or the equivalent 
thereof must sell these goods to the retail merchant for a much higher 
price than he could sell them for if there was a fixed and stable cur- 
rency for the island. The term of credit has usually been six months 
in buying goods in foreign countries. During those six months no 
dealer can tell how much the peso will fluctuate. Since I have been 
in Porto Rico I have known the peso within the period of six months 
to have a value, as compared with American gold, of 74 cents and 
also of 37 cents — that is, at one time within the six months 1.35 pesos 
would purchase an American dollar, and at another time within the 
six months 2.70 pesos were required to purchase the same dollar. It 
is therefore plainly seen that merchants selling goods on long credits 



484 

must, in order to protect themselves against bankruptcy and ruin, 
provide for these great changes in the value of the peso. This 
country can never become American in the true sense of the term 
until the basis of trade is regular and fixed. It appears to be the 
unanimous cry from every part of this group of islands and from all 
classes of people that the American dollar should be made the basis 
of trade. 

However, the old debts of the island must be taken into considera- 
tion. All mortgages, notes, and debts of the past in other forms are 
represented by pesos, and it would be an injustice to that class of 
people who are bearing the heavy burdens of debt which rest upon a 
very large part of the- sugar planters and estate owners of the island, 
and who haVe borrowed cheap pesos, giving mortgages upon their 
estates as security therefor, if, when these debts become due, they 
were compelled to cancel them with a more valuable money than they 
received at the time the loan was made and the mortgage given. For 
instance, I have in mind a sugar planter who, in the month of June, 
was compelled to borrow 10,000 pesos in order to save his estate. The 
peso at that time had a value of about 40 cents as compared with 
American gold. He gave a mortgage upon his plantation for 10,000 
pesos, payable in five years, at 12 per cent interest. It is plainly seen 
that the true value of what he received from the bank amounted to 
only about $4,000, American money. There is a desire and a scheme 
on foot among the bankers and money lenders of the island to compel 
these men who are in debt to pay their debts in dollars when their 
debts become due. In the case of this sugar planter, in addition to 
his paying 12 per cent for five years, he would be compelled at the 
end of that period to pay 110,000 for the $4,000 he received, which 
would mean ruin to the planter and fatness to the banker. 

I am of the opinion that the Government of the United States, in 
dealing with the financial question of this island, should carefully 
take into consideration the average value of the peso and should 
determine by law how much in American money a peso should repre- 
sent as a debt-paying medium, and that all debts of the past which 
have been made in pesos should be canceled in pesos, even though 
pesos should not be continued to be coined and circulated hereafter. 
A very large number of the plantation owners are in debt and it 
would be an utter impossibility for them to cancel their peso debts 
with the same number of dollars or even with the same number of 
pesos if the peso should be allowed to be exalted and have a fictitious 
value of, say, from 85 cents to 95 cents American money, as the 
bankers of the island are suggesting. Debts made at a time when 
the peso only represented 40 cents American money should be can- 
celed with 40 cents American money. I do not believe it to be to the 
interest of the island or of the United States to pay more for the Porto 
Rican peso than its actual bullion value. The only class who would 
receive a benefit by the United States declaring the peso to be worth 
80 or 90 cents or more would be the rich men of the island, who have 
large amounts of money on deposit, and they are few in number and 
consist almost entirely of bankers Avho have grown rich in gambling 
upon the fluctuation of Porto Rican money. 

If the United States should see fit to allow more than the actual 
bullion value for these silver pesos of Porto Rico, it is highly impor- 
tant that this coin be redeemed immediately, for should it become 
known that the United States had a purpose to pay more than the 
actual bullion value for the silver of Porto Rico, I see no reason why 



485 

millions of Porto Rican pesos could not be coined and shipped to this 
country from every part of the world; There are parties in Europe, 
undoubtedly, in possession of the same dies and minting machinery, 
and if they could sell these pesos in Porto Rico for 75 or 80 cents, 
which contain less than 40 cents' worth of silver, the temptation would 
be very great for them to engage in such a transaction. Similar 
things have occurred in South America with the coin of regular gov- 
ernments. At one time the Venezuelan peso, which circulated at par 
with Venezuelan gold and was considered the best silver coin of any of 
the South American republics, was counterfeited by European firms 
and the whole West India Islands were filled with Venezuelan silver 
money until the situation became so bad that the Venezuelan Gov- 
ernment had to pass a law refusing the importation of Venezuelan 
silver coin, and even the coin which had been minted at their own 
mints was prohibited from entering the country. I apprehend that 
the temptation would be much greater in the case of Porto Rican coin, 
which is not the coin of any nation, but a special coin for the island 
of Porto Rico, and I doubt whether it would be held to be a crime for 
persons to mint Porto Rican pesos, provided they contained the same 
amount of silver. 

I believe that the United States could take up the silver coin of 
Porto Rico, which at present appears to amount to less than 6,000,000 
pesos, and remit these pesos for the special use of the island. On 
one side of the coin let it read, " One Porto Rican peso," and let that 
peso stand good for the debts of the past contracted in pesos; then, 
having determined the proper and true relation of this coin to Amer- 
ican money, stamp on the other side of the coin the number of cents 
that this coin is worth in the money of the United States. For exam- 
ple, " United States of America, fortj<-five cents," or "fifty-five cents," 
or whatever amount the Government sees fit to pay for the coin. 
This would fix the relation of the peso to the American dollar and 
put a final stop, to the fluctuation of the peso, and, at the same time; 
there would be in existence a kind of money with which to pay the 
old debts of the past. 

For the temporary relief of the island I believe it important that) 
the Government should order that all customs and other dues qf 
whatever nature be collectible in American money only. This will 
greatly add to the volume of circulation in the island and will raise 
the American dollar to the place which it rightfully should fill. At 
the present time duties are collected in Porto Rican money instead or 
American money, which has the effect of making Porto Rican money 
first and American money second in the island. Since duties, under 
the existing order, must be paid in Porto Rican money, the supply of 
which is limited, it becomes an easy matter for the bankers of the 
island to corner the money market and charge the merchants what- 
ever they may feel disposed to demand. If our Government should 
order that all duties be paid in American money, the supply of Amer- 
ican money being unlimited, the American money market could not 
be cornered by the bankers ; the American dollar would immediately 
be in demand, and there being no longer • a special demand for the 
Porto Rican peso, the bankers would cease tying it up in their vaults 
and it would find its way into circulation and be employed in the 
local business of the island at its proper value, and, in my opinion, 
its rapid fluctuations would cease. This suggestion, however, is only 
made for temporary relief, my former suggestion being intended for 
permanent relief. 



486 

PORTO RICAN MONEY SHOULD BE RECALLED. 
STATEMENT OF SENOR J. D. ABRIL. 

Aguadilla, P. R., November 10, 1898. 

There is one question of great interest for the country whose solu- 
tion is eagerly awaited and which is producing great disturbance in 
commerce, the artery of life in the towns. I refer to the exchange of 
our provincial money now in circulation, whose valuation with respect 
to the United States coinage is a matter which should be promptly 
settled. . The meeting held in San Juan the 30th of October purposely 
abstained from passing resolutions on this matter, it being without 
doubt one of the most delicate questions, perhaps the most complex, 
among those whose immediate solution is necessary for the existence 
and future of Porto Rico. A sc rupulous analysis of the question 
should be made in order not to disregard the many interests and so as 
not to induce a general crisis which could envelop Porto Rico in 
external bankruptcy, resulting not only to the grave prejudice of inter- 
ests here, but in the United States and Europe, wherever our commer- 
cial relations extend. 

The complexity of the question is not only in the material exchange 
of our six or seven millions of pesos now in circulation; if that were 
all, the problem would be simple and practicable. The real difficulty 
consists in the fact that the rate fixed for the exchange will form the 
base of the liquidation of the floating debt, or obligations due or falling 
due, balances of accounts current, and other similar and analogous 
acts and contracts which commerce and institutions of credit main- 
tain with agriculturists and the people in general, and whose amount 
is estimated at about seventy to eighty millions. 

The simple enunciation of these facts is sufficient to make under- 
stood the antagonisms which will immediately arise between creditors 
and debtors when the money question is broached. The first would 
like to see the exchange made at par or at a low rate, so as to leave 
his capital intact; the second would prefer the exchange to be made 
at as great a discount, so as to see reduced their obligations and unpaid 
contracts. For this reason agricultural interests, generally in a state 
of indebtedness and in numbers far exceeding the mercantile class, 
are crying out for exchange at a very high rate, while towns, where 
interests are inverse, sustain the theory that it should be effected at 
par or at a slight discount. 

Congress in Washington should seek an equitable formula between 
these two antagonistic factions, so as to prevent discord and lawsuits. 

When in 1879 Mexican dollars were imported here the gold basis 
was established ipso facto, and although that metal complete^ disap- 
peared from circulation as a monetary unit, giving place to the Mexi- 
can dollar, all operations have been based on the gold standard. The 
two social classes, agriculture and commerce, who are the chief han- 
dlers of public wealth, have suffered or enjoyed equally the advan- 
tages or losses produced by the system; and while the importing mer- 
chant has had to pay his merchandise in Europe or in the United 
States at whatever rate of exchange was ruling, the agriculturist, on 
selling his produce, has obtained the benefit of the higher or lower 
rate quoted when making the sale. Therefore, neither of the two 
classes, to-day so antagonistic, can pretend to find in past rates of 
exchange a reason justifying the establishment of a rate for the 
"canje" prejudicial to the other. 



487 

Most persons studying this important problem take their stand on 
the rates of exchange in Porto Rico which have been quoted for 
American money, and some have taken an average rate covering a 
certain number of years. We think that those commit a great error, 
as the special nature of our money, which can only circulate in the 
island, prevents it being quoted in any of the markets of the United 
States or Europe, and it is clear that there can be no exact basis for 
determining the difference of commercial value of our money with 
that of the American which has to take its place. 

On the other hand, the rates of exchange, former and present, for 
United States money have never been based on the value of our colo- 
nial money, but have obeyed only and solely the oscillations caused by 
demand and supply. Thus, for example, during the Spanish- American 
war, when our commercial relations were interrupted, exchange 
reached 140 per cent; whereas to-day, in spite of there being no 
exports to the United States and of the fact that the custom-houses 
admit American bank notes at 100 per cent for payment of import 
duties, there are houses drawing exchange on New York and other 
American centers at 66 per cent. What influence, then, does our 
money, which enjoys here a fixed and invariable commercial value, 
exert? Doubtless none at all. 

The considerations above mentioned make it appear logical and 
just to call in the Porto Rican money and replace it by United States 
silver money, charging the difference existing in the intrinsic value 
of both to the general estimates of the island and adding likewise 
thereto the cost of transport and coinage. 

It is certain that the antagonism existing between the two classes, 
creditors and debtors, would then disappear, as pending obligations 
would be liquidated at par without discount and without prejudice to 
any of the classes holding public wealth. The danger of a crisis, which 
an unconsidered solution, reducing by 50 per cent the value of our 
money with all the losses such would occasion, and whose scope it is 
difficult to predict, would also be overcome. 



THE GOLD STANDARD. 
' STATEMENT OF ESCOTASTICO PEREZ. 

Cidra, P. R., November 10, 1898. 

The system to be introduced should be that which, while not con- 
flicting with the rights of the Union, should care for agricultural inter- 
ests. The gold standard has been our dream for a long time. 

It is very lamentable, especially among the agriculturists, owing to 
want of credit and means of support for their plantations [original 
says " refaccion," which means the advances made by merchants to be 
paid for at harvest] . This shows the necessity for the establishment 
of banks with branches in the departments to offer facilities to agri- 
culture, the prime source of public wealth. 

Unforeseen disasters of war and the death of credit make necessary 
an extension of time for payment of debts — by law, if not otherwise 
obtainable — in favor of country merchants, who were harder hit than 
those in the capital. This appears to be a measure of strict justice, 
and I do not understand why the merchants in San Juan have not 
already taken initiative in the matter. 



488 

OPINION OF THE BOARD OF COMMERCE. 

San Juan, P. R., December 6, 1899. 

Ramon Garcia Saenz, secretary of the board of agriculture, manu- 
facture, and commerce of Porto Rico, certifies that at the session 
held on the 6th of December, 1898, with the object of studying the 
best methods of effecting the substitution of coinage in circulation 
and the emitting of an opinion as regards the formation and applica- 
tion of a new tariff, after a full and fair discussion it was unani- 
mously voted that the gold standard should be introduced immediately 
and a value of 75 Cents United States currency given to the colonial 
peso, as that is the value of the coin, according to the opinion of this 
board. The substitution should be made without any charge what- 
ever to the island. 

The secretary of the interior, Dr. Salvador Carbonell, dissented and 
thought the value should be fixed at 65 per cent and the difference 
charged to the insular treasury, the difference being calculated on 
the bullion value Of the peso, or say 41 cents gold. 



UNIFICATION OF THE MONEY SYSTEM. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR CELESTINO DOMINGTJEZ. 

Guayana, P. R., January, 1899. 

The first and perhaps the most important of the modifications to be 
introduced into Porto Rico is the unification of the money system with 
that of the new country by establishing the gold basis. As this is the 
foundation on which the prosperity of the island has to be built up, 
it must be done immediately, after which other economic problems 
can easily be solved, as living will be cheapened by one-half, and nat- 
urally the country will be freer to undertake all sorts of enterprises. 

Many plans can be adopted for the purpose of carrying out this 
change, but it would be prolix to enumerate them. If it be taken 
into account that our provincial peso has, in commerce, a purchasing 
power of 100 centavos and that the government offices have also given 
it that value, it will be seen that its sudden reduction to the value of 
bullion would severely punish holders of the coin and that the banks 
would suffer. It must be remembered that pur peso is equal in weight 
to the silver coin of the United States and superior in fineness ; there- 
fore it would not be just to make us accept the inferior coin at face 
value and the superior one at bullion value. I do not think that the 
new Government will follow the example of the late one, as gr^at and 
wise nations do not make a speculation of their possessions, neither 
will a generous nation like the United States add another misfortune 
to our already long list. 

My opinion is that there being so small an amount in circulation 
here, the Government could recoin it and charge the difference and 
expense to the funds of the insular treasury. One drop of water does 
not increase the size of the ocean, so our insignificant coinage would 
be lost in the enormous mass of American money like that drop in the ' 
ocean. 



489 



THE QUESTION OF EXCHANGE. 

STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TERRITORIAL AND AGRICUL- 
TURAL BANK. 

San Juan, P. R., October, 1899. 

When the Spanish Government fixed the value of the Mexican dol- 
lar in relation to that of the national money of Spain and changed it 
for the provincial peso, it incurred the obligation under the decree of 
1895 of assimilating later on the colonial currencj^ into the national 
currency. This obligation, made in good faith, could liot have been 
avoided. In virtue of this assimilation it would have been j>ossible 
at any time to convert the colonial currency into gold at a premium 
of 25 per cent or 30 per cent under normal circumstances, and this was 
the original and natural solution of our monetary problem, to be given 
effect later on. Having severed the relations with the old metropolis 
and forming now part of another nation, making necessary constant 
and important commercial relations, it is necessary to adopt one mon- 
etary system for both countries, so that business can be established 
and carried on without let or hindrance. 

The necessity of the change of our monetary system being recog- 
nized, it would be well to see under what conditions it could be 
effected. If it were only necessary to make the material exchange of 
the small amount of money in circulation, we would advise that 
American money be substituted therefor, dollar for dollar, covering 
the resultant difference by means of paper money, which would enter 
into circulation at its full nominal value and would be taken up in a 
certain number Of years by a charge on the budget of the island. By 
this means the country would be saved from a diminution of its cir- 
culating currency and would hold a greater amount of coinage with 
which to attend to the almost numberless undertakings necessary for 
the growth of its riches. 

But besides the 4,500,000 or 5,000,000 pesos which exist in actual 
cash there are perhaps 30,000,000 pesos Of debts, mortgages, etc., 
which have been contracted within the last ten years, and it would 
not be just to make the change at par, because this would oblige the 
debtor to pay in court the integral sum which he had received in sil- 
ver and which was worth less with relation to gold at that time. It 
would not be just, either, to lessen the fortune of those who are 
holding actual cash, which would be done if the exchange were made as 
the intrinsic value of the peso, because this money, thanks to its special 
condition and the limited quantity of it coined, has always had a 
commercial value far above its intrinsic value as silver. With the 
object, then, of harmonizing the interests of the one with the interest 
Of the other it appears just and equitable and convenient that the 
value of provincial money should be fixed with relation to the Ameri- 
can money according to the commercial and not the intrinsic value 
of the first named as ascertained during the last ten years by refer- 
ence to official exchange. The following will show the average rate 
of premium of gold over silver in the last ten years : 



Per cent. 

In 1889 ..... 14 

Inl890 9 

In 1891 10 

Inl892. 17 

In 1893 27 



Per cent. 

In 1894 43 

In 1895 57 

In 1896 _.' 46 

In 1897... 56 

In 1898..... 63 



Which gives an average for the ten years of $34.20 for 
approximate value Of the provincial dollar of 75 cents gold. 



or an 
It should 



490 

be taken into account that exchange has been much higher since the 
year 1875, at which time the Cuban revolution broke out and when 
many fortunes were removed from this country, owing to the unsettled 
state of affairs. Once accept this rate for the exchange of American 
for Porto Rican money, and it should be carried out in the following 
manner: 

The 6,000,000 pesos in circulation to-day represent, at the rate of 75 
cents gold, 4,500,000 American dollars. As at least 2,000,000 pesos of 
silver money is necessary for our small transactions, we would have this 
amount coined from the money at present in circulation, converting 
it into American money. We would then be left with 4,000,000 pesos 
to compensate for 3,000,000, which would have to be given in exchange 
for American gold. The 4,000,000 pesos sold at 40 cents would give 
$1,600,000 gold. There would then be a deficit of 1,400,000 pesos, or, 
say, 1,500,000 pesos with the expense incurred in the operation. 

This sum might be covered by means of a loan to the treasury, 
redeemable in a certain number of years. Outstanding debts would 
have a corresponding reduction made of 25 per cent of their value. 
The exchange should be made as soon as the Americans have posses- 
sion of the country, for while this matter is left in abeyance business 
will be completely paralyzed, to the prejudice of everybody. The 
American Government should take note that any steps taken toward 
the settlement of the money questions of the island should be fol- 
lowed by other measures protecting its agricultural interests, sugar 
principally, which for many years has been suffering from a great 
crisis from artificial causes, which unfortunately will take a long time 
to disappear, and owes its continuance in Porto Rico to the premium 
put on its production by the silver currency, without which its culti- 
vation could not have been carried on. 

The freedom from duty in the markets of the new metropolis, the 
limitation of local taxation, good banking organization, which will 
offer the agricultural interests money at a moderate rate of interest — 
which measures, if adopted quickly, may still preserve the agricultural 
interests from ruin, which the change of coinage would otherwise 
produce. 



UNIFORMITY OF MONEY SYSTEM. 
STATEMENT OF RTJCABADO & CO. 

Cayey, P. R., November, 1898. 
The uniformity of the monetary system between this country and 
the metropolis is an urgent necessity. Perhaps, if there is a long 
delay in the substitution of money, we shall be subject to the intro- 
duction of more silver of the same coinage which is to-day in circula- 
tion, making much more difficult the operation which, under present 
circumstances, .owing to the small amount of money in circulation, is 
comparatively easy. 



THE AMERICAN DOLLAR PREFERRED. 
By SeSor Alrizu, of Pome, P. R. 

The legal tender of Porto Rico should be the American dollar. A 
law should be enacted at once establishing this, and the peso should 
be exchanged at 2 for 1 in the treasury of each department. All 



491 

existing* debts should be settled at that ratio. The exchange should 
be made in one month at the chief custom-house of each department, 
at the expiration of which time the circulation of the peso should be 
prohibited. 



RATES OF EXCHANGE ON LONDON FOR BILLS FOR NINETY DAYS. 

[Furnished by Mullenhoff & Korber, San Juan, P. R.] 



Month. 



1896. 



1897 



January _-. 
February .. 

March 

April. 

May 

June .. 

July 

August 

September . 
October 



November 
December 



$7.75, $7.30, $7.25 

$7.25, $7,231, $7-37, $7.35 

$7.371. 

$7.25, $7.30, $7.331 

$7.30 

$7 70 

$7! 75, $7"30," $7.731 

$7.85, $7.90.. - 

$7.77*, $7.60. 

$7,573-, $7.70 



$7,731, $7.60, $7.80, $7.85 
$7.80, $7,771, $7.75, $7.70 



$7.70, $7.67*, $7.65, $7.70, $7.80. 

$7.70, $7.80," $7,871. 

$7.90. $0.92*, $0.95, $8.00. 

$8.07*, $8.10, $8.15. 

$8.15, $8.10. 

$8.10, $8,15. 

$8.30. 

$8.40, $8.50, $8.45, $8.40. 

S8.40. 

$8.20, $8.10, 



$7 



30, $8,371, $5 
58.05. 

.971, $7.80, 
$0.80, $8.00. 
.90, $7.95, $8. 



D.831, $0,871, 



Fixed value, 



.75 consequently equal to 55 per cent. 



THE FINANCIAL SITUATION. 
By Nine Residents op the Island of Vieques. 

[Translation.] 

The financial state of the island is highly precarious. Porto Rico 
has passed through several severe economical crises, from which she 
has suffered most painfully. 

The monopoly exercised formerly, and still exercised by the whole- 
sale merchants over the dawning agriculture of the country, has never 
permitted its development and prosperity. 

These merchants, in their greed for lucre and insatiable avarice, mis- 
took the road they should have followed in order to obtain the positive 
gains they wished, for. 

Agriculture, which is our principal source of wealth and livelihood, 
languished in the ratio that the merchant exploiters, absorbing and 
weakening it in its growth, filled their coffers with large sums of 
money, product of iniquitous speculations. 

But the moment arrives where, prostrated and played out, without 
recuperative force, it was no longer a profitable victim for commerce; 
and then the crisis began to become more general. 

Various other causes of not less importance have helped to bring 
the country to its present condition of prostration and downfall — 
before all, the fatal administration of the Spanish Government, which 
taxed landowners and industries heavily, with the object of maintain- 
ing vicious bodies of unnecessary bureaucrats, who stifled all initiative 
and stopped and impeded all generous and active impulses. 

Again, the substitution of Mexican currency by that sent us in an 
evil hour by our old government — a currency which had no commer- 
cial value and is not current in anj^ foreign market. 



492 

Add to this, among other causes which we omit, the heavy import 
duties formerly and still paid by our most important products in our 
principal market, the United States — duties which did and still do 
diminish the narrow profits obtained by our poor industries. 

To better this afflicted situation a powerful lever is necessary — 
money; and above all, the establishment of banks. 

The Agricultural and Territorial Bank of Porto Rico does not, 
neither can it, respond to the needs of the agricultural interests of the 
island, owing to want of funds. There is a need of banking estab- 
lishments offering the guaranties and cash necessary to raise agricul- 
ture from its prostration and offering help to the agriculturists at a 
moderate interest. These banks, which would doubtless soon become 
the motive power of our wealth, would of a certainty earn large 
profits. 

The establishment of agricultural syndicates would be a splendid 
help to the growth of the material interests of this country. 

Establish banks and syndicates, implant modern and scientific 
methods, and Porto Rico, with its natural gifts and fertile soil, will 
become an emporium of wealth, offering a healthy livelihood to all 
social classes. 

Our concrete opinion about the change of Spanish colonial money 
and substitution by United States currency is that it should be done 
as soon as possible and at 100 per cent premium. The colonial cur- 
rency now in circulation should be called in at once in order to stop 
the speculation caused by the rate of 2 for 1 officially exacted, and 
that rate capriciously established by merchants for the admission of 
American bills. 

But it is necessary to remember, as being of vital importance and 
interest, that the exchange of mone}^ systems and free coasting trade 
should be decreed at one and the same time by the American Govern- 
ment. The reason is simple. If the exchange preceded the free 
coasting trade, the small profits obtained by agriculture would disap- 
pear and the further ruin of this industry would follow. 

Leopold Venega. A. V. Rieelsely. 

Regalado Benitez. J. Benitez. 

Antonio de Aldkey. Chas. Le Brun. 

E. Benitez. (2 illegible names.) 

Island of Vieques, P. R., November IS, 1898. 



OPINION OF AGRICULTURISTS. 

San Juan, P. R., November I, 1898. 

We, the undersigned, sugar and coffee growers, cattle raisers, capi- 
talists, agriculturists in general, owners of city property, merchants, 
and workmen, respectfully set forth : 

That at the time of the occupation of this territory by the United 
States Army, commanded by General Miles, on the glorious 28th of 
July, the rate of exchange on New York was 150 per cent premium. 
In order to regulate administrative business the government issued 
the wise order that American currency should be admitted at the 
custom-house and in all official transactions at the rate of 2 for 1, or 
100 per cent premium, with relation to the provincial money of Porto 
Rico, which rate of 100 per cent continues in force for all official 
transactions. 



493 

The banking houses and merchant money lenders, with insatiable 
greed and with their accustomed system of exploitation, without con- 
sidering the disturbances of every class which might occur, and which 
unfortunately have occurred; without respecting the just indications 
of General Miles, and ignoring the general welfare of the country, did 
not hesitate in getting together, with often rare and honorable excep- 
tions, to force a fall in the rate df exchange, and succeeded in pro- 
ducing a disorderly drop, until in a general meeting of shareholders 
of the Ponce Credit and Savings Bank, which institution is the mer- 
cantile barometer of that district, besides influencing mercantile mat- 
ters in other districts of the island, they resolved, in connivance with 
the Spanish Bank and the Agricola Bank of San Juan, to impose the 
rate of only 50 per cent premium as between the two moneys. 

This unjust and inequitable resolution, this disproportion between 
the rate established by commerce and that ruling in governmental 
offices, the only tendency of which, at first, was to exploit the people 
shamefully, produced the fatal effects feared, and has been the cause 
of strikes, tumults, disorders, and several cases of conflict between 
the peasantry and some members of the troops, culminating in the 
shameful spectacle of a part of the press, either from gross ignorance 
or acting in accord with our eternal enemies, vilifjdng, unjustly, a 
whole army, toward which this country should feel nothing but eternal 
gratitude. 

The wholesale merchants of Porto Rico, who, in miserable conniv- 
ance with the previous governors of this land, were accustomed by 
every means in their power to impose their exclusive views to the 
prejudice of the producing classes, would like to follow the same 
paths during the new era, introducing disturbances and having in 
view solely the filling of their coffers. At this moment they have 
their agents out buying American money at 55 or 60 per cent premium, 
with the object of paying it into the governmental offices when it is 
received at 100 per cent. 

The wholesale trade, which does not possess sufficient circulating 
medium to move the crops of the country and has for many years had 
recourse to the system of depreciating its own drafts so as to crimi- 
nally lower the value of exchange offered to agriculturists (every 10 
per cent drop in exchange represents approximately a loss to the 
coffee planter of 12 per hundredweight, and to the sugar growers 37^- 
cents per kilogram — hundredweight), would not possess the vast out- 
standings which it does, but would rather appear as a debtor class if 
the number of years in which this accumulated loss has been pressing 
on the agriculturists (a debit not incurred in cash, but in supplies, sold 
at exorbitant prices ; in some cases qualifiable only as usurious) were 
taken into account. 

When the general economical disaster occasioned by speculative 
combinations, and not by the small amount of colonial currency in 
circulation, but by the iniquitous pretensions looking toward being 
paid in American gold the sums advanced by them with such enor- 
mous profits, aided, by the depreciation of the money in which they 
should be paid, this wholesale trade, we repeat, wishes to-day to 
incline public opinion toward the change of provincial money for 
American gold, a currency which not three mdnths ago they were 
clamoring to purchase at a 150 per cent premium. 

But the Government of the Union, and especially its enlightened 
representatives in this island, will not permit that the working classes 
be longer victimized nor sacrifice the noble army of occupation. It 



494 

will be necessary to take steps for salvation, and for this purpose we 
submit the following solution for your consideration: 

To beg the Government at Washington by cable to declare demone- 
tized the Spanish provincial coinage of Porto Rico, making obliga- 
tory the payment of all official transactions, such as customs dues 
and taxes of all descriptions, in the United States currency with a 
corresponding reduction, deferring' the date for the liquidation of all 
private debts incurred before the date of this decree until the Con- 
gress of the United States shall fix the ratio which shall rule between 
the provincial money in which the debts were incurred and of the 
legal currency of the United States. 

We counsel the demonetization of this silver, as the laws of the 
United States prohibit its Government from acquiring new stock of 
this metal, and the resolution which we propose is urgent, as delay in 
the settlement of this question until Congress can definitely settle it 
would occasion serious difficulties which might produce conflicts in 
the island. 



IMPORTANCE OF IMMEDIATE ACTION. 
By Antonio Secola, Salinas, P. R. 

The monetary system of to-day should disappear at once, not only 
as a measure of nationalization, but also because it is causing a pro- 
found disturbance in our economic life. The fluctuations of exchange 
are such that no contracts for future liquidation can be attempted. 
Without this we can not obtain assistance in other markets, and our 
economic existence must be languid and dragging. It is expedient to 
change at once our money for American currencj r . Everyone is agreed 
on this point, but all are not agreed on the rate at which the conver- 
sion should be made. Different ideas born of different interests con- 
tend, some for the change at par, others at 50 per cent. The gener- 
osity of the American Government, without serious prejudice to its 
Treasury, could adopt a mean conciliatory to all interests. 



RATES OF EXCHANGE. 

Senor Felipe Cuebas, collector of customs at Mayaguez, stated 
that although he was born in the island, he was an American citizen, 
becoming such in 1869. He was appointed to his present position by the 
insular government and was reappointed by General Brooke. He has 
a sugar estate near Mayaguez, called Hacienda Carmelita. 

He expressed the opinion that the change in the currency should be 
made as soon as possible, though, undoubtedly, there was merit in 
the argument that it should be postponed until March next to allow 
the crops to be gathered and the returns used to pay obligations. He 
considered the rate of 2 to 1 too high; it would do injustice to the 
creditor and the capitalist classes. One and sixty-five one-hundredths 
or 1.75 to 1 he deemed much more just; it would be fair both to debtors 
and to creditors. 

There had always been trouble in the island with silver money, and 
the change from Mexican to colonial pesos did not solve the difficulty. 
It was necessary, in his opinion, to establish the currency on. the gold 



495 

basis. If sugar growers could get their sugar into the United States 
market free of duty they could afford to pay the laborer the same on 
the gold basis as they now pay him on the silver basis. An increased 
demand for sugar would result in increased production, and increased 
production would require more labor; the natural tendency of the 
laborer would be to demand his 50 cents a day on the new basis, and 
Mr. Cuebas believed that he would get it. 



EXCHANGE ON THE BASIS OF INTRINSIC VALUE OF THE PESO. 

Senor Enrique Delgado, San Juan: 

The country is suffering greatly by reason of its silver basis for 
coinage ruling since some years back. Each time a change was con- 
templated formerly, opinions based on self-interest were heard, and 
nothing practical was adopted, the change usually prejudicing every- 
body. Owing to the lack of disinterested advice the Spanish Govern- 
ment in perplexity ordered the introduction of the colonial coin, the 
object being doubtless to know exactly the amount of floating cur- 
rency. The amount exchanged did not reach seven millions, which 
shows that the national coin could have been introduced at once with- 
out causing great disturbance. Now that about one and one-half 
millions have left the country, the stock is reduced to about five and 
one-half millions. Now, as always, everyone has a distinct opinion 
as to the rate of exchange which should be adopted ; one party thinks 
that 100 per cent premium for gold is the right figure. 

It must be remembered that our exchange has never been in rela- 
tion to the bullion value of the coin in circulation, but has been reg- 
ulated by the demand for gold with which to pay debts outside the 
island. When war was declared exchange rose and continued rising 
as the blockade became effective and lasting, because we could not 
export our produce and merchants had to make their payments abroad 
even by cable. When the war ended and things became normalized 
again exchange fell in spite of our limited exports, and when things 
become really settled we shall see heavy fluctuations daily, and 
exchange will continue falling. For this reason it would not be 
right to give our peso its intrinsic value only. If the substitution is 
to be made at once an average of exchange must be sought during the 
last ten years, and it will be found not to pass 40 per cent premium, 
making a just rate of exchange 70 cents gold for 1 peso. The exchange 
can also be made by introducing American silver, which reduces the 
question to one of recoinage only, by giving an American dollar for a 
Porto Rican peso and charging the cost of coinage to the insular 
budget, to be paid in a period extending over five or ten years. 

This would still leave the difficult question of obligations incurred 
to be dealt with. As some debts were incurred as far back as ten 
years, and others, such as agricultural mortgages, do not fall due 
until fifteen years, if the rate fixed is 100 per cent this would be to 
the debtor's benefit and would put a premium on nonpayment, 
whereas exchange at par would be an injustice to debtors and the 
working classes. In my opinion the rate of 70 cents per peso, the 
average of the last ten years' exchange, is the happy medium. 



496 

PRESIDENTS ORDER ON THE MONEY QUESTION. 

Executive Mansion, January 20, 1899. 
It is hereby ordered that on and after February 1, 18991, and until 
otherwise provided, all customs, taxes, public and postal dues in the 
island of Porto Rico shall be paid in United States money, or in for- 
eign gold coins, such as the Spanish alphonsinos (centen) and the 
French louis, which will be accepted in payment of such customs, 
taxes, public and postal dues, at the following rates: 

Alphonsinos (25-peseta piece) . $4. 82 

Louis (20-franc piece) .... 3.86 

It is further ordered that on and after Februaiy 1, 1899, and until 
further provided, the following Porto Rican or Spanish silver coins 
now in circulation in the island of Porto Rico shall be received for 
customs, taxes, public and postal dues, at the following fixed rates in 
United States money: 

The peso §0.60 

The medio peso _. .30 

The peseta _ ' .12 

The real 06 

The medio real . _ .03 

It is further ordered and directed that out of the Porto Rican coins 
so received a convenient supply shall be retained and carried for 
exchange for United States money at the rate hereinbefore enumer- 
ated, namety, $0.60 United States money for one Porto Rican silver 
peso. 

It is further ordered that all existing contracts for the payment of! 
money in the currency of Porto Rico may be discharged and paid in 
that money in accordance with the contracts, or in United States 
money at the relative value set forth in the above table, namely, for 
each $100 United States currency, 166f Porto Rican pesos. 

Bronze and copper coins now current in the island of Porto Rico 
will be received at their face value for fractional parts of a dollar, in 
a single payment to an amount not exceeding 12 cents (1 peseta). 

William McKinley. 



EFFECT OF THE PRESIDENTS ORDER— REPORT OF THE 

■ COMMISSIONER. 

San Juan, P. R., February 17, 1899. 
The Secretary of the Treasury. 

Sir: The order fixing the value of the coins of Porto Rico has now 
been in operation long enough to indicate what its result is likely to 
be. The promise at first was that the hoarding of money, which had 
made it so difficult to borrow except on exorbitant rates of interest, 
would cease and exchange would vary little from the rate fixed in the 
order, but there seem to be powerful influences at work to keep the 
native money locked up. Drafts on the United States, for which there 
is always a demand, bring about $1.64, but United States currency 
can not be exchanged at a better rate than $1. 60 to $1. 62. This makes 
a large margin for the operations of money dealers. I am informed 
at the custom-house here that very little of the native money is offered 
in payment of duties. So far only about $300 in pesos has been paid 
in. Captain Buchanan saj T s that importers purchase American cur- 



497 

rency in the market at $1.60 to $1.62, Porto Rican, and make a con- 
siderable margin of profit. There is still speculation, therefore, but 
the range is much more limited. 

The small amount of money available for the uses of business is a 
serious obstacle to enterprise. All sections of the islaud, except two 
or three money centers, have an insufficient amount of cash. For 
example, it has been brought to my attention that a flourishing city 
and port, commanding a good deal of wealth, is unable to raise $20,000 
for its needs, though it has no debt, and all the city property was 
offered as security, together with the property of twenty of the 
wealthiest men. The native money is hoarded; this is the statement 
everybody makes. 

One explanation advanced is that the banks are drawing in their 
notes in preparation for liquidation. The Spanish Bank of Porto Rico 
has been gradually contracting its paper currency, having withdrawn 
from circulation almost 50 per cent in the last six months. Formerly 
it had between two and three millions in circulation. According to its 
last report, dated January 14, it then had less than $2,000,000. The 
insular treasury has a large surplus to its credit — about $500,000 — of 
which not more than one-twentieth is in pesos. The fact of hoarding 
is proved by the condition of the Savings Bank of Ponce, which has 
sufficient in cash, mainly silver, to pay all its deposits. 

The continuation of the native money pleases the planters, espe- 
cially those who raise sugar. They will use it to pay the peons as 
before, and believe that the labor question will not trouble them, for 
the present at least. If they had to pay their men in gold what they 
now pay them in silver, they say that the result would be a heavy loss 
on the year's crop. They are more concerned than coffee or tobacco 
growers because they are larger employers. 

It remains to be seen, however, whether the laborers will or will not 
take advantage of the situation to demand that their wages be paid in 
United States money of the same amount. The peon has heard of the 
" strike," and, under the freer conditions prevailing since American 
occupation, may decide to see whether he can not use it to obtain larger 
wages. He has been receiving from 50 to 75 centavos a day, the higher 
price being paid for the more important positions in the mills. 

The trades are everywhere overcrowded, and there are so many 
carpenters, masons, bakers, shoemakers, etc., that in some places 
they do not get more than six months' work a year, and for skilled 
labor their wages are very low. There is not, however, a surplus of 
peons, and planters often have to hold out inducements to keep men 
enough on hand to plow the land, to sow and cultivate the cane, and 
to harvest and grind it. Skilled workmen in the trades are forming 
unions or gremios for the advancement of their interests; but the 
peons do not seem to be ready for organization. They are more inde- 
pendent than the artisan class, for they live in the country, where 
fruit is plentiful, where fewer clothes suffice, and where they can put 
up bark houses on the lands of their employers or get them at very 
low rent. 

Some of the coins described in the order fixing the rate of exchange 
are not known in Porto Rico. There is no medio peso. In the daj^s 
when United States and Mexican silver coins were in circulation 
here the half dollar was so designated. "When the great depreciation 
in silver began, these foreign coins disappeared and for some years 
there have been no 50-centavo pieces in Porto Rico. The peseta was 
the 25-cent Mexican or United States coin. The colonial 20-cent 
1125 32 



498 

pieces are now known as pesetas. The real, valued at 12^ centavos, 
is an imaginary coin, so far as Porto Rico is concerned. It is like the 
New York shilling. Even yet old merchants in that State quote prices 
in shillings, though the coin long since passed out of actual use. 
The medio real, like the real, is a memory. The silver coins of the 
island are the peso, the 40, 20, 10, and 5 centavo pieces. As to gold 
pieces, there are only a very few, if any, in Porto Rico. They have 
not been used in recent years, except by money changers to sell to 
those wanting to go to Spain or France. When the Spanish Bank of 
Porto Rico was founded, alfonsinos formed the basis of its capital. 
As rapidly as they found their way into circulation they were exported, 
and gold is seldom or never seen here. 

" Very respectfully, Henry K. Carroll, 

Co mrnssiioner. 



BANKS AND BANKING. 

THE BANKS OF PORTO RICO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 31, 1899. 

Ricardo Nadal, of Mayaguez : 

One difficulty which the coffee planter has labored under here has 
been the high rate of interest which he has been compelled to pay 
in order to obtain a loan. This rate has generally run from 1 to 1^ 
per cent a month, and much of this money loaned has been devoted 
to the purchase of new lands and the improvement of the machinery 
and outhouses for the laborers. The Spanish Government has left us 
what we call the Spanish Bank of Porto Rico, the Agricultural Bank, 
in the city of San Juan; the Caja-de-Horra, in Ponce, and the savings 
bank in Mayaguez, which afford very limited facilities to the agri- 
cultural classes, and which confine themselves in their transactions 
to the business community in the island. The Spanish banking law 
in force allows the free establishment of currency-issuing banks, with 
the only restriction that such institutions shall be supervised by a 
governor appointed by the Government, his compensation to be paid 
by the institution, and that the issue of circulating notes shall not 
exceed three times the amount of the paid-up capital. And yet, 
under such an enormous margin of profit, which permits the Spanish 
Bank, with a paid-up capital of $150,000, to have in circulation over 
$2,000,000 of this paper, the rate of interest still keeps up at 1% cents 
a month. What a field for American capital and enterprise ! 

The banks in Ponce and Mayaguez above referred to ought to have 
the same right to issue circulating notes under the same general bank- 
ing law, but owing to the perpetual privilege always enjoyed by the 
Spanish residents in this island and in violation of the general law 
the Spanish bank in San Juan has been the only bank allowed to issue 
such notes. And it should be stated that the institution was estab- 
lished with the stipulation in its charter that its cash capital was to 
be in Spanish gold, and yet nothing but Mexican silver was deposited 
as the cash capital of the bank, postponing the rights of the French 
institution, that was ready to establish a bank with $2,000,000 in gold 
specie, only to serve the interests of the privileged class of merchants 
in San Juan. If this bank had lived up to its charter, the currency 
of Porto Rico would lone; ago have been established on a erold basis 



499 

and the present trouble would have been avoided. There is a great 
margin for enterprises of this kind, both as regards banks of issue 
and trust and loan companies, for the benefit of the agricultural com- 
munity, if such banks were willing to lend money at a reasonable 
rate of interest and at long periods, which is a necessary condition, 
for the improvement of present agricultural conditions. I believe the 
amount of outstanding liabilities covered by mortgage in the island 
is somewhere near $45,000,000, which might easily be converted into 
long-period loans at easier rates of interest, greatly to the benefit both 
of the American capitalist and the Porto Rican people. The moment 
we have abundance of capital, easy transportation, and good and sub- 
stantial laws, necessarily to come from the United States, the future 
of Porto Rico is assured. 



THE AGRICULTURAL AND TERRITORIAL BANK OF PORTO RICO. 
By Vicente Antonetti, manager. 

This bank was founded in September, 1894, on the model of the 
Credit Foncier of France. Its nominal capital is $2,400,000, divided 
into four series of 6,000 shares of $100 each. Only the first series of 
shares has been sold, and therefore the bank has realized only the 
fourth of its nominal capital. This bank has the power to undertake 
all classes of operation, but principally its business consists in mak- 
ing loans at long terms with guaranties of first mortgages on real 
estate and emitting hypothecary bonds to represent these mortgages. 
These bonds are redeemable by yearly drawings, and those put into 
circulation up to this date have paid an interest of 7 per cent. The 
bank is careful to have a scrupulous examination made of the values 
of properties on which it lends money, and only advances up to 40 per 
cent of their value, so that it may be said that the bonds in circula- 
tion represent mortgages on assets which are two and one-half times 
as much as their face value. If the bank were granted permission to 
emit thirty times the amout of its paid-in capital of hypothecary bonds, 
it could circulate bonds to the value of $18,000,000 on a paid-in capi- 
tal of $600,000. This would be done gradually, as loans were effected. 
Up to the present it has only emitted bonds to the extent of a million 
dollars, but the fact must be taken into account that shortly after the 
installation of this bank the Cuban revolution broke out and capital- 
ists of this country retired what small amounts they had and were not 
content with 7 per cent, which these bonds offered, for which reason a 
free market was not created, and consequently the business of this 
establishment was simply paralyzed. 

As soon as our bonds shall obtain a favorable market in the United 
States, this establishment will be able to attend to all the business 
offered to it which it may consider it convenient to undertake, and it 
will be a powerful help to the agriculturists of this country. These 
bonds constitute a security of the first class, and this statement is 
proven by the fact that, in spite of the crisis which this country has 
passed through, the payment of the coupons and the redemption of 
the bonds has not been neglected for one moment, but to its credit it 
may even be said that the coupons have been paid in three months, 
before they were due. The Spanish Government, understanding the 
importance of this institution as an aid to agriculture, and being con- 
vinced of the absolute guaranty of its bonds, admitted these bonds 



500 

as security for all classes of transactions. The American Government 
will doubtless confer upon this institution the same favor, allowing 
these bonds to be deposited as security against the emission of notes. 
Estimating the present value of the property in Porto Rico at 
$100,000,000 (it is really worth much more), the Agricultural Bank 
can attend to operations to the extent of $40,000,000. 

This establishment is without doubt one of the most important for 
the future of the island, and therefore the attention of American capi- 
talists should be called to its bonds. As a general rule, the bonds of 
hypothecary banks rival in value those of the best state bonds. 

San Juan, P. R. 



NEED OF BANKING FACILITIES. 

SAN Juan, P. R., October 31, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the special difficulties under which the 
agriculturists labor now in the island? 

Dr. Santiago Veve, of Fajardo. In the first place, they are almost 
without means, except a few rich ones, to give impulse to their busi- 
ness. They need more capital, and they are therefore obliged to 
incur liabilities secured by mortgages, and must pay high rates of 
interest on the money they borrow. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the minimum rate? 

Dr. Veve. From 7 X3er cent to Si- per cent annually. Private money 
lenders charge sometimes as high as 12, 15, and 18 per cent annually. 
I know of one mortgage which carries interest at 24 per cent per annum. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is it that capital commands so large a percent- 
age? Is it due to the small amount of currency in the island or is it 
due to taking capital out of the country to Spain, or to what other 
possible causes? 

Dr. Veve. The commercial houses here form guilds. Some of them 
devote their attention to advancing money on sugar estates, some on 
coffee, and some on cattle ranches, and it is an understood thing 
between them, more or less, that such and such rates of interest shall 
be required. Owing to the lack of competition and the small amount 
of capital available the agriculturists are completely at the mercy of 
these business houses. 

Dr. Carroll. Would the establishment of banks in most of the 
cities and larger towns of the island distribute the capital more gen- 
erally and therefore lower the rate of interest? 

Dr. Veve. Yes, naturally. Because at once there would be estab- 
lished competition. There would be, also, an increase of capital, 
because such banks would bring in new capital into the country. 
This would tend to enhance the values of the estates themselves, 
because a loan secured by a mortgage on the estate would not be so 
serious an encumbrance, owing to the smaller rate of interest. 

Dr. Carroll. Where a person desires to borrow money is it neces- 
sary for him to go to San Juan to get it? 

Dr. Veve. With the exception of two or three towns, in which 
business houses have established themselves and do a banking busi- 
ness (which houses do not lend money to agriculturists whose credit 
is not thoroughly established), the people of the island have to go to 
San Juan, borrow money from the banks or from the merchants, and 
allow themselves to be bound down bv the onerous conditions of these 



501 

lenders, who usually lend money at two or three months. Loans of 
this class are of practically no use to agriculturists, but they take 
them sometimes to tide them over temporary difficulties. 



SAVINGS BANKS. 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask you about savings banks. I 
understand that savings banks issue notes payable at a certain date. 

Mr. Arsuaga, of Sobrinos de Esquiaga. Such a bank exists in Ponce, 
but it is a private affair and its notes are not obligatory, and they do 
not circulate outside of the city of Ponce and that neighborhood. 
The notes issued by this bank are called sestas. 

There has always been in Ponce a certain amount of antagonism 
against the Spanish Bank of Porto Rico. They Avanted a branch 
established in Ponce, but the bank did not see its way clear to estab- 
lish one there, because several merchants were engaged in private 
banking business and they considered that their interests would not 
be sufficiently attended to to make it pay. Owing to the feeling engen- 
dered by this refusal on the part of the bank to have a branch at 
Ponce, its notes have not had circulation there. 

Dr. Carroll. What is meant here by hypothecary banks? 

Mr. Arsuaga. It is an agricultural bank here in San Juan, and has 
employed in its operations from two to two and one-half millions of 
money. 

Dr. Carroll. What kind of money? 

Mr. Arsuaga. The bank, when it made a loan to an agriculturist, 
paid half in money and half in cedillas, which were hypothecary notes 
issued by the bank on the security of the mortgage taken from the ag- 
riculturist himself. Consequently, an agriculturist borrowing $20,000 
would get $10,000 in money and $10,000 in hypothecary notes. These 
notes he had to sell in the open market at the fluctuating price, which 
was usually about 90 per cent of their face value, so that on a loan of 
$20,000 the agriculturist really receives only $19,000. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the different kinds of money in circulation 
in the island? 

Mr. Arsuaga. In addition to the .silver, say about $6,000,000, there 
are the bank *notes issued by the Spanish Bank of Porto Rico, the 
promissory notes issued by the savings bank, and the cedulas issued 
by the hypothecary banks. The hypothecary cedulas of the agricul- 
tural bank do not circulate as money, however, and therefore have no 
effect on the amount of money in circulation. They are simply bonds 
secured by mortgage on the estate whose owner borrows the money, 
and they do not pass from hand to hand. These cedulas are wOrth 
to-day from 80 to 85 per cent of their face value. 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been any abuses in connection with the 
operation of such banks — any losses suffered by those who have given 
mortgages? 

Mr. Arsuaga. They opened accounts current with merchants and 
used the money which was deposited in accounts current by making 
loans at long periods, and when they were called on to settle their 
accounts current they could not do so. The bank, however, was in a 
solvent condition and resumed operations by mortgaging its building, 
and confidence is beginning to reappear. Its shares are going up 
again. 



502 

MORE BANKING FACILITIES NEEDED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arecibo, P. R., January lJf, 1899. 
Mr. Adolf Bahr and Mr. Bernardo Huicy, members of the 
municipal council of Arecibo: 

Mr. Bernardo Huicy, councilman: Considering- that agriculture 
is the principal source of our wealth, I think that if free coasting trade 
is not given at the same time the money question is settled the agri- 
cultural interests of the island will be ruined. 

The question of roads is a most important one, as there are estates 
in the center of the island which have to pay as high as 75 or 80 cents 
a hundredweight over a distance of 20 miles. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that to the railroads or by the railroads'? 
' Mr. Huicy. To the railroads. The agricultural interests are in a 
very precarious state. Most of them are under mortgage to merchants, 
Who are not satisfied with collecting a heavy rate of interest — at least 
from 12 to 15 per cent per annum — but stipulate in their mortgages that 
the owner of the estate shall sell to the money lender his produce at 
a price which is usually below the market price. It would be very 
convenient if an American syndicate should come here and take over 
these mortgages at a lower rate of interest. Their money would be 
safely invested, because the estates offer ample security, and they 
could grant longer terms than are being granted by the present money 
lenders. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the Agricultural Bank at San Juan make such 
stipulations? 

Mr. Huicy. The Agricultural Bank has no real capital that is worth 
speaking of. If you wish to make a loan through that bank, they 
don't give you a loan in cash, but require you to take what they call 
cedulas, which have no fixed market value and have to be sold in 
the market at such a price that the interest resulting is still higher 
than that exacted bj T the money lenders. 

I desire to urge the importance of some concession being granted 
in the entrance of sugar into the United States. If we can not get 
free entry, we shoula at least have some rebate made, especially as the 
sugar industry is the most important one and gives employment to 
labor from the 1st of January to the 31st of December. The sugar 
planters manage to exist to-day, owing to the premium on gold, but 
if they have to pay their labor in gold they will be irretrievably 
ruined. 



THE KIND OF BANKS REQUIRED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 17, 1899. 

Don Lucas Amadeo, planter: 

A mere inspection of this country will show you that it is weak in 
economic forces, principally through want of means of communica- 
tion. Its productions have not received the development that they 
should have received, owing to the want of % credit establishments. 
The agriculture of the country dates from the beginning of this cen- 
tury only, although the island has been colonized four hundred years. 



503 

Its development took rise from the granting of free commerce, which 
was denied before. Under the protection of these laws of free com- 
merce there came into the island some foreign and also some Spanish 
houses to undertake business enterprises. These houses had credits 
in Europe, with which they were able to assist the agriculturists and 
aid in the extension of agricultural interests. Owing to the high 
quality of our sugar, which is superior to the Cuban sugar, the trade 
of this country had a big impulse and our sugar found in the United 
States a ready market, as a result of which the country went ahead 
rapidly. 

When the manufacture of sugar came to be better understood in 
other countries — in Cuba, and the United States itself — our country lost- 
its prestige, and the crisis began coincidently with that period. Since 
that time our country has lived from one crisis to another, and it has 
rapidly gone down hill. Latterly, owing to the good intentions of cer- 
tain people, a few banks have been founded. Of these banks the 
Spanish Bank of Porto Rico in the last few years has assisted con- 
siderably the agriculture of this country. Later the Agricultural 
Bank, which institution is called upon to play an important part in 
this country, was established. This bank last named has not had the 
results that should have been obtained from it. As a bank of agri- 
culture is not really a bank, but an institution which borrows money 
for the purpose of lending it, and that can only be carried into effect 
when a perfect financial system exists in the country, and as such a 
condition did not exist as yet in the country when this bank emitted 
a certain portion of its cedulas and absorbed the small savings of the 
country, it has to suspend its operations because there is no more 
money in which to deal. With the Savings Bank of Ponce, it com- 
pletes the list of banking institutions in the country. 

It is to be understood that this country works with far too small a 
circulating medium for its needs. It is supposed that $6,000,000 is 
the amount of the circulation, but this is not the case, as private 
hoards and money held in the vaults of the banks amount to more 
than $2,000,000, reducing the circulating medium to between three 
and four million dollars. This scarcity of actual coin has given rise 
to the barter system, transactions being represented more or less by 
goods, causing every little agriculturist to establish on his estate a 
small store so that he can dispense with the need of money. The 
country has been living in this condition since 1873, when foreign 
credit was retired from the island, and the natural result is that the 
small benefit derived by the agriculturist from this system has been 
growing smaller and more dearly purchased, owing to the fact that 
the merchants in the chief towns have to take into account the extra 
risk that they are running in acting as bankers as well as merchants. 
The low price of sugar has also contributed to the ruinous state of 
our agriculture. 

Dr. Carroll. May I ask one question at this point? Why is it 
that the price of Porto Rican sugar has fallen, when Cuba, which pro- 
duces so large an amount of sugar, has produced almost none during 
the last few years, owing to the war? 

Mr. Amadeo. The sugar crisis is a universal one. Europe has more 
than supplied the deficiency caused by the Cuban war. 

Another circumstance concurrent with the previous one is that a 
series of bad coffee crops has served to accentuate the crisis. This is 
attributed to climatic changes which you well know are taking place 



504 

all over the globe. Planters, drunk with the success of high prices 
and large crops of former years, have doubled, trebled, or quadrupled 
their plantings, but with the result that these estates, four times as 
large as they previously were, have not given equal results to the 
small estates. 

Dr. Carroll. The establishment of banks in different parts of the 
island would bring the borrower and lender together, and would make 
possible the general use of checks, which would practically increase 
the circulating medium. 

Mr. Amadeo. I consider that the present banking laws of the United 
States are the reason why money has never been so cheap in the United 
States as in Europe. These laws curtail the power of the banks to 
issue money. The banks there are not allowed to operate with a 
larger amount of money than their actual capital, which is not advan- 
tageous. 

Dr. Carroll. There is not the elasticity in the system that there 
should be, but there are plans to remedy this lack. 

Mr. Amadeo. The want of elasticity — you have used the right word — 
is what causes the frequent failures of the small banks of the United 
States. 

Dr. Carroll. We have not had many failures. When we have had 
them, they have been of a disastrous character; but there is no loss to 
those who hold the notes issued, because they are guaranteed. 

Mr. Amadeo. You should modify the system so as to increase 
elasticity. 

Dr. Carroll. That is the opinion of our financiers in the Treasury 
Department. More than one has called the attention of Congress to 
the necessity of it. 

Mr. Amadeo. If in the United States they think it necessary to 
introduce an improvement, where there is great capital and facility 
for obtaining money, how necessary it is to have a better system here. 
I think the banks here should be allowed to circulate at least three 
times the value of their capital. 

Dr. Carroll. Then how would you secure these notes? 

Mr. Amadeo. History has never given an instance where it has been 
necessary to redeem notes to an amount which crippled the banking 
institution, except in one instance, namely, the Bank of Glasgow, 
which was ruined through gross mismanagement. That could happen 
anywhere. 

Dr. Carroll. But in the history of the United States, during and 
before the civil war, when we had a system of State banks, there were 
so many failures that it was hardly possible to circulate the notes of 
any bank outside of the immediate neighborhood of that bank, and 
every merchant needed to keep a bank-note directory, so that he would 
know what banks had failed. The people of the United States are 
very much afraid to go back to anything like that. 

Mr. Amadeo. That can hardly be construed as an argument, because 
it was an unusual time, because State bonds even were an uncertain 
quantity. Greenbacks were worth nothing and State bonds were worth 
but little more. 

Dr. Carroll. There were no greenbacks then. They appeared 
during the war. 

Mr. Amadeo. History has shown us that the intervention of the state 
in banking matters has, except for the purpose of merely protecting 
the people, met with no beneficial results. These matters ought to be 



505 

left to private initiation, with a certain amount of protection and regu- 
lation by the Government. This country being one of paupers, I 
think banks should be allowed to increase their circulation beyond the 
point at which Federal banks are allowed to go. Before the establish- 
ment of the Federal banking system there was more freedom in the 
banking laws of the United States, and that system proved beneficial 
to the country. The United States is still in need of banks. It needs 
Territorial and agricultural banks. There is one just starting in New 
York. This lends money in the shape of bonds quotable in all the 
money markets, and such banks ought to be established in all the cities 
of the Union. That has helped the development of Germany very 
much. The economic condition of this country is very good, but the 
financial system is bad. There are immense values in property, but 
there is little floating money to meet the debts which are owing there. 
I consider that the Government of the United States ought to work to 
get a place on the stock exchange for the cedulas which will represent 
the landed property in Porto Rico, that they make the cedulas a me- 
dium of exchange, the same as money, and they would not be subject 
to much fluctuation. 

Dr. Carroll. That seems to be hardly a matter for the Govern- 
ment, but rather a matter for private enterprise, because the stock 
exchange has the right to list or not list stocks and bonds as it desires. 

Mr. Amadeo. I think there is just where the Government ought to 
come in. In its beginning it had to assist small States to prosperity, 
and it should do the same for us by bringing such a proposition to the 
attention of the proper parties: Before this country was given its 
autonomy, before the war, I had prepared a financial plan, which was 
to borrow money on values in the island, and to facilitate the placing 
of the securities which should represent these values. A portion of 
them were to be placed with the banks here, so that they could assist 
the agriculturist, these banks to have their financial representative in 
New York, just as the French colonial banks have their agents in 
Paris. These agents could attend to the leasing of these cedulas, and 
the rest of the loan could be applied to the construction of roads all 
over the island. 

Dr. Carroll. Both States and municipalities in the United States 
are accustomed to go into the market to raise money when they need 
it. Municipalities of the far West bring their bonds to the New 
York market and get what they can for them, and those bonds are 
taken notwithstanding the fact that there are few municipalities in 
the United States that have not already a heavy burden of debt. 

Mr. Amadeo. That is all right in the United States, where there is 
money, but the Territorial Bank requires immediately the loan of 
$1,000,000, and where is it going to get it? 

Dr. Carroll. When it becomes a part of the United States, why 
should it not go into the New York market the same as municipali- 
ties or States of the United States go into the market? 

Mr. Amadeo. Before that time comes about it will die of hunger. 

Dr. Carroll. I think there is a great deal of vitality in Porto 
Rico yet. 

Mr. Amadeo. Porto Rico, as you say, has considerable vitality, 
but I will compare it, with the permission 'of Dr. Cordova here, to a 
young man who has lost much of his blood and is in a state of paresis. 
Suppose this were a meeting of Porto Ricans who had got together to 
raise a loan, we should find the situation would be this : We would 



506 

know exactly what we wanted the loan for, but not one of us would 
be able to say how we were to get the money. The world to-day is 
only coming to understand the principles of cooperation, and what 
Porto Rico needs is to bring into cooperation those forces and influ- 
ences and measures which shall supply the things that are needed for 
our advancement. 

Once having realized the conversion of the money, money conditions 
being properly regulated, and facility being given to the introduction 
of capital here, judicial proceedings of foreclosure being suspended 
for one year so as to enable agriculturists to make use of the capital 
which would flow into the country, it would even be in order to take 
certain measures, such as the assistance of the Agricultural Bank. 
And if the Government should dispose of $1,000,000, more or less, col- 
lected from the custom-house, I do not see any reason why it should 
not facilitate or assist the Agricultural Bank with its money. If it 
should do so, the bank would then be able to lend the agriculturists 
sums of money up to the value of 40 per cent of their estates, and 
establish in the United States an agent who could attend to the 
quoting and leasing of their stock. 

Dr. Carroll. Is 40 per. cent the limit set? 

Mr. Amadeo. Yes; 40 per cent is the rate, and forty years is the 
time. The Agricultural Bank, with another million dollars of capital, 
could undertake these operations and could make the cedulas of 
quotable value in the markets of New York and Europe, and I think 
that the employment of public nionej^ in that direction would do the 
country at this present moment more good than on roads, because it 
would fortify the production of the country, and this production would 
be the basis on which to levy for the construction of roads. 

The proceeding that I am advocating now is not in any way a new 
one. In the United States it has never been made use of, owing to the 
powerful force of initiative which governs that country; but in Europe, 
from the democratic Switzerland to the imperial Russia, the govern- 
ments have created agricultural banks and endowed them with large 
capital to carry on their business. I also see no reason why the Spanish 
Bank should not be equally assisted by allowing it to continue its note 
circulation. 

Dr. Carroll. Would you continue the Spanish Bank as a monopoly? 

Mr. Amadeo. No; I don't sanction any monopoly for any bank; but 
it would be a good thing for the country, and until the arrival of new 
capital if the bank were allowed to emit notes up to the limit which it 
did previously some relief would be afforded. 

Dr. Carroll. Could it do that without embarrassing confidence in 
its solvency? 

Mr. Amadeo. Up to the present the bank has always attended 
punctually to the redemption of its notes. The circulation of paper 
currency does not really depend upon the amount of money it repre- 
sents. It depends upon the confidence with which the people accept 
it, and as they have always accepted it up to the present, I see no 
reason why it should not continue to be accepted with the same confi- 
dence. These measures taken together would enable us to tide over 
present difficulties until new capital should come in ; but if it did not 
come, we would be able to go after it, because we would have some- 
thing to offer for it. I recommend strongly that these measures be 
taken, because we are in a state of crisis, and not only so, but on the 
brink of a destructive liquidation. 



507 

AGRICULTURAL BANKS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 18, 1899. 
Mr. Justo A. Mandez Martinez and Mr. Juan Vivo, a delegation 
from Lares, the former second assistant alcalde of Lares and the latter 
vice- judge of the same district; both are coffee planters. 

Dr. Carroll. As you perhaps already know, I am visiting the 
island with the object of investigating the condition of agriculture, 
of labor, and of the municipalities particularly, and I desire from you, 
as representatives of Lares, such statements respecting the interests 
of that city as you may feel inclined to make. 

Mr. Martinez. We thank you for your good intentions, and wish 
first to tell you that our efforts are directed in the interests of agricul- 
ture; that we wish for the establishment of agricultural banks. In 
the next place, for the' better working of our municipal governments, 
we desire the most ample municipal autonomy. We also desire modi- 
fications of custom-house duties and the exchange of money. 

We wish to emphasize particularly that if agriculture is not assisted 
and encouraged, agricultural commerce will fall and the arts and 
industries will suffer. Agriculture is the life of this country. We 
wish you to understand also that we agriculturists who have our small 
debts are obliged to give our crops over to the merchants. There is 
no competition among merchants, and they can put their own price 
on the crops; whereas we have to take the provisions we consume at 
the prices demanded by the merchants, as we can not go to the other 
districts, not having credit there. In that respect also we are at the 
mercy of the merchants. Therefore we earn almost nothing from our 
labor. The merchant is the one who makes the profit out of our work. 
This state of things would be prevented if we had agricultural banks 
which could take upon themselves the business of lending money to 
the agriculturists. This would enable the agriculturist to sell his 
crops when the prices are highest. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you refer to the retail merchants in Lares or to • 
the exporters in the coast cities? 

Mr. Martinez. We mean the exporters. If there were banks, we 
could go and buy where we could get provisions cheapest, and could 
sell where we could get the best prices. We are completely in the 
hands of the merchants, and that has brought agriculture to its 
present state of ruin — to such a state of ruin that suspension of judi- 
cial proceedings is necessary. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the planters being pressed by the merchants for 
their debts, both mortgage and floating? 

Mr. Martinez. Yes ; and something must be done, because agricul- 
ture can not continue under present conditions. To take 1 hundred- 
weight of codfish to our estate to give to our peons we have to pay 1\ 
quintals of coffee. How is it possible for the agriculturist to do that — 
pay 12 per cent per annum interest and pay off what he owes at the 
same time? If it is within your province, I think you ought to take 
some steps to suspend judicial proceedings before the agriculturists are 
brought to complete ruin. Owing to the ruinous state of the agricul- 
turist the working classes are in a state of deprivation, with no hope 
and no means of subsistence, and the day will come when they will 
declare themselves in open revolt. I think, if possible, something 
ought to be done in the way of road building to give them employ- 



508 

ment. That would at least give them some little hope of earning a 
livelihood for the time being. 

Dr. Carroll. If the creditor takes possession of the estate, it will 
be worth nothing to him unless he works it, and in that case the new 
owner would give work to the laborers. 

Mr. Martinez. Doubtless what you say is correct. A few years 
ago we were in a better position, owing to the high prices of coffee, 
but to-day we are utterly helpless to give work to our peons. We 
have hardly money enough to continue the working of our estates. 

Dr. Carroll. To what is the present low price of coffee due? 

Mr. Martinez. One of the reasons is that our largest market, Spain, 
has declared a heavy duty against us, considering us a foreign nation. 
We have not a single important market now. 

Dr. Carroll. How about Cuba? 

Mr. Martinez. Cuba affects more the tobacco market. We used 
to send only about 5 per cent of our coffee crop to Cuba, and that the 
worst grades. 

Dr. Carroll. What duty did Spain formerly charge on importa- 
tions of coffee from Porto Rico? 

Mr. Martinez. I do not know exactly, but it was a very small 
amount. 

Dr. Carroll. It was very large on sugar. 

Mr. Martinez. That was to protect the sugar of Andalusia, in the 
south of Spain. We pay to-day $10 per 100 pounds to get our coffee 
into Spain. 

Dr. Carroll. There is no duty on it in the United States. 

Mr. Martinez. Our coffee is not known there. There is no market 
for it. Within a couple of years we hope they will know it in the 
United States. 

Dr. Carroll. You ought to endeavor to introduce it there, inas- 
much as it is a free market. 



BANKS, SAVINGS BANKS. AND FINANCIAL CORPORATIONS. 
STATEMENT OF JOSE AMADEO, M. D. 

Patillas, P. R., March, 1899. 

A few years ago the efforts of a few thinking men, headed by Julian 
Blanco, founded the Banco Agricola, which was favored by the pleth- 
ora of Mexican silver. The retirement of this and the Cuban war, 
which induced want of confidence, slowly undermined its usefulness, 
and latterly the approach of the American fleet completed the work. 

The Spaniards, principal owners of the wealth of the country, with- 
drew their capital from circulation, refused loans which formerly 
they had proffered, exacted the immediate payment of loans, and 
thus created a difficulty for the sale of securities which has been 
highly prejudicial. To this add the fall in the rental value of prop- 
erty, want of assistance in moving the crops, and their consequent 
loss. We know of a case where, for want of 8300 for cultivation, a 
landowner lost crops of the value of $4,000. 

And worse still, we are foreseeing the foreclosure of obligations 
which for want of circulating medium have not been liquidated. To 
such an extent is there a shortage that in some districts the custom of 
barter has been had recourse to, as in primitive times. 



509 

If no extension is granted, if unfortunately seizures and auction 
sales become prevalent, many families will be ruined. 

As the invasion and change" of government are the part cause of the 
economic disturbance, it is their duty to protect, with their laws and 
capital, this fertile region of the Tropics. 

The Spanish Bank and the Ponce Savings Bank, which only loan at 
three months, are of little service to farmers, although in their sphere 
of action they have been of some use. 

There is great need, therefore, of facilitating the establishment of 
banks of emission and savings banks, mutual societies, cooperative 
and insurance, and other similar corporations, which will assist in the 
welfare and aggrandizement of the country. 

No country can be prosperous without the existence of fiduciary 
and personal credits, which assist the mobilization of securities and 
constitute an additional source of wealth for the use of the com- 
munity. 

If Spain had applied a portion of its useless war budget, since its 
initiation, to the work of assisting the productiveness of this island, 
her flag would not have suffered such a sad fall. 

A million people satisfied with their nationality and with natural 
defenses are invincible. 



POSTAL, TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE SERVICE. 
THE TELEGRAPH. 

There are about 400 miles of lines for telegraphic purposes in the 
island of. Porto Rico. The operators employed by the United States 
are enlisted men of the Signal Service, under Lieut. Col. William A. 
G-lassford, chief signal officer of the island » 

The Morse system of transmission is made use of in place of the less 
effective system that was employed \>y the Spanish postal service, 
which combined the telegraph system with the postal system previous 
to the occupation of the island by the United States — October 18, 1898. 
The following is the list of the telegraphic stations in Porto Rico, 
made in July, 1899 : 



Adjuntas. 

Aguadilla. 

Aibonito. 

Arecibo. 

Arroyo. 

Baranquitas. 

Barros. 

Bayarcion. 

Caguas. 



Carolina. 

Cayey. 

dales. 

Coamo. 

Corozal. 

Fajardo. 

Fajardo Light. 1 

Guayama. 

Huinacao. 



Juana Diaz. 

Lares. 

Las Marias. 

Los Banos. 

Manati. 

Mayaguez. 

Naguabo.- 

Ponce. 

Playa de Ponce. 



Rio Piedras. 

San German. 

San Juan. 

Utuado. 

Vieques. 

Yabucoa. 3 

Yauco. 



At all of the above towns operators from the Signal Corps of the 
Army are stationed. Commercial business thereat is handled at the 
rate of 20 cents United States money for 10 words or less, and 2 cents 
for each additional word over 10; address and signature are included 
in the count. Commercial business is transmitted by heliograph at 
the rate of 40 cents for 10 words or less, and 4 cents for each addi- 
tional word over 10. Telegrams are sent between Fajardo and the 



1 Substation of Fajardo. 

2 Telephone substation of Humacao. 

3 Substation of Humacao. 



510 

isle of Vieques by means of the heliograph. The French railway 
management have petitioned the Government for permission to open 
its telegraph stations to the public. 

CABLE. 

The West India Panama Cable Company now has four cables from 
the island of Porto Rico, one east and one west from both Ponce and 
San Juan. There are three persons emploj'ed at the Ponce office and 
four in San Juan. There has been a gradual reduction of rates for 
these cables from $1.85 a word in January, 1898, to February 15, when 
the rate became 75 cents a word between San Juan and New York. 

The cable company works in connection with the military telegraph 
lines for inland towns. The apparatus used is the mirror galvanom- 
eter. This company own a steamer for repair work, with a crew and 
working force of 53 men. 

THE TELEPHONE. 

There are three telephone exchanges in the island of Porto Rico, 
namely, at Ponce, San Juan, and Mayaguez, and there are but few 
private telephone lines in use at other places. The exchange at San 
Juan had in April, 1898, 292 subscribers and ernpk>3 T ed 9 persons. 
Rental on telephones for hotels is $10 per month ; for stores, $6 ; for 
private residences, $4 in native money. 

In the Ponce exchange there are 200 subscribers, 8 persons are 
employed, and the cost per month of telephones is $6 in town and 50 
cents additional for telephones out of town, in native money. 

The Mayaguez system comprises about 100 subscribers. The monthly 
rent for telephones here is $5 for commercial houses and $4 for private 
residences. Five persons are employed. 



GOVERNMENT CONTROL OF THE TELEGRAPH. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR ETTSTOQUIO TORRES. 

Guayanilla, P. R., November 7, 1898. 

" Comunicaciones.' 1 '' — Under this heading are understood postal and 
telegraph service. 

When the United States Government took possession of the island 
and suppressed several of the stations formerly open to public service, 
their absence was deeply felt. Owing to the want of good roads, the 
telegraph has come to be a principal factor in commerce and a means 
of communication with foreign parts. 

It is thought that if this service is given over to a private corpora- 
tion only the principal towns will be given the use of the wires, many 
towns, such as this, being left in isolation, as the expense would not 
cover the maintenance of a station. It would be convenient, there- 
fore, that the Government take charge of this important service in 
the form established before — that is, in connection with the post- 
office. In this way, in most of the towns, one employee could easily 
take charge of both posts and the two services together would produce 
far more than the cost. Thus public funds would suffer no harm and 
the entire country would reap the benefit of this necessary institution. 



511 

THE POSTAL SERVICE. 

Under Spanish rule there were approximately fifty post-offices in 
the island of Porto Rico. These were combined with the telegraph 
system of the island, and were under the supervision of an official 
having the title administrador general de comunicaciones, which 
represented what would be termed postmaster- general. Senor 
Odaviano de Herrera y Cisneros was the last occupant of this office. 

The post-office, now under the supervision of Mr. Elliott, who is 
also postal agent at Ponce, comprises twenty offices now in operation 
at chief towns in the island, and in each instance under the manage- 
ment of an American postal agent; but in the larger offices, where 
there are numbers employed, the native post-office clerks are found 
working side by side with Americans. 

Of the twenty post-offices now in operation there are ten offices which 
are money-order post-offices. United States postage stamps are sold 
throughout the island, and the number of post-offices will increase, as 
new contracts are being perfected daily for carrying the mails. There 
is a railway postal service, where railroads afford the possibility of 
such a service, and the insular mails are running very smoothly ; but 
the mail service with the United States was for some months quite 
irregular. There are all together about fifty persons employed in the 
postal service of the island of Porto Rico, the several offices being 
made a part of the city post-office at Washington, D. C, being 
simply branches of the Washington office. This condition is, how- 
ever, only temporary, and in time the service in the island will be a 
regular service distinct from the present dependence upon Washington. 

The post-office at the capital, San Juan, was opened and went into 
full operation at noon of October 19, twenty-four hours after the for- 
mal occupation of the island by the United States. 

The postal agent having direction at San Juan is H. K. Van Alstyne, 
who is assisted in his duties by sixteen clerks, a part of whom are native 
Porto Ricans. 





List of post-offices in 


Porto Rico, April 1, 


1899. 


Adjuntas. 


Cornerio. 


Las Marias. 


Rio Grande. 


Aibonito. 


Canavanos. 


Luquillo. 


Rincon. 


Arroyo. 


Cidra. 


Loiza. 


San Juan. 


Anasco. 


Corozal. 


Mayaguez. 


Santurce. 


Aguadilla. 


Ceiba. 


Morovis. 


San Sebastian. 


Arecibo. 


Dorado. 


Manati. 


San German. 


Aguada. 


Fajardo. 


Moca. 


Salinas. 


Aguas Buenas. 


Florida. 


Maunabo. 


San Lorenzo. 


Bayamon. 


Guayarna. 


Maricao. 


Santa Isabel. 


Barceloneta. 


Guanica. 


Naranjit . 


Sabana Grande, 


Barros. 


Guayanilla. 


Naguabo. 


Toa Baja. 


Barranquitas. 


Gurabo. 


Penuelas. 


Tallaboa. 


Cabo Rojo. 


Hurnacao. 


Ponce. 


Trujillo Alto. 


Carolina. 


Hatillo. 


Playa Naguabo. 


Utuado. 


Caguas. 


Isabela. 


Patillas. 


Vieques. 


Coamo. 


Juana Diaz. 


Piedras. 


Vega Alta. 


Cayey. 


Juncos. 


Punta Santiago. 


Vega Baja. 


Camuy. 


Lajas. 


Quebradillas. 


Yabucoa. 


Ciales. 


Lares. 


Rio Piedras. 


Yauco. 



512 

MORE TELEGRAPHIC FACILITIES. 

[Statement of Senor De Gastambiue.] 

YATJCO, P. R., November 10, 1898. 
Postal and telegraph stations should be established in every town 
and village in the island without exception, and of an official nature, 
without reference to private lines which may be granted concessions, 
if it is thought convenient. Frequently one or two telegraph wires 
are not sufficient to cope with the general service of the island. There 
should be a tendency to establish telephonic connection between all 
towns of any importance. To put an end to the abuses which have 
been the subject of complaint, postal employees should be laborious 
and honest. 



PUBLIC LANDS AND MINES. 

San Juan, P. R., October 29, 1898. 

Dr. Carbonell (secretary of the interior). My department has 
jurisdiction over the granting of concessions and the sale of Crown 
lands, and I wish to call your attention to the fact that the Spanish 
Government in December last sold just outside the port here 9,000 
square meters of land for $216— land which is worth $180,000. Al- 
though that title is registered here, it can be set aside. The register 
who "formerly held this office, and who held it at the time this land 
was sold, has gone to Spain, taking with him a fortune of $200,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Did he have control of the selling of the property? 

Dr. Carbonell. He registered the property wrongly and in contra- 
vention of existing laws. 

Dr. Carroll. Why was the property sold for such an extremely 
small amount? Was some official of the Government a beneficiary? 

Dr. Carbonell. The property was put up at public auction, but 
no one knew anything about the auction but the man who bought it 
in, and that was a business between the purchaser and the intendencia. 

Dr. Carroll. He must have paid more for. it privately. 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes; doubtless he did. According to the Spanish 
law sales of public property can not be had without the approval of 
the board of military engineers, and that was not obtained, for which 
reason the deed of the property so sold can be set aside and the United 
States take possession of the land in question. 

Dr. Carroll. Were these lands previously rented by the Govern- 
ment? 

Dr. Carbonell. No. 

Dr. Carroll. The Government got no income from them? 

Dr. Carbonell. I do not know as to that. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you know how much of Crown lands remain? 

Dr. Carbonell. That is a question impossible to answer, and made 
impossible by the express act of the retiring Government. There 
existed archives relating to the whole of the public lands, and these 
had indexes, but since the Spaniards have gone the indexes have 
disappeared. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the Government own the mines of the island? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes; the State is the owner of the mines. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it rent them? 



513 

Dr. Carbonell. It cedes them to a person, and reserves so much 
per ton of the ore. Placer mining is free for any person who desires 
to work such mines. 

Dr. Carroll. Has a general survey been made of the mineral 
resources under the direction of the Government? 

Dr. Carbonell. It has been completely abandoned ; it is not even 
known whether there exists gypsum ore. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there deposits of coal in the island? 

Dr. Carbonell. There is a very inferior class of lignites. 

Dr. Carroll. There are plenty of stone quarries? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes; even marble. Native copper .has been dis- 
covered in a free state; also silver. 

Dr. Carroll. Then it is hardly known what the mountains really 
contain? 

Dr. Carbonell. No. It is the opinion of an intelligent geologist 
here that by following the River Luquillo you would arrive at the 
vein which naturalists sa} r must exist before there can be washings. 

Dr., Carroll. Is it the law here in the island that where minerals 
are found, whether under a man's house or elsewhere-, they belong to 
the State? 

Dr. Carbonell. The owner of the land has a right only to its 
superficial soil. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, if there are large mineral resources, they might 
be developed and thereby greatly increase the revenues of the island? 

Dr. Carbonell. There is a very rich phosphate of lime deposit. 
At one time these deposits were worked and the product sent to Ger- 
many. They took it chiefly from the Mona Island, but even in this 
island there are very important deposits. 



MINERAL RESOURCES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1898. 
Mr. Francisco T. Sabat, deputy collector of customs "at San Juan: 

Mr. Sabat. In the district of Cabo Rojo are saline deposits, both 
natural and artificial. By artificial I mean that in some cases the 
ebb of the sea water has been obstructed and the salt deposited by 
evaporation. These are the property of the company which acquired 
them from the Spanish Government and which now works them. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any coal produced in the island? 

Mr. Sabat. A vein of coal of a poor quality has been discovered, 
samples of which are in the engineers' museum here, if they have not 
been taken away by the Spaniards. There are copper mines in 
Naguabo, iron mines on the top of Yunque Mountains, which have 
not been worked because, apparently, the product is not a desirable 
one from a commercial point of view. There is also placer mining in 
the river Corozal and in Luquillo. The mines in Luquillo were 
worked under Isabel II and Maria Christina of Spain, but the parties 
to whom the concession was made abandoned the mines because they 
got very little gold out of them. 

Dr. Carroll. What coal is used here? 

Mr. Sabat. The coal used here is brought from Philadelphia and 
Cardiff. It is bituminous coal. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost in the market here? 

Mr. Sabat. I do not know, but just before the war it went up to 
$15 a ton. Only charcoal is used in private houses. 
1125 33 



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517 

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 

MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

. San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1898. 
Mr. Manuel F. Rossy, lawyer: 

Dr. Carroll. Do the districts here correspond to counties in the 
United States? 

Mr. Rossy. No; a municipal district, as it is called here, consists 
of a certain portion of territory in which there is included a certain 
number of houses; that is the base of the municipality. There are 
70 municipal districts in Porto Rico — the largest of about 56,000 
inhabitants and the smallest of about 4,000. These districts are quite 
distinct from what are called the judicial districts of which there are, I 
think, 11. Each of the 70 municipal districts has its municipal govern- 
ment, and these as a whole are subject to the provincial deputation. 

Besides the division of the island into municipal and judicial dis- 
tricts, it is also divided into 7 military districts, which are: San Juan,, 
Arecibo, Aguadilla, Maj^aguez, Ponce, Guayama, and Humacao, at the 
head of each of which there was a military commander. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the composition of the municipal govern- 
ment? 

Mr. Rossy. The actual state of affairs in municipal and provincial 
government is the old one. They did not have time to get down to 
that before the war brok*e out. They had elections in February and 
March and war broke out in April, and municipal government remained 
as it was under the old regime. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the former municipal government? 

Mr. Rossy. The old system, which is at present in force, has a. 
municipal council elected by all persons residing in the municipality, 
and is composed of members called councilors, varying in number 
from 9 to 24, according to the importance of the municipality. Once 
elected, they met and named their mayor, unless the Governor-General 
should wish to name the mayor, which he could do, but the person so 
named by him had to be one of the councilors. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the term of the councilors and mayors? 

Mr. Rossy. The councilors remained in office four years, half of 
them being replaced every two years. The mayor held office for two 
years. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the mayor intrusted with large powers? 

Mr. Rossy. Mayors had a twofold official character. As delegates 
of the Governor-General they received orders in regard to political 
government; as heads of the municipalities they executed the man- 
dates of the councilors and had by virtue of their office certain 
powers over priests, vigilantes, and other matters of a purely local 
character, which they exercised at discretion. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the highways controlled by the municipal gov- 
ernment or by the provincial? 

Mr. Rossy. Roads are divided into two classes — one class called 
municipal roads and streets, and the other called provincial roads. 
The former are those within the immediate limits of the municipality, 
and provincial roads are those which connect the municipalities. 
Provincial roads are under the jurisdiction of the provincial gov- 
ernment. 



518 

Dr. Carroll. Can you inform me in regard to the schools of the 
municipalities? 

Mr. Rossy. The schools are governed under a law promulgated by 
one of the captains-general, and also by the school law of the new 
autonomous government. It is a provincial matter. The naming of 
teachers is under the immediate jurisdiction of the secretary of 
fomento. In respect to financial matters, such as payment of sala- 
ries, repairs of school buildings, etc., the schools depend upon the 
municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the mayors direct the municipal police, municipal 
fire department, and similar municipal matters? 

Mr. Rossy. They have charge of the police. There are further 
boards, called local boards, whose duties include the inspection of 
schools and education generally. They are named by the mayors of 
each municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. Who prescribes the text-books? 

Mr. Rossy. Formerly they were prescribed by the governor-general, 
but they are now prescribed by the secretary of fomento. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the mayors also powers of magistrates to hear 
and determine cases of any kind? 

Mr. Rossy. Absolutely none. 



THE TAKING OF THE CENSUS. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 
Dr. Francisco del Valle, mayor of San Juan : 

Dr. Carroll. How was the general census of the island taken for 
the year 1897? 

Dr. Del Yalle. The census was taken in December of that year, in 
the following way: Printed statements were sent to each person con- 
taining instructions as to how to fill out the census blanks, but a 
great many people in the interior did not understand these blanks and 
had no one to show them, besides which the native peasant always has 
had the idea that anything in the shape of printed paper from the 
Government meant additional taxes. Most of them try in their 
returns to diminish the number of persons in their family, hoping 
thus to diminish the anticipated tax. I hand you now a note as to the 
number of inhabitants of this city in the years 1846, 1857, 1860, 1877, 
1888, and 1897, and also a description thereof. Also a note as to the 
inhabitants of the various departments, as taken the 22d of March, 
1888. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any schools or asylums for deaf and blind 
persons here? 

Dr. Del Valle. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any native insurance companies? 

Dr. Del Yalle. There was a native life insurance company, run on 
the assessment plan, but after being in existence for a short time it 
failed. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any fire insurance company? 

Dr. Del Valle. Only foreign companies — English and American. 

Dr. Carroll. Do people generally take out insurance on their 
buildings? 



519 

Dr. Del Valle. A good many do, but not so many as in the 
country districts, because here the buildings are all brick, and in the 
country they are of wood. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you often have serious fires in the city? 

Dr. Del Valle. As a general rule fires here are much less com- 
mon than in other cities of the island. Those which have taken place 
have been usually in the neighborhood of the warehouses. There was 
one a short time ago in a warehouse in Tetuan street. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any asylums or almshouses or other x^ro- 
visions made for the poor of the city'? 

Dr. Del Valle. There is one, the expense of which was borne by 
the municipality, for poor of both sexes, situated in Puerto de la Tierra, 
and also one situated in the same suburb supported by a religious 
order called the Sisters of the Poor. 

Dr. Carroll. About how many inmates are there? 

Dr. Del Valle. From 90 to 100. 

Dr. Carroll. Are orphaned children cared for by religious orders? 

Dr. Del Valle. There is only one building of that description, 
called the Beneficiencia, which is a provincial building for the whole 
island. Other buildings of that class are absolutely necessary to take 
charge of children who are on the road to prostitution and perdition 
because they are absolutely abandoned. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that the only one in the island? 

Dr. Del Valle. It is the only one. There is an institution con- 
ducted by the society called San Ilclef onso, but they take in only about 
25. That is in San Juan. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the results of the census been tabulated? 

Dr. Del Valle. No; they have not. 

Dr. Carroll. Under whose direction was the census conducted? 

Dr. Del Valle. There was a very complicated arrangement. There 
was a central board formed, a provincial board, and a departmental 
board, each to look after its own work, but the work was interrupted 
by the war. 

Dr. Carroll. Under whose direction is the census? 

Dr. Del Valle. The Secretary of Government. 

Dr. Carroll. What about the morality of the city of San Juan. 

Dr. Del Valle. As to that, this city must be considered as a large 
place in proportion to the other towns of the island. There is a fair 
amount of prostitution, but with regard to other vices not so large as 
might be expected. There is much drunkenness here, though; there 
is a good deal of vagabondage, and, as I suggested before, a great aban- 
donment of children. Only to-day the police in their rounds have 
picked up quite a number of children, who, when asked where they 
sleep, answered, "In any doorway we can find." When asked what 
they eat, said, "Whatever we can get hold of." 

Dr. Carroll. What are the causes of the abandonment of children? 

Dr. Del Valle. They are usually illegitimate children, and when 
the mother dies they are left without a roof. They sometimes beg of 
a neighbor to take them in, and sleep wherever they can find a corner; 
but just as frequently they have no other shelter than what they can 
find, and as there are no asylums besides the one mentioned, these 
children are rapidly becoming criminals. 

Dr. Carroll. Do parents abandon their children? 

Dr. Del Valle. Not in the sense that they cast them out, but 
they do in the sense that they don't educate them or care much for 
their development. 



520 

Dr. Carroll. Do they not love their children'? 

Dr. Del Valle. Yes; even to the extent of allowing them to mis- 
behave with impunity. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, is not the abandonment of which you speak 
due more to their ignorance than to any other cause? 

Dr. Del Valle. Yes; that is the cause. 



TOO MANY MUNICIPALITIES. 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1898. 

Andres Crosas, merchant: 

Mr. Crosas. The island of Porto Rico, small in size, has seventy- 
two cities or municipalities, and every municipality has a mayor, 
secretary, and common council. It is a terrible expense to the island 
to sustain this common council in every village. We can not stand 
it. The result of it is that taxes are very heavy indeed. These 
municipalities are patterned after those of Spain. In some of the 
smallest of them they have eight or nine persons in the council, which 
costs small villages like Dorado from $14,000 to $18,000 a year. I 
see that in the States they are divided into counties, and in the more 
central villages you have the different authorities to attend to justice; 
but this island, being small, is divided into seven military districts, and 
at the centrally located town, or town of most importance, we should 
have the seat of the court. About fifteen mayors would be sufficient 
for the whole island, instead of seventy-two, as we have now. I think 
that these departments, which are equivalent to counties, would be 
sufficient. There is a ridge of mountains running through the center of 
the island from east to west, and I think it might be divided in such 
a way that the northern part should be divided into so many central 
places, and then it would not be necessary for people to go over the 
mountains. That would be convenient, in my estimation. The present 
division into departments does not take into account counties at all. 
Sometimes they stretch over the counties. 

There are many buildings which belong to the province, and of 
course in the municipalities there are buildings which are municipal 
property; but this evacuation commission that has met here has had 
no one to inform it properly regarding the properties and to whom 
they belong. In fact, the public does not know what has taken place. 
It has been as closed as the door of a lodge within the commission. It 
is feared that the Spanish commissioners have made it appear that- 
certain property belonging to the State, or otherwise, was national 
property. For instance, there is a military hospital that was a dona- 
tion by a Good Rule we had here to the municipality, and the munici- 
pality kept it out. When they thought fit, the military pounced on 
it, took it away from the municipality, and then extended it. But 
the original land belonged to the municipality. In the same way, there 
is a hospital next to the palace Santa Catalina, called the Concepcion. 
That is a municipal hospital which was built by donations from the 
citizens here for the purpose of providing medical attention for poor 
women. I fear that as that building is next to the palace it has 
been made to appear that it was national property of Spain. That 
was not the case. 



521 

THE AMERICAN PLAN. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arecibo, P. Pi., January 14., 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What are you most interested in? People here 
speak generally of the matters which most concern themselves. 

Dr. Guillermo Curbelo (physician). The question of general 
administration. The system here needs to be Americanized, and to 
do that properly the Spanish centralization system should be abol- 
ished. As it is now, the government is embodied in the secretaries, 
who try, by putting their own people in office, to prepare for the 
future elections as they did before. Not only alcaldes, but judges 
and members of the municipal councils are named by the secretaries 
of the government. Even school teachers are appointed by them, and 
cases are common in which those possessing influence have gone to 
the capital, and by bringing that influence to bear on the secretaries, or 
the friends of the secretaries, have secured positions which they were 
in no way competent to hold. 

Another point is that we should be granted municipal autonomy as 
you have it in the United States. 

Another matter is that of the police, who are appointed by the 
mayor and not by the judicial body, as in other countries. As the 
police are friendly with everybody and know everybody, they are not 
able to comply with their duties. I think that the military author- 
ities should give us a military police administration and teach the 
people to obey the laws, as the Spanish system of "He who has money 
is able to do what he likes " is apparently in force, and will likely 
continue in force for some time. Naturally they should try to get 
policemen who can speak Spanish, or, if sufficient Americans who 
speak Spanish can not be had, put some natives on the police force. 

Another reform is needed in the management of the office of the 
escribanos. Things go on in their offices pretty much as these func- 
tionaries want them to. One man, for example, wounds another in 
an unlawful attack upon him, the wound is perhaps cured in four or 
five days, still the intention of harm is there, but if the aggressor 
stands well with the escribano of the court and makes his position 
firmer by a little " greasing," he can get out, The escribanos all over 
the island are a lot of bandits. 

Dr. Carroll. How do they profit by this system? 

Dr. Curbelo. For instance, I wound a man and am arrested. I see 
the escribano, give him a sum of money, and the whole matter is dis- 
posed of. Owing to the immense amount of work the judges have to 
do, they sign a paper without looking at it, depending upon a clerk 
to present the papers requiring signature. The clerk puts in a paper 
he wants signed along with fifty or sixty others and the judge signs it 
without knowing what it is. 

The schoolteachers are the same who held under Spanish rule, 
when it was sufficient to have a recommendation from the Spanish 
party, without regard to competency, to obtain a position. We are in 
the same position to-day. The schools are very badly administered. 
The board of public instruction here, of which Mr. Jauregui is a mem- 
ber, held a public examination recently, and only one school was found 
to be even passably fair. The children in the other schools seemed to 
know nothing at all. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the trouble due to the teachers? 

Dr. Curbelo. Yes; they don't trouble themselves about teaching. 



522 

Dr. Carroll. Was it not generally true of the teachers, where they 
were Porto Ricans at least, that they were very faithful to their duties 
and sometimes taught for months without receiving any money? 

Dr. Curbelo. That happened right through the Spanish administra- 
tion. The Spanish authorities appointed them for their vote, and 
having appointed them, seemed to think that that finished their obli- 
gation to them. This municipality is bankrupt, the same as other 
municipalities in the island to-day. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you mean that the municipality is in debt'? 

Dr. CtJRBELO. That it is both in debt and without funds. They 
pretend to make savings, but what they really do is to charge the 
business interests with heavier taxes in order to give more places to 
their friends and adherents. 

Dr. Carroll. I understood that there was no insular debt and no 
municipal debt in the island. 

Dr. Curbelo. The municipalities owe salaries to their employees 
for months back. 

Dr. Carroll. But they have no bonded debts, I suppose? 

Dr. Curbelo. This municipality has a contract debt for building 
an aqueduct. A Spanish engineer said it would cost 160,000, but they 
have since found it would cost $90,000, and are unable to get the bal- 
ance with which to finish it. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be a good thing to finish it? 

Dr. Curbelo. When that estimate was made the alcalde was one 
of the partners of the house of Rosas & Co., and is now in Spain. 
This alcalde, who was in partnership with the engineer of public 
works, agreed or found it necessary, or pretended to find it necessary, 
to take the water for the aqueduct from a point which would require 
a turbine, whereas they could have taken it at a point lower down, 
where no turbine would have been required. They did that because 
they had a plan for building an electric plant. They had the town 
spend $20,000 for a dam which otherwise they would have had to 
build for their own account. That was why the work resulted so 
expensively. Thej 7 wished to install the electric-light plant at the 
expense of the city. After they had the waterworks they could pro- 
duce the electric-light plant for $8,000. The house of Rosas & Co. here 
is the sole cause of the poverty of this city. The members of the firm 
are millionaires. Mr. Figaros is one of the partners, although he 
gives it to be understood that he has only a power of attorney to man- 
age the business of the firm here. He has a large capital, too, of his 
own. This house earns more than any other in the island. It has a 
credit balance each year of between three and four hundred thousand 
dollars. They have ruined this cit}' by resorting to every means pos- 
sible to prevent other merchants from going ahead. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they have trouble with their men on the plantations? 

Dr. Curbelo. They can do nothing to their men now, but in Spanish 
times they were the absolute bosses of the whole district. Men did 
not dare lift their heads to complain. The\ r are very good citizens 
now and very quiet — oh, very good and quiet! 

Dr. Carroll. What are your reasons for desiring an enlargement 
of the powers of municipal government? 

Dr. Curbelo. For the reason that as these alcaldes at present 
depend for their positions on the central power, they have to please 
those in office at the capital, and as they have a number of relatives 
in all these districts, the mayors have to create offices for them and 
take them whether they want them or not. Another reason for auton- 



523 

omy is that the municipalities can not incur certain expenses, while 
the secretary in San Juan has that power. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the secretary power to inaugurate works without 
reference to the will and judgment of the municipality itself? 

Dr. Curbelo. Yes, practically. He sends the municipality a plan, 
with his indorsement, to the effect that it would be convenient, and 
the municipalities always adopt plans sent to them in that way. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose that the secretary means by such indorse- 
ment that it must be done. 

Dr. Curbelo. That is the Spanish way of giving an order — that 
the convenience of the political party requires that you do this and 
that. 

Dr. Carroll. I notice that the municipalities of Porto Rico are 
very much extended. For instance, this of Arecibo includes much more 
than the city proper. There is a larger population outside the city lim- 
its and within the municipal district than in the city itself. I want to 
raise the question whether it would not be in the interest of home rule 
by the people to divide these municipal districts and have a number 
of municipalities where there is now but one. 

Dr. Curbelo. I think not. 

Dr. Carroll. It is the policy of the United States to encourage the 
organization of hamlets, towns, and villages, as well as cities, for sev- 
eral reasons. In the first place, in order to give home rule to small 
aggregations of people; second, to encourage people to take part in 
their own government, so that they may, by participating in village 
government, come to have an intelligent understanding of the basal 
principles of civil government. 

Dr. Curbelo. Please allow a question. Do you think that in a 
country like this, where hardly anyone knows how to read and write, 
people would be able to govern themselves? And in this municipality 
there are probably not more than 12 men who know anything about 
city government. 

Dr. Carroll. That is a difficulty, no doubt, but it is a difficulty not 
unknown in the United States. There are sections where the people 
are illiterate, but it does not follow that because a man can not read 
or write he is not intelligent and has not a large amount of civic virtue. 

Dr. Curbelo. That is in the United States, not here among Span- 
ish people. 

Dr. Carroll. I have known members of rural boards of school 
trustees who were themselves unable to read or write, and yet who 
were anxious that their children and other children over whom they 
had supervision should have the largest facilities for acquiring an 
education and who were public-spirited men. 

Dr. Curbelo. They were Americans. 

Dr. Carroll. A third reason for this in the United States is the 
fact that a group of houses forming a small hamlet will have few pub- 
lic requirements compared with a large collection of houses compactly 
built in the municipality, and the wants of the villagers will be so 
few that their officers will be few and their public expenditures will 
be small, so that their taxes will be extremely light. 

Dr. Curbelo. That is all right. The reasons are good, but that 
is in the United States. Here you can not get the people to live even 
in little villages, because the estates are large and the people will not 
come together. Some of them who own little parcels of land, not 
large enough to get a living out of, yet do not want to go into a vil- 
lage, because, they say, people quarrel when they get together. 



524 

Dr. Carroll. That is also the condition in the United Slates. In 
the cases of persons living separately in that way they are formed 
into townships and have a very simple government, but they all take 
part in it and are interested in it. 

I am not making an argument for such a system here; I am simply 
trying to set out the advantages it has to American eyes, with a view 
to getting your opinion as to whether such a system can be intro- 
duced in a gradual way into Porto Rico. 

Dr. Curbelo. Conditions of life here are not the same as in the 
United States. There are three classes of property holders here — 
those who have large estates, those who have only small estates, and 
those who live on a borrowed piece of land on which they are work- 
ing, and who. the day they cease to work for the owner of it, take up 
their household effects and depart. The latter class is the most 
numerous. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the vast majority of the population of the 
island consists of the peasant or laboring class? 

Dr. Curbelo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. The middle class here, then, is very small. 

Dr. Curbelo. Very small and very poor, and even the people who 
are called rich are not so in fact. A people numbering a million with 
a circulating medium of only 5,000,000 pesos can not be other than 
poor. 

Mr. Jauregui (druggist). I am in favor of American institutions 
in every sense of the word. I think that the sj^stem of township 
government you have described is worthy of trial. 

Dr. Curbelo. If it were done on the American plan, it would be 
feasible, but if on the Spanish plan, where everybody wants to create 
posts, it will end in a fiasco. For instance, in Hormigueros, by a 
vote of 32 to 2, the municipality was consolidated with that of 
Mayaguez, which shows that the people there at least do not want 
to have a separate governmental existence. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not true that the suddenness with which the 
people have been set at liberty has led them to wish to exercise it in 
some way or other, and may not the trial of plans which have worked 
elsewhere lead to the settling upon some one that would be permanent 
and satisfactory; that is, to reach permanency through experiments 
of that kind, just as when a boy is thrown on his own resources he 
has to try for himself? 

Mr. Jauregui. Up to the present we have suffered from the mis- 
takes and vices of the Spaniards, but now that we belong to another 
system, of greater freedom, we think we ought to have that S3 7 stem 
here. If we have to learn all over again, we will do so, but we can 
not learn without having the sj^stem introduced, and we will learn to 
walk as the child does, falling down many times, but persistently 
trying again until it learns to walk. 

Dr. Carroll. I think that every experiment with regard to the 
management of schools and municipal government that has ever 
entered into the mind of man has been tried in the United States. 

Mr. Jauregui. We will have to do the same thing here. 

Dr. Curbelo. The first thing to do here is to teach the people to 
respect the law. 

Dr. Carroll. I am asking the questions -ttiiich I have put to you, 
gentlemen, everywhere I go, because as the island is to have a new 
government it is a question whether it ought to have these other 
things also, or whether you should have a new insular government 



525 

and continue the rest of the system practically as it is. I am asking 
these questions for light as to the opinions of the people of Porto 
Rico. 

Dr. Curbelo. I have spoken with persons of intelligence here, and 
find that they understand very little about the American system. I 
have told them of the American township system in which, when they 
have not money enough to pay for police, some volunteer to act as 
police, and when they have not money enough to furnish lights the 
people put out lights. People here can not understand how a little 
town can manage for itself. The centralization system of government 
here is fatal to any aspirations to self-government. I will cite you an 
instance which will show how accustomed the people are to being 
bossed. When the Americans arrived an officer sent word to the 
mayor of one of our towns and said he wanted the use of a hospital, 
and directed the mayor to clear it. out ready for use. The mayor 
straightway, without raising any objection or making any explanation 
as to the situation, removed all the patients from the hospital, although 
some were at the point of death. That would not have happened in 
the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. When I first came down here it was with the general 
idea of maintaining things as I found them as much as possible, and, 
while giving Porto Rico a new form of government, to use the system 
as far as might be as it now exists; but the more I inquire about it, 
the deeper I go into the subject, the more does it appear to me that 
when the government is changed for a new one there should be a 
pretty thorough change in the system; not, perhaps, a radical change, 
but the introduction of those features, at least, which the leading men 
of the island think it worth while to try. 

Dr. Curbelo. The island requires a thorough change in its system 
of government. 



MUNICIPAL AUTONOMY. 
[Hearing- before the United States Commissioner.] 

ITtuado, P. R., January 17, 1899. 
Senor R. Martinez, alcalde of Utuado : 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to have something from you as to what 
measure of municipal autonomy municipalities in the island ought to 
have. 

The Alcalde. We think that it is of the greatest importance that 
we should have the right to dispose of our own money, to form our 
own budgets, and to attend to our own roads, without the intervention 
of anyone at the capital. It sometimes happens that we have dis- 
turbances of the peace, when we find it necessarj T to appoint ten or 
twelve extra policemen. To do this we have to prepare a petition 
and send it to headquarters, and it takes ten or twelve days to get 
it approved. In the meantime we are unable to suppress a disorder, 
which, if we could attend to it ourselves, we could vote on the increase 
of the police force and suppress the disorder at once. We frequently 
want to make a road — for instance, from here to Ciales. To do so we 
have to send in a long ,'ocument, and it takes, perhaps, six months 
before it is returned, and perhaps it is finally refused. There would 
be no danger in empowering the ayuntamiento to raise and appro- 
priate monkey for these municipal needs. Should the ayuntamiento 



526 

exceed its powers and attempt to do anything which would prejudice 
the interests of the taxpayers, they are on the spot and could make 
their claims, and they would know where to go and get attention if 
they thought the municipality was going outside of its sphere. More- 
over, as the council is composed of the high-rate payers, they would 
not be apt to do anything which would injure rate payers, as they 
would be the first to suffer by such an injury. You must also take 
into account that it is not the municipality that prepares the assess- 
ments and budgets. They call everybody in who has an interest in 
the matter, and they fix the rate between them. I think the whole 
country would gain considerably by granting municipal autonomy. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States the cities have self-government, 
but within certain limits. Their proceedings are usually under char- 
ters, which limit their power, for instance, to contract debt. I sup- 
pose that such a limitation would be practicable in the island of Porto 
Rico. 

Mr. Siejo. I think it convenient if such a charter should include 
the power to borrow money. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes, but within certain limits. Cities in the United 
States are allowed to borrow a certain per cent of their taxable 
property. 

Mr. Siejo. They would not want to borrow 2 per cent on the value 
of the property here. 

Dr. Carroll. Another provision that they have generally in the 
United States lodges in the hands of the governor power of removal 
of the mayor of a city when cause is shown therefor on trial before 
the governor or before a commission. 

The Alcalde. We have that also. 

Dr. Carroll. Sometimes also a veto power is given over the mayor's 
power of removal of the head of the department of public works or of 
the fire department or the police department. That is simply to pre- 
vent unjust removals for political or other reasons. 

The Mayor. I think it is a good measure. I think there should 
always be a certain brake in the hands of the governor to prevent 
acts being taken from personal or political motives to the injury of 
public officials. 

Dr. Carroll. The subject of municipal autonomy is an important 
one. 

Mr. Lucas Amadeo. I am a radical in that. I aspire to municipal 
autonomy as it exists in the United States. The question is hardly 
discussable. There can be but one side to it. The principle is fun- 
damental. 

Dr. Carroll. There is no doubt in my mind if the people will go 
to that extent. 

Mr. Amadeo. Everything that is fundamentally true in government 
should be instituted. The people are waiting and are ready to accept 
anything that has had a trial. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that the opinion of the island inclines 
more and more to the adoption of American institutions generally, 
not including the penal and civil codes, because the people seem to 
think that with a few changes those may stand ; but that in all other 
matters, including methods of judicial procedure, American institu- 
tions should be introduced. 

Mr. Amadeo. In what we call substantive laws — that is, laws which 
declare the rights of people — we have very good codes, but our second- 
ary laws, which govern the administration of the codes, are not in 



5*27 

proper relation to the codes themselves. They do not work out the 
honest meaning of the codes. 

Dr. Carroll. And are too complex, are they not? 

Mr. Amadeo. Yes; and give rise to twisted meanings and bad faith 
in their operation. 

(Note. — Dr. Carroll here explained at length the municipal system 
of the United States. ) 

Mr. Amadeo. The system of subdivision of governmental powers, 
which gives to every community the administration suitable to its 
position and requirements, is just what I iind so admirable in the 
municipal life of the United States, serving as it does as a school in 
government, as these different degrees of self-government are par- 
ticipated in by the people. 

Dr. Carroll. You are using the same argument that I used in 
Arecibo to show them the value of our system, which they seemed to 
regard as impracticable for this island. 

Mr. Amadeo. Everything that is good appears to me to be possible. 
Only the bad appears impossible. Our commercial code is splendid, 
but our hypothecary law is bad and errs on the side of too much 
stringency on the debtor. Speaking of our laws, I have always said 
that they are founded on a scientific basis, and are, therefore, accept- 
able; but there is a tremendous hiatus in the police laws. There is 
no system of police laws covering municipalities. We may say that 
we live without municipal regulations of any description, and that is a 
wide field for work, because, as you understand, the police come into 
daily contact with the people, and the influence of police and police 
laws over the people is one of very greatest importance. In the 
organization of the courts there is also great room for improvement. 
Municipal judges in most of the municipalities are machines of public 
destruction, instead of being dispensers of justice. They are posts 
sought for and solicited because of the illeg;al methods of those hold- 
ing them; they give larger returns than any business. In the courts 
of first instance are nests of parasites. The country has suffered from 
a horde of shysters who live by trying to get property owners into 
litigation, and this despicable practice has been protected by the 
ignorance of the judges and their venality. I think that the position 
of a judge should be made a responsible position, and that could be 
accomplished in the first place by electing them to office. 

Dr. Carroll. Would you give them long terms? 

Mr. Amadeo. To-day the tenure of judges is considered a guaranty 
of their independence. In England the greatest normality has been 
obtained in this direction, but the judicial system there is too expen- 
sive ; there is too much luxury about it. There they have striven to 
prevent all possible corruption of the judges by giving them salaries 
which put them beyond want. I think judges should be elected by 
the people, but not by universal suffrage. I am not a partisan of uni- 
versal suffrage. Candidates should have their names posted and 
should be subjected to a prior criticism by the people at large. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States we have a campaign between 
the nomination and election. 

Mr. Amadeo. In the United States are the judges named by the 
executive power, or elected? 

Dr. Carroll. In some States they are appointed, and in some 
others elected. In the Federal courts they are appointed for life or 
good behavior. 

Mr. Amadeo. One thing you have to guard against to-day is atavism. 



528 

Judges have inherited Spanish ideas. IT is necessary also to pay 
special attention in order to secure the honest and clear administra- 
tion of justice, because without that the wealth of the country can not 
increase. That is the basis of everything. It is also the basis of 
public dignity. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think that the introduction of the jury sys- 
tem as we have it in the United States would be of advantage here? 

Mr. Amadeo. Yes; that is one of my fundamental principles. 

Dr. Carroll. What conditions would you lay down for the exer- 
cise of the franchise. 

Mr. Amadeo. Those who know how to read and write or who are 
taxpayers. 



REFORMS DESIRED IN LARES. 

LHearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 18, 1899. 
Mr. Justo A. Mandez Martinez and Mr. Juan Vivo, a delega- 
tion from Lares, the former second assistant alcalde of Lares and the 
latter vice- judge of the same district. 

Mr. Martinez. We hope the government will supply municipalities 
with teachers who understand both Spanish and English, so that they 
will not have to bear the expense of supporting an English teacher. 

Dr. Carroll. It would be difficult to get such teachers at once. It 
would require time. 

Mr. Martinez. In the country there are a great many men who, 
although they do not hold professors' diplomas, understand both 
languages, and would be very useful in that way. Although they 
have no diploma for teaching English, they can teach the language. 
The general wish is that children who have had no education should 
be sent to school and should be given an opportunity of learning 
English at the same time they learn other things. 

Dr. Carroll. Could peons send their children to school if free 
schools were furnished? 

Mr. Martinez. The law should oblige them to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand from statements made by representa- 
tives of the laboring classes in Arecibo, that their rate of wages has 
been so low that they have been compelled to put their children to 
work at as early an age as 8 years and could not send them to school 
for that reason. 

Mr. Martinez. The people of Lares desire the removal of all em- 
ployees who belonged to the armed forces of Spain; that is, to the 
volunteers. We have two very objectionable ones there at present. 
We also want more economy in the municipal budget. We have too 
many employees in the municipality and want the number cut down. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you particularize? 

Mr. Martinez. The necessary employees are a mayor, a secretary, 
and a depositary of municipal funds. As it is they have a first clerk, 
second clerk, third clerk, and from sixteen to twenty others, besides 
the necessary officers I have named. The population of Lares is 22,000 
in the whole district. Eight employees is all they can possibly need 
to carry on the whole municipal business. 

Dr. Carroll. You do not include in that the chief of police and of 
the fire department? 



529 

Mr. Martinez. I only refer to the employees in the office at the 
alcaldia. I think we have too many policemen, however; we only 
want abont ten or twelve. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you pay the policemen? 

Mr. Martinez. We have thirty, to whom we pay $10,000 a year. 

Dr. Carroll. Has not the city power in itself to reduce the number 
of policemen? 

Mr. Martinez. No; the approval of the central authorities is re- 
quired. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you want any change in the methods of munic- 
ipal taxes? 

Mr. Vivo. As it is, taxes are unfairly distributed. We would pre- 
fer an indirect tax, so that everybody would have to pay according to- 
what he consumed. Some taxpayers are protected to the prejudice of 
others. They name the board of assessors according to the caprice of 
the alcalde or boss of the district, and he favors his own friends. 

Dr. Carroll. How many are there in the board of assessors? 

Mr. Martinez. Six. I think it would be to the great benefit of 
the country if all the alcaldes who were named by the Spanish Gov- 
ernment were removed and new ones elected by the people. At pres- 
ent the people are more inclined to occupy themselves with politics 
than with good government, because most of them are opposed to the 
present alcaldes. 

Dr. Carroll. When do the next elections occur for members of the 
common councils? 

Mr. Martinez. Under the present law they should occur next 
month. 

Dr. Carroll. General Henry proposes to grant municipal autoii; 
omy and allow the councils elected by the people to choose their own 
alcaldes; and if he does so, then you have the remedy in your own 
hands. 

Mr. Martinez. We fear that if these elections take place things 
would be so manipulated by the alcaldes that we would remain as 
we are. 

Dr. Carroll. The thing to do is to organize to carry the elections 
in the interest of good government. 

Mr. Martinez, "if the law as it is now is enforced, it is all .right; but 
if elastic, so that offenders will be allowed to escape, we will be in a 
bad predicament. With regard to notarial fees and fees of the clerks 
of the courts, I would say that that is another thing that contributes 
to the ruin of the country. 

Dr. Carroll. Please explain. 

Mr. Martinez. Notaries have no tariff, or if they have, do not stick 
to it in Lares. The other day, on a document involving $6,000, I had 
to pay $200 to have it executed. The notaries will not give receipts 
for the amounts. they are paid; so they always have a legal way of 
escape. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you only one notary in Lares? 

Mr. Martinez. Only one, who acts for two towns. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you made complaint to the government at San 
Juan in reference to these matters? 

Mr. Martinez. No; we have never done so, because when we have 
made complaint the complaint has never been listened to. 

Dr. Carroll. Could you not make complaint before the judge of 
first instance? 
1125 31 



530 

Mr. Martinez. Up to the present we have never attempted to make 
a complaint, because it would have been useless to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not in the power of the court to compel notaries 
who have taken illegal fees to disgorge? 

Mr. Martinez. In bringing an action it would be necessary to prove 
the amount paid, but the notary does not give a receipt with which 
this could be done. 

Dr. Carroll. Why not pay in the presence of a witness and take 
the witness to court? 

Mr. Martinez. I think now we will take these matters more into 
our own hands. Heretofore we have been unable to do so. The plan 
of the city, showing the lands belonging to it, was lost bj~ accident. 
Certain rich men there, who are favored by the central government 
and by the alcalde, have taken possession of considerable property 
and have closed up all but one of the means of entering the town. 
It is not possible to prove anything, because they have lost the plan. 
Other people have asked permission to build houses on municipal 
land, but as these rich men have built up their houses other people 
have been refused. In this municipality they give a man two months 
to build, but in Lares they put a wire fence around the lot without 
building on it, and keep other people from doing so. Here in Utuado, 
if the lots are not built up within two months, they are passed over to 
somebody else. 



HOW ONE MUNICIPALITY IS CONDUCTED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Camuy, P. R., January 20, 1899. 
Jose de Jesus, owner of agricultural property and owner of a 
stage line: 

Dr. Carroll. What do you wish to speak about particularly? 

Mr. de Jesus. The question of municipal administration. I wish 
to speak only for the interest and good of the town. Here, as in all 
the towns, there are two parties. They are not both represented in 
the municipality. The result of that is that the persons holding 
power are not persons to administer big offices in the way they should 
be administered. No question is ever put up for discussion. Every- 
thing is approved unanimously, even when it is prejudicial to local 
interests. We lack the means for obtaining a state of government 
which would tend to the progress of municipal affairs. There are too 
many employees. A town of this size can be well served by an alcalde, 
a secretary , and a clerk. All the other employees are super-abundant. 

Dr. Carroll. How large is the district? 

Mr. de Jesus. From 11,000 to 12,000. Even in the Spanish times 
we never had more than three employees, and that was considered a 
full number, although, as you know, their business methods take a 
voluminous form of words. 

Dr. Carroll. Has this increase taken place since the American 
occupation? 

Mr. de Jesus. When the Spanish left. It has not been the direct 
action of the Americans, but these people were put in as soon as the 
Americans came. The alcalde has given emploj'inent to all his fam- 
ily. Two nephews and a young man who is going to many a niece, 
and they have raised the salaries more than 50 per cent. The alcalde 



531 

received $70 before ; now he receives more than $100. His name is 
Lanrentino Estrella. The clerk before earned $25 ; now they have 
two clerks, at $40 each. The depositary of public funds was paid 
before 5 per cent of the amount collected; they pay him now $50 a 
month without reference to what he collects. Before there were two 
policemen, at $25; now they have six for the city, earning $30 or $40, 
and they are absolutely useless. They don't serve the town in any 
way. 

Dr. Carroll. Who is responsible for the increase in the number 
of employees and salaries'? 

Mr. de Jesus. You can not exact responsibility from anybody, 
because the matter is brought before the municipality and approved 
with unanimity. 

Dr. Carroll. Is not the consent of the secretary of government 
necessary? 

Mr. de Jesus. They are approved by him before they are passed. 
It is by his instigation that those measures are taken. He does not 
care about the interests of the country, but only of the party which 
he holds together and increasing the number of places to give to his 
friends. And we to-day feel the weight of the burden on us, and 
therefore we complain. He simply lives on his salary and does not 
care about the sufferings of his countrymen. He does not have to 
take the plow in his hands as I do. That is all I have to say. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you a member of the council? 

Mr. de Jesus. No. They have been very careful not to admit me 
to the council. They only take into the council persons who will 
allow the alcalde to do what he likes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is anything being done here to carry out General 
Henry's order to tax liquor and tobacco? 

Mr. de Jesus. Yes; and I have to make an observation about it. 
The order was to cover the deficit caused by the abolition of the con- 
sumption tax. There was no consumption tax here. Every expense 
was covered in the ordinary way. They have raised this liquor and 
tobacco tax higher than they should have done to cover an old deficit, 
which was caused by maladministration and, worse than that, pecu- 
lation. I would, be the first to applaud them if they would collect 
even a larger amount than they required to build schoolhouses, but 
they have used this power to collect more money to cover some mal- 
versations. They do not pay employees in money, but in vales, and 
they go and collect these vales in the mayor's store. The money 
earned by employees should be given to them to spend wherever they 
wish. The alcalde makes it appear that he does it to relieve the mis- 
ery of the people, but it means a percentage for him. The school- 
teacher here is paid in vales also. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you know of anyone here who would like to be 
heard? 

Mr. de Jesus. There are two people who represent the town here. 
The mayor represents the alcaldia, and I represent the rest of the 
people. You hear the alcalde and form your own judgment. You 
can believe according to impressions you form. I have said nothing 
that I can not prove. I bring no political passion to the discussion of 
it. I am only a workingman. I am worth from $15,000 to $20,000, 
and I have made it by my own efforts. 

Note. — A message was sent to the mayor's office advising him thai 
the commissioner was in the town and would be pleased to hear him. 
The messenger was informed that the mayor was not in town. 



532 

BAD MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aguadilla, P. R., January 21, 1899. 

Adrian Del Valle. The municipal administration in the island 
to-day is of the worst description. Towns like this, for example, are 
in a state of despondency — even worse than that. They form a 
budget for $40,000, but there is no way of getting that amount, as the 
people have not that amount to pay. We wish the power granted us 
to raise loans. We owe small amounts. For instance, this munici- 
pality owes only $16,000, which is small. We own property sufficient 
to give good guaranties, and if we could borrow we could give good 
security and pay off these loans without great effort. Why should 
we not have the right to borrow money at per cent when they are 
willing to lend it at that rate in the United States? 

Dr. Carroll. Have not you power to raise a small loan for tempo- 
rary use? 

Dr. Casselduc (the mayor). None whatever. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be likely that if this power were granted 
some municipalities would overwhelm themselves in debt? 

Mr. Del Valle. First give the municipality proper power, and 
then honest and well-wishing men will be brought to the front. With 
such men there would be no danger. Why should they have 20 indi- 
viduals to form a council in this city? Ten would be quite sufficient. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there 20 or 24? 

Mr. Del Valle. There are 20 here. In some places they have 24 
By having a less number it would be possible to find men better fitted 
for the position. The people never make a mistake when they can 
elect their representatives freely. 

Dr. Carroll. Now, about the roads. That has been mentioned as 
one of the most important subjects; and it seems to me to be one of 
importance to Aguadilla. Have you road experts here? Has a care- 
ful estimate been made at any time recently as to the making of a 
good road from here to Lares? 

Mr. Del Valle. Do you mean a broad road? 

Dr. Carroll. What kind of a road do you want? 

Mr. Del Valle. A broad road. The last contract let out by bids 
for making a road was for 116,000 a kilometer. 

Dr. Carroll. Can a good permanent road be made for that amount? 

Dr. Casselduc. Yes. 

Mr. Del Valle. Naturally on that contract the contractor would 
make a profit. Such contracts are put up at public auction, and the 
contract is awarded to the person bidding the lowest amount. 

Mr. , secretary of the council; Mr. L. Torregrosa, a law- 
yer, and Dr. Casselduc, mayor of the city. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you endeavored to carry out the order of Gen- 
eral Henry in respect to taxing wholesale liquor and tobacco dealers? 

Secretary of the Council. We are occupying ourselves now 
with that question. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any difficulty in imposiug the additional 
taxes proposed? 

Mr. Torregrosa. This municipality will have no difficulty. 

Dr. Carroll. In one or two municipalities they have said that this 
tax was impracticable. Then you do not find it so here? 

Dr. Casselduc. No; I think the people will drink and smoke, no 
matter what the price may be. 



533 

Dr. Carroll. Is this a large district? 

Dr. Casselduc. There are 13,000 or 14,000 in the entire district, 
and about 8,000 in the city proper. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think a municipality should include so large 
a rural territory under its jurisdiction? 

Dr. Casselduc Our plan here, I think, resembles much the plan 
in the United States of dividing up the States into counties. 

Mr. Torregrosa. With regard to the system of public instruction, 
the centralization system is still in force, just as it used to be. Munici- 
palities have absolutely no initiative in the matter of education. This 
town formerly supported three schools for males and three for females, 
and one school in each of the rural districts. All three of the male 
schools are to-day without teachers. One of them is being attended 
to by an interim teacher. The ministry of fomento has not taken 
any resolution on the question of naming teachers for the remaining 
schools. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is that? Has it not teachers to appoint? Haven't 
teachers been recommended to it from the municipality? 

Mr. Torregrosa. One of the teachers was taken from here and 
given a school in San Juan. One of the teachers in Mayaguez changed 
with another teacher here. But although the one from here went to 
Mayaguez, the Mayaguez teacher would not come here, as he is a 
Spaniard. 

Dr. Carroll. How long have these vacancies existed? 

Mr. Torregrosa. Six or seven months at least. 

Dr. Carroll. Were they brought promptly to the attention of the 
secretary of fomento? 

Mr. Torregrosa. He must have known about it, because he is the 
person who has charge of the subject. I do not know whether it is a 
question of saving or simply a case of letting the matter drift that the 
teachers have not been named. Unfortunately, the town council is 
composed of nullities who do not know anything about municipal 
affairs or anything connected with it. Last night they took measures 
among themselves to get rid of the present alcalde, who is a man of 
worth. To show you the extent of their ignorance, I will mention an 
instance. General Henry asked the mayors, when they met him in 
consultation, as to whether or not' they were willing to have kinder- 
gartens established in their district. Dr. Casselduc presented the 
matter to the council, and one of the members said, "We have no 
gardens here that could be used for any such purpose." The alcalde 
had to explain to them what it meant. 

Dr. Carroll. Were the members of the council elected or appointed? 

Mr. Torregrosa. You have to understand the politics of the coun- 
try to be able to comprehend how it is possible to form such a town 
council. The persons who belong to a certain political party are 
interested in naming the most ignorant persons, so as to have them as 
easy tools, and persons of any degree of culture or education have to 
refrain from taking part in the citj^ government for that reason. 

Dr. Carroll. You need a reform, then, beginning from the top 
down. 

Mr. Torregrosa. When General Henry called the meeting of dele- 
gates, I was one of those who attended, and I asked to have an inter- 
view with him. General Henry requested a list of persons who would 
be suitable for the council, and I made out a list, giving him names 
of persons of both shades of political opinion. 

Dr. Carroll. General Henry has the matter under consideration, 



534 

and he desires to have the council divided politically, both in Agua- 
dilla and elsewhere, but it takes a little time to make such reforms. 
Practically, at present you have no schools here that amount to any- 
thing. 

Mr. Torregrosa. We have none, and what is specially necessary 
here is a couple of schools taught by lady teachers for our children. 
We wish to introduce the teaching of the English language in the dis- 
trict, and as soon as the proper persons get into the municipal coun- 
cil that will be the first thing the3 T will do. The municipality can 
support schools if it wishes to. 

Mr. Robert Schnabel. One thing we want especially is a police 
force, particularly a country police. The country is full of marauders. 
After they got tired of burning estates, they commenced assassination 
and all sorts of mischief. Every now and then these things occur. 
Some of those who went to the justice to make complaint were not 
attended to because the greater part of the judges, as well as the 
mayors, are in complicity with these lawless people, and it is hard to 
say, but it is true, the chief trouble is politics. Captain Mans- 
field can confirm this. At Pinas some of these outlaws took charge of 
an estate and drove off the manager. He applied to the niayor, but 
the mayor would do nothing. The matter was then brought to the 
attention of Captain Mansfield, who said the mayor must attend to it 
and give protection, otherwise he, Captain Mansfield, would consider 
him an accomplice. You would naturally think that the mayor would 
have resigned then, but he did not. He yielded to Captain Mansfield 
and sent the police. This town council is as bad as you can imagine, 
and thej^ were all put in office by political preference. We applied 
to General Brooke for protection against attacks of marauders, but he 
said, "You must defend yourselves," and that was all the consolation 
we got. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think that there should be a considerable 
degree of liberty for the cities'? 

Mr. Schnabel. Not at present. The people are not educated suffi- 
ciently for that ; they have given proof of it. They got autonomy from 
Spain, and there was fighting all around. 



M UNICIPAL O O VERNMENT IN MA TAG UEZ. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Mayaguez, P. R., January ££, 1899. 
Mr. Manuel Balsac, secretary of the council. since last Ma} T and 
an employee of the office for twenty-five years, and Mr. St. Laurent, 
mayor : 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask a few questions further regard- 
ing the composition of the municipal government. I want to get an 
idea of the constitution of a municipal government with all its bureaus. 
Is there a department of wharves or department of the plaza? 

Secretary Balsac. There used to be port works in the city over 
which the niayor had jurisdiction, as a board of port works, but since 
that board was dissolved in May there is none, and nobody has juris- 
diction at present. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the titular doctors constitute a board or a sepa- 
rate department? 



535 

Secretaiy Balsac. The three titular doctors do not constitute a 
separate department, but report individually and directly to the sec- 
retary. The two hospitals are under the department of charities. 
The house of refuge for the poor is also a part of public charities. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the care of prisons also under the municipality? 

Secretaiy Balsac. There is a prison which is used for the purpose 
of receiving prisoners from what is called the prison district, compris- 
ing several municipal districts. That is managed by a separate board, 
of which it happens that the mayor is the head. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you have also a municipal jail? 

Mr. St. Laurent. In the police barracks we have a place of deten- 
tion, but only for twenty-four hours. i 

Dr. Carroll. Are there committees for all these departments? 

Mr. St. Laurent. The council is divided into six committees, which 
divide up this among them, with the exception of the district prison, 
which has a separate committee. 

Dr. Carroll. What are these six committees called? 

Secretaiy Balsac. The first is the committee of estimates; then 
the committee of instruction, the committee of public works and 
adornment, the committee on charities, the committee on health, and 
the committee of police. 

Dr. Carroll. I notice that there is a park down by the theater. Is 
that a public park? 

Mr. St. Laurent. That comes under the committee of public works 
and adornment. There is another small one behind the custom-house. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it the intention to introduce trees in these parks 
to afford shade, as is the custom in America? 

Mr. St. Laurent We have a project for making this street into a 
boulevard, planting trees and making broad sidewalks, but have not 
been able to carry it out for want of funds. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any other city in the island that has a project 
for a park like that? 

Mr. St. Laurent. I think Ponce has. If Mayaguez could borrow 
the money it desires to, we could greatly embellish the cny. There is 
a space beyond the barracks which it is intended to use for a park. 

Dr. Carroll. How many members are there in the council? 

Mr. St. Laurent. Twenty-three, the mayor making twenty-four. 

Dr. Carroll. How often does the council meet? 

Mr. St. Laurent. Every Monday at 8 o'clock. If a quorum is not 
present, a meeting is held on the Wednesday following. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the members of the council here general tax- 
payers? 

Mr. St. Laurent. Yes. I should explain in reference to our meet- 
ings that on Monday a quorum consists of one-half the number of 
members plus one, but if we do not get a quorum on Monday and 
must hold the meeting on Wednesday the quorum is whatever num- 
ber may be present. 

Dr. Carroll. I would now like to ask your opinion as to what 
changes are desirable in the matter of municipal administration to 
make it more effective? 

Mr. St. Laurent, mayor. Our aspiration is to have an ample munic- 
ipal autonomy, so that everything relating to local life can be attended 
to by us without having recourse to the central government. It has 
been our constant struggle with Spain to decentralize the government. 
For instance, the municipality of Mayaguez has not the power to name 
one of its own teachers. We nominate a teacher, but have to send 



536 

the name to headquarters. We think there would be no barm in a 

provision requiring municipalities to notify headquarters of the 
appointment of a teacher, but not for the purpose of confirmation. I 
think taxation should be left to the municipal authorities. The cus- 
tom is now under the Spanish law for the amount to be named at 
headquarters, and we have to procure that amount whether we are 
able to or not. 

Dr. Carroll. You mean the state taxes? 

Mr. St. Laurent. I mean that each municipality should name the 
amount that it should pay to the state for the state government. 

Secretary Balsac. The municipalities want to have their taxation 
absolutely free from state control; that the state should support its 
government by custom-house receipts and should have no right to 
impose on municipalities, as such, any direct taxation ; that the state 
should collect its taxes independently of municipalities. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it increase the effectiveness of municipal gov- 
ernment to divide the municipal districts so that the citj^ of Mayaguez, 
for instance, should have control simply over the city proper, leaving 
the rural districts to organize into various forms of rural government — 
into villages, hamlets, as the case might be'? 

Secretary Balsac. Mayaguez has no dependent villages. Outside 
of the city proper this municipal district consists entirely of agricul- 
tural holdings without any aggregations of population. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be proper, then, that the agricultural 
interests should form a rural government of its own, to be known as 
townships, as in the United States. These township organizations are 
very simple, and while they have the necessary functions their economy 
of management is such that a very small rate of taxation is required 
to meet their expenses. 

Mr. St. Laurent. How would the city sustain itself? 

Dr. Carroll. By its own inhabitants. By taxes upon the property 
within its own limits. 

Mr. St. Laurent. A large number of those living in the country 
have the advantages of the city. I have my estate in the country, 
but I live in the city. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't see how that affects the matter. You are an 
absentee landlord. 

Mr. St. Laurent. The workingman pays absolutely nothing. 

Dr. Carroll. But there are planters who live on their estates, are 
there not'? Such a division would result in the decrease of the amount 
these would have to pay, because now they pay for the fire department, 
for the police department, and for streets, the advantages of which 
are nothing to them. 

Mr. St. Laurent. They also pay for the hospital and for the 
vicinage roads, in the benefits of which they do participate. 

Dr. Carroll. But they can have them for themselves and relieve 
you of that. 

Mr. St. Laurent. Later on. It appears to be a good idea, because 
it is a very just one. The principal thing is to bring these people 
together into groups. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States we have rural districts, just as 
you have, where the house's are 2 miles or more apart, and yet in a 
township 4 or 5 miles square there will be an aggregation of houses 
which will form a government of simple form which will look after the 
roads, after the elections, and after such matters as concern them. It 
is said that people who have never exercised responsibility are not fit 



537 

to exercise responsibility and that they will do very foolish and unwise 
things; but on the principle that after a child is burned it will avoid 
the fire such people will learn by their mistakes. 

Secretary Balsac. I consider the idea a very fine one, but I don't see 
how it can be brought into practice without other improvements 
being introduced. 

Dr. Carroll. I am not proposing an argument for it with a view 
to imposing it upon the people of Porto Rico, but I am making the 
statement I do so that you may fully understand it, as I want to get 
your judgment as to whether this system, which has been used in the 
United States, could be introduced gradually into Porto Rico for the 
benefit and gradual education of the whole people. 

Mr. St. Laurent. It could be implanted here, with certain modifi- 
cations, until the people congregate more in the country districts. 

Dr. Carroll. I laid this idea before Don Lucas Amadeo, and he 
thought it an excellent idea and one which ought to be implanted in 
some way in Porto Rico. He regarded it as an excellent educational 
project to instruct people in the manner and ways and principles of 
civil government. 



Mayaguez, P. R., January #4, 1899. 
Don Genaro Cartagena: 

Dr. Carroll. You are president of the department of public works, 
I understand. 

Don Cartegena. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What is included in that department? 

Don Cartagena. Streets, roads, buildings, and the aqueduct. 

Dr. Carroll. What public buildings have you? 

Don Cartagena. The alcaldia, the market, theater, slaughter- 
house, and the plazas. 

Dr. Carroll. Not the custom-house? 

Don Cartagena. No ; nor the office of the captain of the port. 

Dr. Carroll. No public school buildings? 

Don Cartagena. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Not churches? 

Don Cartagena. I don't know about that. 

Dr. Carroll. Nor a cemetery? 

Don Cartagena. Yes; it cost $14,000, and 1 suppose it belongs to 
us, because it was built with money of the municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. Any other public buildings? 

Don Cartagena. I know of none. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the aqueduct of which you speak? 

Don Cartagena. It is to bring water to the city; but is in a very 
bad condition. There are four reservoirs. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the source of the water supply? 

Don Cartagena. A river about 6 kilometers distant from the city. 
It is a very small river in the mountains. 

Dr. Carroll. How is the water gotten into the reservoirs? Is there 
natural descent? 

Don Cartagena. There is a dam to hold back the water, and that 
causes it to flow into the reservoir. 

Dr. Carroll. How large are the reservoirs? 

Don Cartagena. I don't know. 



538 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any attempt made to filter the water? 

Don Cartagena. Up to the present they don't filter the water. We 
are considering now whether to build more reservoirs or to put in 
filters. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the water considered reasonably pure? 

Don Cartagena. Not in the rainy season. Two clays after a rain 
the water gets turbid. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any contamination, so far as you know, of 
the water supply in the river above? 

Don Cartagena. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the reservoirs protected from contamination? 

Don Cartagena. Two are open and two are closed. They take care 
that they are not contaminated. 

Mr. Federico Gatell, a member of the council and of the board 
of health. It is in a bad condition in this respect, that the water d oes 
not bring down any foreign substances other than earthy matters. 
There are no foreign bodies'thrown into the water. The last Ameri- 
can engineer who was here spoke of the matter and offered to make 
free plans for the establishment of a filter, and the municipality 
offered $10,000 to carry it through; but he went to Ponce and nothing 
has since been heard from it. We have no good engineer in our own 
in the city. We wish to better the condition of the aqueduct. We 
understand that it is an absolute necessity for the town to have an 
abundance of pure water. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the streets piped so as to carry water to all the 
houses? 

Mr. Gatell. Yes; but the water supply is not sufficient. When 
we water the streets the houses have not enough. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the size of the main? 

Mr. Cartagena. Those that come to the reservoirs are 12 inches 
in diameter, and the others are 7 and 9. They are iron pipes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is any charge made to the residents for water, or is it 
free? 

Mr. Cartagena. Pipes leading from house to house of one-quarter 
inch cost $4 a year; a half- inch pipe, $8, and 1-inch pipe for factories, 
$100 a year. 

Dr. Carroll. In the rainy season there is plenty of water, I sup- 
pose. 

Mr. Gatell. There is never an absolute failure of water. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the dry season? 

Mr. Cartagena. From now until May. The rest of the year we 
have plenty of water. 

Dr. Carroll. What other sources are there? 

Mr. Cartagena. That is one of the questions we want, an engineer 
to study. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any waste of the water during the rainy sea- 
son? 

Mr. Cartagena. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Some houses let the water run all the time. It seems 
to me, if you have no other supply, you might economize by having 
meters and compelling people to pay by the amount of water that runs 
through. 

Mr. Cartagena. All that is under consideration now. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose it would cost a great deal, though, to put 
in the meters. 

Mr. Cartagena. Yes. 



539 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any sewers in the city? 

Mr. Cartagena. Very few. 

Dr. Carroll. Where do the sewers empty? 

Mr. Cartagena. In the river. 

Mr. Gatell. I have applied to the municipality for permission to 
purchase a couple of odorless carts to remove waste matter. Mr. 
Estenache, of Ponce, wishes to obtain the contract to sewer the city, 
but as that is a slow and expensive matter, I would like, to introduce 
these carts here to serve in the meantime. 

Dr. Carroll. The question I asked was about the sewerage. 

Mr. Gatell. Few houses — for instance, this on the plaza — have made 
their own sewers, and their pipes discharged in one of the barrios. 
They have taken them down to a ravine, and everything falls into that. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that the sewage is exposed. Is any- 
thing done to deprive it of its noxious character? 

Mr. Cartagena. The water from the river washes the matter into 
the sea. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it communicated to the river? 

Mr. Cartagena. It is a gulch. It is not a river. 

Dr. Carroll. Of course that is below the water supply? 

Mr. Cartagena. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any habitations in that neighborhood? 

Mr. Cartagena. None at all. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the condition of the health of the city? 

Mr. Gatell. Very good. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have any epidemics here? 

Mr. Cartagena. In the year 1856 we had cholera. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have yellow fever? 

Mr. Gatell. There used to be cases among the Spanish troops. 

Dr. Carroll. You have malarial fevers? 

Mr. Gatell. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Does smallpox ever become epidemic here? 

Mr. Cartagena. Very seldom. Such cases are removed far from 
the city. They are usually of a mild character. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much mortality among children? , 

Mr. Gatell. No. The civil registrar keeps record of the deaths, 
and causes of deaths, and we will give you last year's record. This 
year has probably the greatest number of deaths of the century. 
These records will show also the ages. 

Dr. Carroll. I have asked no questions about the condition of the 
streets because I can see for myself that they are kept clean. I would 
now like to ask a few questions more of the president of the board of 
public works. How much money yearly is expended on the streets 
and roads of the district? 

Mr. Cartagena. We have this year $5,000 for the streets and 
$5,000 for the- roads which lead to the city, not including vicinage 
roads. We have only been in control of these matters for a few 
months. 

Dr. Carroll. What important roads lead out of Ma3^aguez? 

Mr. Cartagena. Two roads, one to Aguadilla and one to San Ger- 
man. The macadamizing of the road to Anasco reaches only to the 
River Anasco. We have nothing to do with that. The State pays 
for it. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the State roads in fair condition, or do they 
require much to be done? 

Mr. Cartagena. They are in fairly good condition. 



540 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask some questions of the mayor. 
What departments are there in the city government of Mayaguez? 

Mr. St. Laurent. The alcalde's office, the secretary's office — the 
secretary being the chief clerk — the department of public instruction, 
municipal taxes department, charities, police, hacienda, cattle brands, 
public library— perhaps the best in the island — municipal architecture, 
and the accountant's office. In this office is the depositary of munici- 
pal funds. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, what is the hacienda'? 

Mr. St. Laurent. The hacienda is for the fixing of the rates and 
the collection of the taxes. We have an emergency hospital, which 
comes under public charities; police barracks, which belong to the 
department of police, and we have three titular doctors. These doc- 
tors do not hold meetings, but are called upon when needed. We 
have also a fire department. The bureau of architecture is under 
public works. All the city councilors are divided into commissions, 
and each commissioner undertakes the supervision of his respective 
work. They serve gratuitously. We have also a general hospital 
and houses of refuge for the poor. 

Mr. Ricardo Rivera. The laboring class is in a very poor condition, 
owing chiefly to the poverty of the agriculturist, who is not able to 
assist him to rise. The country requires assistance, especially in the 
matter of the money exchange. The agriculturists of my district wish 
the exchange made at the rate of two for one. We would also like to 
have the municipalities of Las Marias and Maricao added to the munici- 
pal district of Mayaguez. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do you wish to have these municipalities added 
to Mayaguez? 

Mr. Rivera. Because they are burdened with a horde of employees 
whose only work consists in collecting their salaries. 

Dr. Carroll. How would it do, instead of annexing these munici- 
palities to Mayaguez, to dethrone these municipalities as such and 
constitute in their places simple governments by towns or villages, 
which require very few employees and incur very few expenses? This 
would be a most economical way of conducting rural government. 

Mr. Rivera. That is just what I would wish to avoid. I believe in 
centralizing the government, as they have it in Spain. I think they 
should remove the officers from these small municipalities of Las 
Marias and Maricao and bring these places under the municipality of 
Mayaguez. We want this because it would be very much better than 
any other government, however simple. 

Dr. Carroll. You planters who live in rural districts, assuming 
that your district were annexed to this, would have to pay for the care 
of these streets, for the lighting of these streets. You would have to 
pay for the fire department and for many of these things in the city, 
the benefits of which you do not enjoy. There are many things neces- 
sary in a city which are not needed for scattered houses. 

Mr. FaJx\rdo, of Hormigueros, stated that the people of that town 
applied to General Henry for an opportunity to hold an election to 
decide whether they should be annexed to Mayaguez; that the elec- 
tion was conducted under the superintendence of Major Cooper; that 
it resulted in 198 in favor of annexation aud 2 against it; that in the 
municipality there were 115 who could read and a somewhat larger 
number who were taxpayers ; that the 2 who opposed annexation were 
the son of the alcalde and the son of the secretary; that the munici- 
pality had a large number of employees, and that its expenses amounted 
to $12,000 a year. 



541 

Mr. Manuel Badrena, ex-United States consul at Mayaguez: 

Dr. Carroll. Why is Mayaguez so much more thrifty, with wider 
streets and finer buildings, than other cities in the island? 

Mr. Badrena. At the time of the exchange of the Mexican money 
there were many rich men here and we have had good mayors. 

Dr. Carroll. Did the insular government discriminate against 
Mayaguez in any way because there were few Spanish houses here? 

Mr. Badrena. No. 

Dr. Carroll. They say in Aguadilla that it did there. " 

Mr. Badrena. I do not believe it. 

Dr. Carroll. They say they never could get any money for the 
road to Lares, and that by reason of the failure of the government 
to take action Arecibo was built up at the expense of Aguadilla. 

Mr. Badrena. That depended on who represented the municipality 
in the Porto Rican congress. People are very fond of mixing politics 
with these matters. The Liberals are in power here — in fact, every- 
where in the island. They are in power because they know the tricks 
and can cany the elections. They had to send four deputies to San 
Juan from this district. These had to be elected on the same day and 
at the same hour in six different towns. The Radicals were sure that 
out of the four they would get one or two, but they published the 
record of the election when they had arrived at the result in these 
towns. Thej^ left the town of Lares to level up the number of votes. 
When they found the votes were against them, they made up false 
returns there, so as to make up the difference. That is what we call 
in Spanish a "political stew." 



MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS IN SAN GERMAN 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

• San German, P. R. , January 26, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. How long have you been alcalde? 

Mr. Felix Acosta (mayor). Seven or eight months. I was the vice- 
alcalde in the old days. I have virtually been alcalde for a year and 
a half. 

Dr. Carroll. How many councilmen are there? 

Mr. Acosta. Twenty-one. The number is not complete, but I have 
seen in the papers that the others have been named. They are pro- 
posed from here and named at the capital. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the ones that have been proposed been ap- 
pointed? 

Mr. Acosta. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the present councilmen been members very 
long? 

Mr. Acosta. A little more than a year. 

Dr. Carroll. Is any attention given in the choice of councilmen to 
party affiliations? 

Mr. Acosta. A month ago, in the captain's house (Captain Gold- 
man, United States Army), we called eleven of one party and eleven 
of another, and this delegation decided to set aside party differences. 
They took steps for a celebration and we held a big meeting in the 
theater, in which the whole town celebrated the disappearance of 
political differences. There are six or seven Liberals, six or seven 
Radicals, and six or seven of the old Unconditional party forming the 
present party. 



542 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a good class of people in the council? 

Mr. Acosta. They try to pick the best men of the city and coun- 
try districts. 

Dr. Carroll. How many inhabitants are there in the city proper 
according to the last census'? 

Mr. Acosta. Nearly 5,000. 

Dr. Carroll. How many in the municipal district? 

Mr. Acosta. About 20,000. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the chief industries? 

Mr. Acosta. Sugar, some coffee, and tobacco. 

Dr. Carroll. Not much coffee? 

Mr. Acosta. Small coffee farms only. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the amount of your annual budget in the 
municipality? 

Mr. Acosta. It was $52,000, but we have lowered it about 110,000, 
so that it is now approximately $42,000. It has been lowered by rea- 
son of the removal of the consumption tax. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you reduced your expenses any? 

Mr. Acosta. When I came here there were seven clerks. I have 
only allowed three to remain. We have reduced expenses. 

Dr. Carroll. Mr. Mayor, you said the budget was formerly $52,000, 
but has been reduced to $42,000. 

Mr. Acosta. I spoke then offhand. I have the budget here and 
want to give the exact figures. The total of the budget is $51,960 for 
the current year, from which is to be deducted $4,084 as not applying 
to the municipality, but to prisons. In all, there has been a reduc- 
tion of $10,000, and there is to be a further reduction. 

Dr. Carroll. How much of the total amount is for streets? 

Mr. Acosta. I will give you the items one by one : 

Repairs to the alcaldia and other municipal buildings _ $500 

Construction and care of roads, bridges, and cart roads - . . _. . 1, 500 

Tools for the road r 100 

Streets, drains, and everything concerning streets 600 

Implements for cemetery . 13 

Police . 3,160 

Schools: 

Salaries ■_ 5,640 

Materials . .. 1 1,174 

One gratuity was made by the Spanish Government, which paid for 
an assistant teacher. There are, in all, 13 teachers and 13 schools. 

Dr. Carroll. How much is spent on the fire department? 

Mr. Acosta. We have no fire department. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any charities? 

Mr. Acosta. We pay $1,500 in salaries for the services of three 
titular doctors; $1,300 for material, such as alms for the poor, medi- 
cines, and the sustaining of the poor and the hospitals. The amount 
is insufficient for these purposes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a city hospital? 

Mr. Acosta. We have to pay for each sick person a half dollar in 
the hospital here. 

Dr. Carroll. What is meant by this item which appears here as 
back royal dues of something over $2,000? 

The Depositary. This is an amount the municipality has been 
owing for several years to the royal treasury of Spain, and it is being- 
claimed now. The treasury department in San Juan is still trying to 
make us pay it. 



543 

Dr. Carroll. How was the debt contracted? 

The Depositary. The municipality was obliged in former years to 
collect the state taxes, and as there was difficulty in collecting them, 
when the municipality remitted what it had collected the amount fell 
short of the total assessment, which was charged up against the munici- 
pality, although the municipality had no interest in these taxes and 
derived no benefit from them. 

Dr. Carroll. For what purpose is the secretary of the treasury at 
San Juan claiming this amount? 

The Depositary. I don't know for what reason, but as he has to 
approve this he wants the amount paid. 

Dr. Carroll. When was the demand for this first made? 

Mr. Acosta. Less than two months ago. Mr. Cuebas, of the Maya- 
guez custom-house, acting under orders from the capital, made the 
demand. 

The Depositary. When the demand was made for this amount we 
said that we did not see how we could owe this money, as it was a 
debt to the royal treasury of Spain. We have received no reply to 
that. 

Dr. Carroll. And you have not forwarded the money to them? 

Mr. Acosta. No ; most certainly not. 

Dr. Carroll. Does this municipality owe anything to the provin- 
cial deputation in addition to this? 

Mr. Acosta. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the school expenses all paid up to date? 

Mr. Acosta. We owe only for the current month. 

Dr. Carroll. When was the last contribution paid for the support 
of the church? 

Mr. Acosta. We never paid that. It was paid from the insular 
treasury. 

Dr. Carroll. How were these debts due to the provincial deputa- 
tion contracted? 

Mr. Acosta. The amounts that were levied on the municipality 
were not always covered, and this is the sum of the deficiencies. All 
the municipalities together owe the deputation, perhaps, $100,000, but 
it owns buildings worth, perhaps, $1,000,000, built from money con- 
tributed by the municipalities, so that really the deputation is the 
debtor. 

Dr. Carroll. I notice that in some years the deaths exceed the 
births. 

Mr. Acosta. We had two successive years an epidemic of smallpox 
and typhoid. 

A Gentleman present. Not all the births are inscribed. 

Mr. Acosta. All the marriages are. 

Dr. Carroll. What changes, if any, do you think should be made 
in the municipal government to make it more effective? 

Mr. Acosta. Full municipal autonomy; liberty to name our own 
councilmen and officers. 

Dr. Carroll. I find that that sentiment is unanimous; everywhere 
they say the same thing. 

Mr. Acosta. We don't want to have to submit our officers for 
approval of the central government for everything.. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any complaints here about assessments for 
taxation? 

The Depositary. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any suggestions to make with regard to the 
management of prisons? 



544 

Mr. Acosta. We have asked permission of the central government 
to put the prisoners at work on the roads. 

Dr. Carroll. Are all prisoners put together in the same prison? 

Mr. Acosta. Yes; they all go together. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not possible that those put in for first offenses 
might be inoculated by older criminals? 

Mr. Acosta. Very likely that is so; but as we have no other place, 
we have to put them there. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any prisoners? 

Mr. Acosta. Forty-odd. 

Dr. Carroll. For what offenses, principally? 

Mr. Acosta. Assaults. 

Dr. Carroll. Many for petty thieving? 

Mr. Acosta. Yes; quite a number. 

Dr. Carroll. None for very serious crimes? 

Mr. Acosta. That kind does not come here, but to the capital, and 
there were four who committed murder and have been sent to the 
capital. 

Dr. Carroll. Are those arrested here for serious offenses impris- 
oned here until their trial? 

• Mr. Acosta. Thej r remain here until they have been sentenced by 
the audiencia. When the audiencia sentences them the judges 
themselves designate the prisons where they are to serve out their 
sentences. 



MUNICIPAL FINANCES. 

[.Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cabo Rojo, P. R., January 27, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you anything to say, Mr. Mayor, with refer- 
ence to municipal government in the island? 

The Mayor. I think it would be preferable to allow the municipali- 
ties to act on their own authority and on their own responsibility, 
without having to depend upon the permission of anybody outside of 
the city. 

(The hearing was interrupted for a few moments, some hats being 
brought in for examination. The commissioner, desiring to buy one, 
offered a $5 bill, which the hat owner was unable to change. On 
applying to the alcalde, he said that there was not money enough in 
the city treasury to change that amount. ) 

Dr. Carroll. What is the matter, Mr. Mayor, with your city treas-, 
ury? 

The Mayor. This is one of the towns most punished by the war. 
We also had an epidemic of smallpox, and had to apply to the insular 
government for assistance. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that this is not so well kept a town 
as others I have seen. The streets are not clean, and things are not 
in good order. Your vicinage road is not as good as others. I should 
think the city would suffer by leaving these affairs in such a condi- 
tion. 

The Mayor. It is all due to the want of money. To economize this 
year it has reduced the amount for street cleaning and everything else 
relating to good municipal government. Consequently anybody in 
the mayor's chair has a difficult position to-day. 



545 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me it would be well to exercise your 
economy somewhere else and keepj r our streets in good order, because 
that indicates thrift, and makes strangers think there is some thrift 
and some management. 

The Mayor. If I had money, I could put things in good condition. 
As it is I find myself with folded arms. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you done anything in this city to carry out 
the spirit of the order of General Henry removing the consumption 
tax? 

The Mayor. The tax on meat and bread has been already taken 
off. This city is the one, perhaps, in which meat is sold the cheapest 
in the island. I think the price of bread will also fall. 

Dr. Carroll. When was the tax taken off? 

The Mayor. On the 5th of this month, when the circular was 
issued. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you taken any steps to levy additional tax on 
dealers, wholesale and retail, in liquors and tobacco? 

The Mayor. The adjustment and distribution of the tax is being- 
attended to now. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you anticipate any difficulty in collecting that 
tax? 

The Mayor. I don't think so. The people of the town are very 
good. No matter how much they object, they will pay. 

Dr. Carroll. How many retail dealers are there? 

The Mayor. There are fifty-five. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many wholesale dealers here? 

The Mayor. No; we have dealers who will sell a sack or two of 
rice, but I don't call that wholesale. 

Dr. Carroll. I refer to liquors. 

The Mayor. Only the cane growers, who sell rum by wholesale. 
There are eleven dealers in the municipal district of Cabo Rojo. 
There are thirteen wholesale dealers. There are twenty-two tobacco 
workers. By tobacco workers I mean to say the men who make the 
tobacco into rolls for export. They will suffer loss caused by the 
difference between the internal-revenue tax and the consumption tax 
of $4,200. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you reduced your budget? 

The Mayor. The budget was $29,000 ; we have reduced it to 124,000. 

Dr. Carroll. About how many clerks have you here? 

The Mayor. Our office force, in addition to the alcalde, is 1 sec- 
retary, 2 clerks, 1 depositary of funds, 1 chief of police and 7 police- 
men, 2 employees to look after the consumption tax, 2 police for the 
alcaldia, 1 for the municipal judge, 1 clerk for the municipal judge, 
1 attendant at the hospital, 1 janitor for the alcaldia, and 1 watchman 
for the cemetery. We have a poor system of lighting and a poor 
system of cleaning. 

Mr. Ramirez. I bring some information in writing. 

Mr. Pagan. I desire to say something to clear up an opinion that 
might be formed from the document o f Mr. Ramirez in reference to salt — 
that although the poor people used to work the salt mines here, the 
Government sold the salt mines to the present owners on public sale 
for $200,000. It was paid by the present owners. 

Dr. Carroll. How much tax is paid to the municipality and to the 
insular government by the salt works? 

Mr. Pagan. Up to the present we have enjoyed a right, granted 
by the Madrid Government, that these mines should be free from 
1125 35 



546 

taxes for ten years. This year $1,500 has been assigned by the mu- 
nicipality; nothing to the insular government. We pay a mining 
right every year of $60 to the insular government upon each mining 
claim. 

Dr. Carroll. How much was paid last year? 

Mr.. Pagan. I know that 77 pesos was paid as a municipal tax. 
This year it will be 1,500 pesos for the municipality. 

(The official budget was subsequently produced, which showed that 
the amount of tax assessed against the salt industries was 1,200 pesos 
instead of 1,500 pesos, as stated by Mr. Pagan.) 

Dr. Carroll. How many inhabitants are there in the city of Cabo 
Rojo proper? 

The Mayor. About 3,000; the whole municipality contains 18,000. 

Dr. Carroll. What kind of road is there from here to the port? 

The Mayor. It is a second-class road. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it in as bad condition as the vicinage road out 
here? 

Mr. Ortiz. It is in a worse condition. 

Dr. Carroll. What would be the use, then, of having a port made 
of Cabo Rojo if you can not get your products to the port? 

The Mayor. We would undertake that, because the owners of the 
salt mines would want to get it in good condition. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do you think it would take to put the 
road in good permanent condition? 

The Mayor. From $1,000 to $1,500. It is very short. Possibly it 
would require $2,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that a municipal or a state road? 

The Mayor. A municipal road, but it is considered as a cart road. 
The Spanish Government, however, never took any pains to make it 
what they called it. 



MUNICIPALITIES AND SCHOOLS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Fajardo, P. R., January 31, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. How many members are there in your council? 

The Mayor. Fifteen constituted the council, but there are three 
vacancies. 

Mr. Bird. I think Fajardo has too many councilors. 

Dr. Carroll. You have municipalities within this municipality, 
have you not? 

The Mayor. We had, but they asked for annexation and now form 
but one. Before that they had separate administration. 

Dr. Carroll. They don't have an alcalde now? 

The Mayor. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any other towns in this municipality 
except Luquillo? 

The Mayor. Ceiba is here, although it is only a small collection of 
houses. 

Dr. Carroll. Are these towns represented in your council? 

The Mayor. Ceiba had three, and one of them resigned. Luquillo 
has not at present, but has named one who will probably be accepted. 

Dr. Carroll. About what is the amount of your annual budget? 

The Mayor. Thirty-seven thousand six hundred dollars. We owe a 



547 

portion of that, $2,600, on account of the annexation of Ceiba, which 
was an old deficit that town had. We paid $2,600 toward the district 
prison, which is atrocious; also a back debt of $900 to $1,000 to the 
provincial deputation; we have 15 schools, costing $7,255; to-day 
they cost more than $8,200. 

Dr. Carroll. Have yon sufficient accommodation for the children 
of the municipality? 

The Mayor. If all the children went to school, we would not 
have. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there room for all who want to go? 

The Mayor. If it were a question of wanting to go to school, not 
one-tenth part of those who do go would attend school. They are 
compelled to go. There are many fathers of families who, although 
they might want to send their children to school, are unable to do so 
because of the great distance and bad roads. The government should 
take some steps to bring into the cities, or nearer the cities, these 
people who are spread over the district, and it would then be easier to 
compel children to attend. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the schools provided with good teachers? 

The Mayor. According to the old law they are fully up to their 
requirements, but they do not measure up to modern ideas. 

Dr. Carroll. How much is annually appropriated for the police 
department? 

The Mayor. Five thousand eight hundred and thirty-four dollars. 
A portion of this amount will be reduced, as this estimate covers the 
creation of a rural police which has not been created yet. This item 
was intended to cover any deficiency caused by the .removal of the 
troops, and as the colonial police are being formed we will be able to • 
reduce this amount. There are now 11 policemen altogether. 

Dr. Carroll. How much of the amount goes to streets? 

The Mayor. Fifty dollars only. 

Dr. Carroll. How much goes to the roads? 

The Mayor. Eight hundred dollars. Bridges and culverts, $100. 

Dr. Carroll. That is very insufficient, of course, both for streets 
and roads. 

The Mayor. It is very little and insufficient owing to the fact that 
this locality is ruined by reason of the sugar crops and everything 
else failing to bring in the amount they should. We can not collect 
sufficient money to attend to these things. The most eloquent data 
that can be given you at this point is that among the three towns of 
Ceiba, Luquillo, and Fajardo there used to be twenty-five cane mills; 
to-day there are only twelve. Thirteen have died, and among them 
the richest in the municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any state road here? 

The Mayor. Yes; as far as Rio Grande. From Fajardo to Ceiba 
the road is in quite good condition, but municipalities like Rio Grande 
never take any care of roads. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you anything to say with regard to municipal 
government? 

The Mayor. I am satisfied with everything as it is because at the 
head of affairs in the capital we have men of great talent who know 
the needs of the country and are inclined to attend to them. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think municipalities should continue as they 
are, and that it is well to have the government at the capital revise 
and supervise the acts of all municipalities throughout the island and 
approve or disapprove as they like? 



548 

The Mayor. I think the municipalities should have their own sphere 

of action and should be autonomous, and should be accountable for 
their acts directly to the people of the municipality; but I think the 
old government in the capital should continue. 

Dr. Carroll. It is not a question of the continuance of the insular 
government. The question I am trying to get at is the relation of the 
insular and municipal governments. 

The Mayor. I am in favor of municipalities being able to collect 
and dispose of their funds as they want. I don't consider that the 
insular government has any right to impose on them the amount of 
funds they are to collect, or the number of schools, for instance, that 
shall be established. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the municipality should have absolute 
control over the employment and dismissal of teachers, for example? 

The Mayor. That is my desire and the desire of all mj r councilors. 
We want complete power to remove and appoint our employees. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you want a measure of municipal autonomy? 

(A recess was here taken until 2 o'clock in the afternoon. ) 

Mr. Antonio Barcelo. As regards municipal autonomy, the insu- 
lar government has already presented to General Henry a plan of 
municipal autonomy with which the municipalities would very 
generally be satisfied. As regards the schools, I don't think the munic- 
ipalities should have direct intervention, especially as no two munici- 
palities agree exactly as to school systems, and there would be a want 
of uniformity if they could all do as they pleased in the matter. All 
expenses occasioned by public instruction should be borne by the 
state, and not by the municipalities. These are the onh T two points 
on which I wish to make comment. 

Mr. Barcelo. There are some municipalities here so poor that they 
would not be able to attend to school matters as they should. I think 
that by having a central plan by which so many schools haye to be 
provided per so many inhabitants there would be uniformity, and 
the system would work better. 

Dr. Veva. I am with you completely in your suggestions, when once 
the Territorial law or other civil law may be granted us. Meanwhile, 
under the old Spanish laws, which have never been removed, but which 
with all their drawbacks are still in force, we can do nothing, because 
the state is in a condition of abject misery. One of the most important 
and transcendental matters of the island is public instruction. That 
which we have, and which comes from the old Spanish system, is bad. 
It never did and never will give good results. This -system is to be 
removed and replaced by another, but as this replacement means the 
spending of large sums of money and the muncipalities, ruined as 
they are, will not be able to raise those sums, the money Avill have 
to be found in some other quarter. 

Dr. Carroll. That is clear enough. 

Dr. Veva. To-day there is no money to be gotten anywhere. It is 
impossible to collect the $37,600 to-day which forms the budget of 
this town. It can only be collected by taking away the people's 
property. 

Dr. Carroll. I understood that the budget was to be reduced. 

The Mayor. Even with that reduction it will not be possible to 
collect the amount, though during eight years of my mayoralty I 
have never had to execute against anyone, but I have had to col- 
lect the 2 per cent fine for failure to paj^ taxes within the time pre- 
scribed. 



549 

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS IN VIEQUES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Island of Vieques, P. R., January 31, 1899. 

A Planter. We used to have a free port here in the time of the 
Spaniards, because the customs receipts did not pay expenses and the 
island prospered very much. There is no importing here at all. We 
buy altogether from San Juan. In this island we have asked for trial 
by jury,"but have been told that it can not be given until it is gen- 
eral throughout Porto Rico. There is very little criminality here. 

Dr. Carroll. You will have to wait until the new government is 
established. About what is the amount of your budget? 

Mr. Jacome. Twenty-one thousand four hundred and twelve dol- 
lars. 

Dr. Carroll. The municipality includes the whole island, I pre- 
sume? 

Mr. Jacome. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. How much of that $21,412 do you spend for police? 

Mr. Jacome. One thousand five hundred and sixty dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. How much for schools? 

Mr. Jacome. Three thousand nine hundred and eighty dollars. 
There are six schools. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that all you need? 

Mr. Wolfe. They are very poor schools and our system is a very 
bad one. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any money due the insular government for 
back taxes? 

The Secretary. We don't know the amount, because the liquida- 
tion committee of the deputation has not given us the balance 
sheet yet. 

Dr. Carroll. How many members are there in your council? 

Mr. Jacome. It is constituted by thirteen, among which are three 
vacancies. I consider that number excessive. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it difficult to get good men to serve at the council? 

Mr. Jacome. Very difficult. 

Mr. Wolfe. There are many foreigners here, mostly French and 
English. We have been obliged to take men who, under the law of 
the United States, should not sit in the council. Men without capacity. 

The Secretary. We have two members of the council who can not 
read or write. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand, then, that it is difficult to get men for 
the council? 

Mr. Wolfe. If they would admit others, we have men here who 
would serve. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you mean men who are not citizens? 

Mr. Wolfe. Yes; but persons who are willing to become citizens. 

A gentleman present. We want good schools here and better com- 
munication. We get our mail from Humacao. It should come from 
Fajardo. The mail is brought here in a sailing vessel, and as there is 
a trade wind between Fajardo and Vieques we always got the mail on 
time when it came from' Fajardo. We want the American system of 
schools here. 

Dr. Carroll. The way to get things is to continue to make repre- 
sentations. 

Dr. Carroll. How about the health of this place? 



550 

Mr. Wolfe. Very good. The troops are all well and regret leaving 
here. 

Mr. Mouraille (a rich planter who has been thirty or forty years 
in the island). We want free trade with the United States. With that 
the island would be very prosperous. We have nobody here who 
understands law, and they have to send judges from outside. As to 
administration, we can settle with ours here. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a system of registration here? 

Mr. Mouraille. No; we register at Humacao. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that not very inconvenient for you? 

Mr. Mouraille. Very inconvenient. We would like to have com- 
plete separation from Humacao. 

Mr. Dutal (a druggist). The present system is very inconvenient. 

The Mayor. One of the needs here is municipal autonomy in all 
questions of administration. We ought to have also a different system 
of judicial administration here. We find it difficult to get witnesses 
to go to Humacao, because the expense is considerable, as well as the 
inconvenience. We ought to have a certain amount of judicial inde- 
pendence here, except in cases of capital crimes. At least, we should 
be able to dispose of our own minor cases. 

Dr. Carroll, You have j^our own municipal judge have you not? 

The Mayor. Yes; but his jurisdiction is very limited. He has to 
inform Humacao of every step he takes, and has to send all prison- 
ers to Humacao. 

Dr. Carroll. Is this a port of entry? 

Mr. Wolfe. It is now. It has been such for about a month. 

Dr. Carroll. Have any steps been taken to impose the liquor tax 
of which General Henry dealt in an order in which a part of the con- 
sumption tax was renewed. 

The Mayor. We had it already in our budget before the order 
came out. When the consumption tax was removed we had nothing 
with which to make up the deficiency and we have asked permission 
to tax all prime necessities coming into the island at 5 per cent. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any distilleries here? 

Mr. Wolfe. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. How will the planters feel about having internal 
revenue established here as it is in the States? 

Mr. Wolfe. All that is necessary they can support. I don't think 
it is required, because I think the country can pay its own way if we 
can get the duty off of sugar. 



THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET OF HUMACAO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Humacao, P. R., February I, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the population of the q\Xj of Humacao 
proper? 

Mr. Joaquin Masferrer (mayor). Five thousand; the population 
of the entire district is 15,000. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the amount of your annual budget? 

Mr. Masferrer. Fiftj^-four thousand dollars this year. The last 
one was $60,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have much difficulty in collecting your taxes? 



551 

Mr. Masferrer. Yes, considerable; the situation of all the tax- 
payers is a rather hard one. 

Dr. Carroll. Have jon taken any legal proceedings to collect 
taxes? 

Mr. Masferrer. Not yet. 

Dr. Carroll. What part of the $54,000 is set apart for schools? 

Mr. Masferrer. Eight thousand four hundred and seventy dol- 
lars, distributed among eleven schools. 

Dr. Carroll. Are these schools fully equipped with teachers? 

Mr. Masferrer. Yes; some of the schools are being taught by 
interim teachers. This will continue until March, which is the month 
for the naming of permanent teachers. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the average salary paid each teacher? 

Mr. Masferrer. Five hundred and sixteen dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. Are teachers permitted to collect fees from scholars? 

Mr. Masferrer.' Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they make any report to the municipality of the 
amounts collected? 

Mr. Masferrer. No; these amounts are considered to be theirs. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be better to give them a sufficient sal- 
ary and abolish all fees? 

Mr. Masferrer. Very much better. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have any difficulty here in getting good teach- 
ers through the fomento? 

Mr. Masferrer. The present plan for the selection of teachers is a 
very bad one. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be better to allow the secretary of 
fomento or superintendent of public instruction to lay down the 
qualifications to be required of those desiring to become teachers, to 
give proper certificates to persons possessing those qualifications, and 
then allow each municipality to select its own teachers and dismiss 
them whenever it found it necessary to do so? 

Mr. Masferrer. Such a plan is what the municipalities desire. 
They wish to avoid the influence and favoritism of the capital and be 
able to select the teachers the} 7 know are suitable for the needs of the 
municipalities. 

Dr. Carroll. What amount of the budget is set apart for streets? 

Mr. Masferrer. One thousand dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. How much for roads? 

Mr. Masferrer. Two thousand dollars for three roads. 

Dr. Carroll. That is not a large amount. 

Mr. Masferrer. It is not sufficient even for repairs. We spent 
more on that little piece of road we passed over between here and the 
playa. 

Dr. Carroll. Are your streets generally paved? 

Mr. Masferrer. No. v 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States, when it is desired to have the 
streets paved the city proposes to property owners along the line that 
if they will raise a certain sum by subscription among themselves 
toward macadamizing the streets, the city will raise the rest. Usually 
the citizens have to raise in that way only about half the amount, and 
the system works very well. 

Mr. Masferrer. Persons here on building a house are obliged to 
put down the sidewalk only the first time ; after that they have noth- 
ing to do with it; from that time on the municipality has to attend 
to it. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States property owners are required 



552 

not only to put down the first sidewalk, but to keep the sidewalk in 
condition, and that relieves the city of considerable expense. If the 
city is vigilant it secures thoroughly good sidewalks, and it is a just 
measure. 

Mr. Masferrer. Here there are a great many poor people owning 
property, and that measure would work great hardship. I tried it in 
one case and had to give them the material. 

Dr. Carroll. How much is set apart for police? 

Mr. Masferrer. Under the old rule the municipality had only fif- 
teen policemen, but there were twenty orclen publicos and eight of the 
Guardia Civil. But as these bodies have been done away with, the 
municipality has had to replace them by twenty-five policemen. The 
amount set apart at present is 110,000. 

Dr. Carroll. That seems a large sum in proportion to the whole. 
I presume there are some special reasons for it. Have you had many 
disorders in this district? 

Mr. Masferrer. Absolutely none. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that due to the vigilance of your police, to the 
good order of the people, or to what? 

Mr. Masferrer. To the good order of the people. The troops and 
the people have fraternized, and there has been no disorder of any 
sort among them. I want to state that this municipality owes $6,766, 
to its employees chiefly. For the purpose of raising this amount we 
were depending on the consumption tax, but this tax having been 
abolished we have no means of paying this debt. 

Dr. Carroll. But you have now a tax on retail and wholesale 
dealers in liquors and tobacco. 

Mr. Masferrer. That is not sufficient to recompense. 

Dr. Carroll. Haven't you a. great many retail dealers here? There 
are in all other towns. 

Mr. Masferrer. There are not many here — 28 only — and they can 
not afford to pay more than we already impose. Some will cease to 
sell because of the new tax. This debt of $6,766 has nothing to do 
with the present administration. We are managing to cover our 
expenses at present by our budget. When I took charge of the office 
I found only $2 in the cash box. 

Dr. Carroll. Is any part of this debt owing to the Treasury at San 
Juan? 

Mr. Masferrer. We still owe the provincial deputation $2,000. 

Dr. Carroll. What is included in this amount of $6,000 under the 
head of beneficencia? 

Mr. Masferrer. The salaries of two titular doctors and one stu- 
dent, the subsistence of patients in the hospital, rental of the hospital 
buildings, and petty expenses, such as laundry, clothing, etc. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you more than one hospital? 

Mr. Masferrer. There is one hospital supported by the munici- 
pality and one house of charity supported by private ladies, who are 
granted a subvention of $400 by the municipality. 



REDUCTION OF EXPENSES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yabucoa, P. R., February 2, 1899. 
Dr. Carroll. What is the annual amount of the budget in round 
numbers? 

Mr. Martorell (mayor). This year it is $31,000, but next year we 



553 

will reduce it to $21,000. We found it when we took possession of 
the alcaldia. We had a deficit of about $5,000 to cover. 

Dr. Carroll. Was that due to the provincial deputation? 

Mr. Martorell. No; it was on account of back taxes not col- 
lected. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you owe to the deputation? 

Mr. Martorell. Nothing. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the other items of the budget? 

Mr. Martorell. Beneficencia, $3,893, which includes pay of doc- 
tors, medicines, and supplies for hospital, besides general hospital 
expenses, and a subvention of $400 to a charitable society. The 
amount for police is $2,976; for public instruction, $5,033. 

Dr. Carroll. How many schools are there? 

Mr. Martorell. Eight. All are supplied with teachers, though 
some of them are interim teachers. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you believe that when the new government is 
established for Porto Rico the powers of municipalities to govern 
themselves should be enlarged? 

Mr. Martorell. I believe in municipal autonomy. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there anything you would like to say in addition 
to what is contained in the paper you present? 

Mr. Cintron. The question here which is of vital importance is that 
of exchange of the money. 

Dr. Carroll. That has already been settled. 

Mr. Cintron. According to the rate at which the exchange is fixed 
will result the prosperity or ruin of the country, owing to the sugar 
industry. 

Dr. Carroll. The peso will be worth 60 cents, American, under the 
rate decided upon. 

Mr. Cintron. Does it simply give the Porto Rican currency that 
value, or does* it remove the Porto Rican money? 

Dr. Carroll. That has not been announced. 



REDUCTION IN EXPENSES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner. ] 

Arroyo, P. R., February 3, 1899. 
A gentleman from Maunabo : 

Dr. Carroll. How large a place is Maunabo? 

Mr. . A district of 5,000 or 6,000 only. It is one of the 

smallest municipalities in the island, both as to area and number of 
inhabitants. 

Dr. Carroll. How many members have you in your council there? 

Mr. . Twelve, including the mayor. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get good men to serve in the council? 

Mr. . We have too many members in our council. They 

change frequently, and I think they should be reduced to six — seven 
with the mayor. 

Dr. Carroll. How many barrios are there? 

Mr. . Six or seven. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well to have one elected from each 
barrio? 

Mr. . In some of these barrios of 500 people there is not one 

person who can read and write. So, naturally, if that system were 
adopted, you would have a number of men in the council who could 
not read. 



554 

Dr. Carroll. Would the majority of men selected be fit men? ' 

Mr. . I understood you to suggest that there should be one 

from each. 

Dr. Carroll. That was my suggestion. It seems to me that there 
must be some intelligent men in the barrios. I have known men in the 
United States who could not read or write and yet who made excel- 
lent public servants. 

Mr. . Yes, I don't doubt that; and sometimes they are better 

citizens than those who can read and write. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it your idea that the mayor should be elected by 
the people and not by the council? 

Mr. . No; I think that the town should elect the council and 

the council elect the mayor. I think in these small towns the mayor 
could be selected for two or three months from among the town coun- 
cilors and change about and get no salary. 

Dr. Carroll. The experience in the United States is that it is well 
to put the responsibility on one man; that where you have a council 
of from six to a dozen men, it is difficult to fix responsibility, whereas 
if you have a rnayor, and give him power, you can hold him respon- 
sible. It seems to me that some such system here in Porto Rico would 
be good for the government of the municipality. 



THE MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS OF ARROYO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arroyo, P. R., February 3, 1899. 

The secretary of the Ayuntamiento of Arroyo produced an official 
cop}^ of the municipal budget for the current fiscal year for the inspec- 
tion of the commissioner. It showed the following: 

Total budget, $16,540. For police, $2,860; for public instruction, 
$2,310, distributed among three schools ; materials for the hospital and 
care of the poor, $2, 300 ; administration expenses of the alcaldia, $3, 720 ; 
streets and roads, $600. The municipality owes nothing to the provin- 
cial deputation. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a prison? 

Secretary. We have a detention place only. Our prison is at 
Guayama, and we pay $800 a year, as our contribution to the support 
of that. We are now making complaint about the amount; we think 
it exorbitant ; we only send five or six prisoners there a year. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any municipal debt? 

Secretary. One thousand dollars is owing to employees. Besides, 
we owe $2,700 additional to the prison. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you having any difficulty in collecting taxes this 
year? 

Federico E. Virella (vice-alcalde). There are always some bad 
payers, but we have no special difficulties; we do not have to proceed 
against anybody. 

Dr. Carroll. Under what title is the public property of Arroyo 
held? Is it a matter of record in the books of registry? 

Mr. Virella. The only property we have is this house ; it has not 
been registered yet, as we have not paid the last installment on it. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not possible to register property until it is 
entirely paid for? 

Mr. Virella. That depends on the arrangement made at the time of 
purchase. 

(One of the gentlemen present at the hearing refuted this state- 



555 

ment, claiming- that property could be registered always when pur- 
chased, whether paid for in cash or by installments.) 

Dr. Carroll. What guaranty have you that you will get title when 
all the payments are made? 

Mr. Virella. The receipts of payment which we have will consti- 
tute a right. 

. The municipal judge. The municipal judge and the secretary are 
working without salaries. 

A gentleman present. Owing to the fact that they are not paid, 
we don't get the service we ought to have. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they receive no fees at all? 

The municipal judge. Yes; but they do not amount to $25 a 
month. 

Dr. Carroll. That ought to be changed, 

A gentleman present. An aspiration of Arroyo is to see military 
government disappear and civil government at once instituted. 

Dr. Carroll. Congress must first enact legislation with regard to 
the installment of a new civil government for Porto Rico, and Con- 
gress will not be able to take action until next winter; but I hope the 
people of Arroyo and throughout the island will exercise a large 
degree of j)atieiice, assured that General Henry, who is now in com- 
mand at San Juan, desires only the best interests of the people of 
Porto Rico and is reforming the laws as rapidly as defects in them are 
brought to his attention. 

A gentleman present. The whole island is satisfied with General 
Henry. We think he is the right man in the right place. 

Note. — The last census of Arroyo showed 276 houses and 1,504 
inhabitants. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the present method of municipal government 
entirely satisfactory to the island, or do you think that when the new 
government shall be inaugurated from Washington, the system of 
municipal government should be changed somewhat? 

Mr. Virella. I think it should be changed ; we should have munici- 
pal autonomy. 



THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF GUAYAMA. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Guayama, P. R., February 3, 1899. 
At the request of the commissioner, Mr. Celestino Dominguez, mayor 
of Guayama, produced a copy of the municipal budget, which showed 
the following, among other items: 

Pesos. 
Total of the budget 59,500 

Salaries for management of ayuntamiento: 

Mayor 1,300 

Secretary... 1,000 

An employee . — 600 

2 clerks, at $360 720 

1 clerk !.._ 240 

1 clerk .. •-..- 180 

1 porter 240 

1 accountant .... 420 

1 depositary 900 

1 clerk attendant 90 

Total 5,790 

Municipal police 3, 600 

There are 9 policemen, including officers. 



556 

Public instruction: 

Salaries 5, 360 

Materials 3, 696 

9, 056 
There are 10 schools altogether, with an equal number of teachers. 

Beneficencia (including 3 titular doctors. 1 student, 1 man in charge of 

the hospital, 1 veterinary, besides subventions and supplies) 6. 950. 

Streets and roads: 

Vicinage roads 1 . 000 

Streets 1,000 

For the repair of the church 50 

Dr. Carroll. Are you indebted to the provincial deputation? 

Mr. Dominguez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Any arrears in royal dues? 

Mr. Dominguez. No; the amount I first gave as the total of the 
budget will be reduced. Several items have been removed which will 
reduce it. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a new budget formed? 

Mr. Dominguez. No. 

Dr. Carroll. What will the amount be for the year as reduced? 

Mr. Dominguez. For 1898-99, from July to June, #51,272. During 
the war the Spanish soldiers were quartered here to a considerable 
extent; and as they had no money, the municipality had to attend to 
their needs, which cost us about $100 a clay. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose the $1,000 spent on roads hardly represents 
your needs. 

The Depositary. This municipality has to take care of only 8 kilo- 
meters of road, which are in perfect condition. The others are state 
roads. We have plenty of rural roads, but they are not in very good 
condition. 

Dr. Carroll. How is it with the hospital? Is the city hospital 
under the control entirely of the municipality, or is it managed by the 
church in part, as in some other cities? 

Mr. Dominguez. It is entirely under civil control. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it in good condition? 

Mr. Dominguez. It is in fair condition; it is a wooden, building, 
large enough to take care of the people of the town. We have a proj- 
ect for a new hospital. A gentleman left $14,000 for a hospital, but 
he left the money to his wife for her life, and when she dies we will 
use the money for that purpose. 

Dr. Carroll. In San Juan I was told there were only two civil hos- 
pitals in all the island, but I find that nearly every town has one. 
Guayama, I believe, is the seat of the judicial district, and you have 
the district jail here? 

Mr. Dominguez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. How many prisoners are there in it? 

Mr. Dominguez. Forty-nine or Mty. The largest number we have 
had is 80. 

Dr. Carroll. How many of these are serving out sentences and 
how many are detained awaiting trial? 

Mr. Dominguez. Twenty-five are serving out sentences, and the rest 
are awaiting trial. 

Dr. Carroll. At Arroyo to-day the municipal authorities made a 
complaint about the amount assessed for the care of this prison ; that, 
although they have on an average only four or five prisoners here, 
they are assessed about 



557 

Mr. Dominguez. You must uot believe that. That figures in their 
budget, but they haven't paid for several years. When the estimate 
for the prison is formed, they call -all the alcaldes from the different 
towns which have to contribute, and they agree as to what each shall 
pay, and when they go home they go home satisfied with the amount 
assessed. They have been granted delay, and two representatives 
came up from Arroyo yesterday to ask a further stay of five years. 
They collect the tax for it, but it filters through their fingers some- 
how. What brought those gentlemen here yesterday was the fact 
that this city had an embargo laid on the municipal receipts of Arroyo, 
and they came up to have it taken off. They have lost their credit 
with this municipal^, and yet they come asking for five years' fur- 
ther time. Here is the petition that they brought us. [Mr. Dominguez 
showed the Commissioner a petition, purporting to come from the 
authorities at Arroyo, asking for a delay in the payment of the prison 
dues.] The substance of it is that the undersigned councilors, com- 
missioned for this object, have the honor to submit to your consider- 
ation the following proposition for the payment of the debt for prison 
expenses up to the year 1898-99 : The council of Arroyo undertakes to 
make payment to the prison board of its share of prison expenses in 
five terms in the form below, and goes on to propose five amounts of 
$540, interest to run at the rate of 6 per cent. 

Dr. Carroll. What is their proportion per year, on an average? 

Mr. Dominguez. Arroyo pays $954. The other towns of the district 
pay as follows: Guayama, $2,144; Barranquitas, $692;Maunabo, $842; 
Patillas, $1,034; Ciclra, $587; Cayey, $1,518; Salinas, $926; Aibonito, 
$787; total, $9,584. We estimate on 90 prisoners daily. That is the 
number we used to have under Spanish rule. When there was a 
political row, we had as high as 500 in prison at one time, and that 
was quite frequent. The trouble wi,th Arroyo is that it has a large 
staff of employees and pays much more out than it can possibly get in. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the amount you have stated as the total for 
prison expenses represent merely the cost of keeping the prisoners, or 
does it include, as well, the expense of trial? 

Mr. Dominguez. It does not include the expense of trial, but only 
the cost of keeping them, and covers the items of food, medicines, 
clothes, services of doctor and turnkeys, and everything connected 
with the prison. Every month we give the prisoners a change of 
clothing. 

Dr. Carroll. In what condition is the prison here? 

Mr. Dominguez. There is no sickness in the prison now except 
slight infirmities, such as colds. The sum of $2,000 is required to put 
the closets in a sanitary condition. They are a center of infection. 
We tried to get the towns of the district to contribute an amount for 
the purpose, but the only town that paid its contribution was Guayama. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any accommodation for the separation of 
prisoners? For instance, young prisoners that come in for minor 
offenses and perhaps for the first time. Are they herded together 
with the old offenders? 

Mr. Dominguez. Yes. We have four cells in which we put the 
prisoners convicted of serious crimes, but they are all practically 
together. Of course, the women have a separate place. 

Dr. Carroll. The apartment assigned to women in the jail in 
Humacao was horrible. They said they could not help themselves, 
because they had no other place to put them. 

Mr. Dominguez. We have preferential apartments, which we sell to 
persons able to pay for them. 



558 

Dr. Carroll. Do you make an annual appropriation for the poor? 
I did not notice that in the budget. 

Mr. Dominguez. No; we do not. 

Dr. Carroll. Have 3^011 any institution for the care of the insane? 

Mr. Dominguez. No; we send them to the madhouse at the capiial. 
About every ten years we have a case. We are people of brains here. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the municipal judge and his clerk receive any 
salary? 

Mr. Dominguez. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Plow are they maintained? 

Mr. Dominguez. They live on what they collect from the litigants 
according to a tariff. The municipal judge here is a private gentle- 
man who lends his services gratuitously and leaves his fees to his 
clerk. 

Dr. Carroll. Won Id it not be better in all these cities to have a 
municipal judge with a salary, and a clerk to be provided for in the 
same way, and fines and fees, if any, to be collected and paid into the 
municipal treasury? 

Mr. Dominguez. That would be better. Then justice would not be 
exposed to the spoliation which it now suffers in the island — not here 
in Guayama now, but in other cities of Porto Rico. The priests, since 
they have been denied state support, are making a practice of charg- 
ing as high fees as they can get. They charge $32, where they can 
get it, for going to a house to perform a marriage. 



MUNICIPAL AUTONOMY DESIRED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

• Coamo, P. R., February 6, 1899. 

At the request of the commissioner, Mr. Segundo Bernier produced 
a copy of the municipal budget of Coamo, which showed, among 
other items, the following: 

Total amount of budget, 129,000, reduced by revised estimate to 
$27,365; administration expenses, $5,169; police, 13,100; public in- 
struction, $4,766; other night schools and beneficiencia, 64,134; public 
works, $641. Of this amount $200 was for streets and $440 for roads. 

Dr. Carroll. Of what does the municipal property of Coamo 
consist? 

The Secretary. The cemeteiy, the slaughterhouse, the hospital, 
and 200 cuerdas of land on which the city is built. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the municipality owns the site of the city? 

Mr. Bernier. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that all the property? 

Mr. Bernier. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any changes you would desire in municipal 
government? 

A Gentleman present. Yes; Ave should have self-government. 
The municipality should be as free as they are in the United States, 
without any kind of supervision. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you mean by municipal autonomy? 

A Gentleman present. A government of the people and \>y the 
people. 

Dr. Carroll. In what measure? 

A Gentleman present. To the full extent. 



559 

Dr. Carroll. Without any reference at all to the insular govern- 
ment? 

A Gentleman present. Where civil supervision is proper it should 
be exercised. 

Dr. Carroll. For instance, would you give the cities unlimited 
power to issue bonds and create debts'? 

A Gentleman present. Yes ; giving also full power to determine 
every question within their spheres. 

Dr. Carroll. Then 3^011 would probably soon have a state of bank- 
ruptcy in all the cities of the island. 

A Gentleman present. No. They would have to keep within the 
restrictions which the law would require. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you do want limitations? 

A Gentleman present. Yes, certain limitations. 

Colonel Santiago. These gentlemen have already said more or less 
what I wanted to say, but I will go into it a little more in detail. I 
understand by your question and your suggestion that a state of bank- 
ruptcy might soon result from full autonomy; that the people to-day 
are not in a condition to accept autonomy. 

Dr. Carroll. No, not at all; but in the United States and other 
countries municipal autonomy is generally coupled with a proviso in 
the charter to the effect that the city shall not contract indebtedness 
beyond a certain percentage of the value of the property of the city, 
so that it shall not place itself too heavily in debt. 

A Gentleman present. I think that the only way the people could 
choose their form of government would be by collecting together the 
men of the country and taking their vote. 



MUNICIPAL PROPERTY. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aibonito, P. R. , February 6, 1899. 

Mr. Caballer (mayor). The total of the budget is $22,157; the esti- 
mated receipts. 120,888. You will see there is an estimated deficit of 
$1,269. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there no debts prior to the year 1898? 

Mr. Caballer. Yes, amounting to $5,504, which is due on the con- 
struction of barracks and the lodging of troops. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the amount devoted to school purposes? 

Mr. Caballer. Three thousand six hundred and seventy-two dol- 
lars, including salaries and materials, There are six schools. 

Dr. Carroll. How much for police? 

Mr. Caballer. Seven hundred and eighty dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. How much for beneficencia? 

Mr. Caballer. Two thousand three hundred and ninety-eight dol- 
lars. 

Dr. Carroll. How much for streets and roads? 

Mr. Caballer. Four hundred dollars for streets ; nothing for roads. 

Dr. Carroll. What city property is there? 

Mr. Caballer. A municipal house which is in a state of ruin, for 
which reason it is to be offered at public auction; a butcher shop and 
slaughterhouse. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the title of the public property entered upon the 
records? 



560 

Mr. Caballer. No; it is not; and I don't think it can be, because 
the buildings stand on land which was given to the town by legacy. 
The municipality does not own the land; it only owns the public 
buildings standing on it. The land belongs to the people as a whole. 
We distinguish between the municipality and the people. 

Dr. Carroll. If you wanted to raise money on bonds, you would 
have to show title to the property, would you not? 

Mr. Caballer. We would register the property if we could. 

The Municipal Judge. I think the title could be registered, and 
from a sale of the lands on which houses are built the municipality 
would be able to purchase a new municipal building. The city owns 
the entire land within the city limits. A benevolent person some time 
ago deeded 10 acres of land now occupied by the city, but somebody, 
for personal reasons, probably, put the deed in his pocket and it was 
lost. The municipality, not having absolute title to this property, 
measured off 10 acres of land and directed that anybody holding 
property within those limits should be allowed to build houses on it, 
but that the land should remain the property of the city. The only 
restriction placed on the building of these houses was that they should 
conform to certain architectural rules. 

Dr. Carroll. Then it is only a matter of tradition that this land 
belongs to the municipality? 

Mr. Caballer. Yes ; it is not founded upon any documents. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you prove that the land belongs to the munici- 
pality before a court of justice? 

The Municipal Judge. According to the Spanish law twenty years 
of quiet possession constitutes title, and it is easy to prove that the 
municipality has been in quiet possession for that time. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a sufficient number of public schools to 
accommodate all who wish to be educated? 

Mr. Caballer. No ; we have not. In the rural districts we have 
only two schools. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you not sufficient funds to inaugurate other 
schools? 

Mr. Caballer. We are completely ruined. You can see by the 
estimates that we have no money whatever. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you reduced your appropriations for schools 
this year? 

Mr. Caballer. No; we have not altered the amount for that object. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you generally good schools? 

Mr. Caballer. We have one elementary teacher, who is among the 
best in the island. We have another in the country district, who does 
honor to his profession. There is another whom I do not know about. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the expenses of the schools paid promptly? 

Mr. Caballer. We owe the lady teacher for three months of last 
year. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose there is no possible way at present for 
raising more school taxes. 

Mr. Caballer. It is impossible at present. We have a deficit of 
more than $4,000. 

Dr. Carroll. How has the modification of the consumption tax 
affected the city's income? 

Mr. Caballer. We have covered the difference by taxing liquors. 

Dr. Carroll. Has there been any objection made on the part of 
the liquor sellers or tobacconists because of the tax? 

Mr. Caballer. At first some few of them complained a little, but 



561 

they have been able to convince themselves that it is best for the gen- 
eral interests. 

Dr. Carroll. Are many cigars manufactured here? 

Mr. Caballer. No; there is no cigar factory here. 

Lieutenant Gonzales. There were some here who made a living from 
cigar making on a small scale. Now that there is a high tax, such 
men are out of work. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many? 

Lieutenant Gonzales. I have met four or five. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do they not form themselves into a company 
or association? 

Lieutenant Gonzales. I advised them to do that, but they have 
not wit enough to do it. Furthermore, on account of these men not 
being able to manufacture tobacco, the producer comes to town and 
he can not sell his tobacco except to the big dealer, so that the pro- 
ducer loses and the small manufacturer loses. I have had a number 
of talks with poor men and all have stated the same thing. I think it 
was poor policy to put on that tax. Besides, they say the big manu- 
facturers make their own price for labor, because there is so much 
labor in the country and so many men are out of work. I know the 
Spanish language, and I hear a great deal. The big manufacturers 
have not raised the price of cigars in Cayey, while here they have 
raised the price 1 and 2 cents. Of course this all goes to one man. 

Mr. Caballer. We wish you to take to the President of the United 
States our thanks for his idea of sending a commissioner to find out 
the needs of the country, and I wish to say also that you must not 
think the country is really an immoral one. In a large city a man 
walks in with a woman on his arm, and nobody knows whether she is 
his wife or not, but here everybody knows what is going on. This is 
a very peaceable country. Although we have not had in this district 
a rural court, there has not even been a case of chicken theft. 

Dr. Carroll. If you could have the present system of municipal 
government recast, in what form would you have it? 

Mr. Caballer. With the greatest amount of decentralization, so 
that the people here might enjoy the most ample autonomy it would 
be possible to give them. I believe that the basis of the liberty of a 
nation lies in the autonomy of its towns. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be well to reduce the number of members 
in the council? 

Mr. Caballer. I don't think it necessary. The greater number of 
intelligences which get together to legislate, I think, the better. 

Dr. Carroll. They claim in nearly all the cities I have visited 
that they can not get all the members of the council to come together. 

Mr. Caballer. That has been a general fault, not owing to the 
character of the Porto Ricans, but owing to the difficulties which the 
former government put in the way of gathering. . Whatever course 
they might resolve on was contravened by the central powers at San 
Juan. 

Dr. Carroll. You would have the mayor elected by the people, 
would you not? 

Mr. Caballer. I think so. 

Dr. Carroll. Would you make the term of the alcalde one or two 
years? 

Mr. Caballer. I think two years, as constant renewals bring party 
passions into play. 

• Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well to elect one councilman from 
each barrio, so as to have general representation? 
1125 36 



562 

Mr. Caballer. I think it would be difficult for that to be inau- 
gurated, as some of the barrios are at a great distance, without any 
roads at all, and councilmen would not be able to attend. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose you will have roads under the new regime? 

Mr. Caballer. I think the ruined state of the country will render 
it a long time before that could be brought about unless the American 
Government, from its own Treasury, attends to it. 

Dr. Carroll. You already have a large amount of money in your 
insular treasury, and it is the purpose of General Henry to use much 
of it in constructing and rebuilding roads. Don't you think it well 
that taxpayers, even though they live in the rural districts, should be 
represented in the council, as they are taxed heavily? 

Mr. Caballer. I think so. They have representation. Every 
barrio has a representative here. 

Dr. Carroll. It would be well, then, to have one elected from 
each barrio? 

Mr. Caballer. Yes. 



MUNICIPAL BONDS AND ACCOUNTS. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Caguas, P. R., February 27, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the public property here, Mr. Mayor? 

Mr. Sola. The municipal property consists of the municipal house ; 
another building we had built for a hospital, which the troops are now 
occupying; the slaughterhouse, and a piece of land outside of the city 
which can be used for a cemetery; the cemetery and the chapel, 
which were both constructed by the muncipality; a house in which 
they sell meat; the church, which was constructed by the munici- 
pality, and the plaza. 

Dr. Carroll. Is title to this property recorded? 

Mr. Sola. No. 

Dr. Carroll. It is customary here, I believe, to register municipal 
property. 

Mr. Sola. The town limits are inscribed. 

(The municipal budget for the year 1898-99 was shown to the Com- 
missioner. It contained, among others, the following items: Total of 
the budget, $53,960.47; administration salaries, $5,608; materials, 
$1,686; police, 13,780; schools (nine in number), $5,954; beneficiencia, 
including two titular physicians, one assistant, and one veterinary, 
$4,450; roads, $800; streets, $500; sidewalks, $200; plaza, $50; prison, 
$9,950.) 

Dr. Carroll. There is an item here for interest, of $3,024,74. 

Mr. Sola. That is on a debt of $7,137. 

Dr. Cruz. As an honest man, I protest against that debt. The 
$3,024.74 represents interest and a part of the debt. 

Dr. Carroll. How was the debt contracted, and for what purpose? 

Mr. Sola (brother of the alcalde). This is not a loan; it is an issue 
of bonds. We have a portion of the bonds in our safe now. 

Dr. Cruz. I ask that the document relative to it be brought out, 
that you may know what it is. 

Mayor Sola. The money was not obtained from airybody. The 
bonds Avhich were to be issued are in the safe. 

Dr. Carroll. Then why are you paying interest and a part of the ( 
principal? 



563 

Dr. Cruz. They have recorded it illegally as money received, whereas 
it is their own paper which they have. 

Mr. Sola. A portion of the bonds have been issned for salaries and 
to creditors of the municipality. Really they are only in the form of 
promissory notes. 

Mayor Sola. The amount of the debt was $7,137; $4,270 of that loan 
has been placed. 

Dr. Carroll. Was the money raised on those bonds used for mu- 
nicipal purposes? 

Mayor Sola. This amount has not been sold, but has been given to 
creditors of the municipality. The municipality owed money and 
gave these bonds. 

Dr. Carroll. When were they prepared? 

Mayor Sola. Nearly three years ago. 

Dr. Cruz. This loan was really made to cover a deficit in the treasury, 
for money badly spent. 

Dr. Carroll. Was it ordered to be issued by the ayuntamiento? 

A Gentleman present. It was under the old regime, when every- 
thing was done by favoritism from the capital. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do you not cancel the bonds you have not issued? 

Mayor Sola. They figure in the municipal accounts as money, 
because they were put into the municipal safe as money. The people 
would not accept them, because they denied their legality. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any power in the municipality to cancel those 
in the safe which have not been issued? 

Mayor Sola. Only with the consent of the government. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the council asked the government to allow that 
to be done? 

Mayor Sola. No; the reason they are in the safe is that they were 
created to cover a deficiency and have to be considered as money. 

Dr. Carroll. You have here an estimate of three thousand and 
some odd dollars. Is that to cancel the bonds with? 

Mayor Sola. Yes; when we pay them we destroy the bonds. 

Dr. Cruz. I wish you would ask for the statement of the cash, in order 
that you may see how it is. It is all wrong. I have here a copy of a 
petition I prepared to the municipality asking for correction of the 
accounts. No attention has been given to it. One thing is this loan 
which has been referred to. It is illegal. 

Dr. Carroll. Was it not ordered by the insular government? 

Dr. Cruz. It was ordered by the Spanish Government. 

Dr. Carroll. If it was ordered by the Spanish Government, was it 
not legal? Was it not ordered in proper form? 

Dr. Cruz. It was not ordered in proper form. 
A Gentleman present. It was a muddle to cover up the beer that 
General Macias used to take. 

Dr. Cruz. Some other debts for which this loan was contracted have 
already been paid, and there is a voucher of their payment in the 
archives of the municipality. They have been twice paid. 

Dr. Carroll. Mr. Mayor, is that true? 

Mayor Sola. My reply is that I have been two months here as alcalde, 
and what took place before then is not my deed. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you looked into this debt? 

Mayor Sola. No. But I have protested against everything that 
was badly done. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you believe that that debt was illegally contracted? 

Mayor Sola. I believe that the expediente which was drawn up for 
contracting this loan was not legal. 



564 

(The secretary of theayuhtamiento handed the commissioner a state- 
ment of accounts which had been sent for by the mayor at the request 
of Dr. Cruz.) 

Dr. Cruz. That is not the document that is called for. 

(The secretary then brought another document, which Dr. Cruz 
stated was the one he had referred to. ) 

Dr. Cruz. You will see from this account that there is a deficit of 
$5,000. 

The Depositary. I am a new depositary. On taking possession I 
made a statement showing that there was a deficit of 85,062.25 — money 
that I ought to have found in the municipal treasury, but which was 
not there. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you made an investigation in regard to it? 

The Depositary. Not yet. 

Dr. Carroll. Did you call on your predecessor for an explanation? 

The Depositary. It is not my duty to do that. 

Dr. Carroll. Has no attempt been made by the municipal council 
to call upon the former depositary to explain the deficiency and, if it 
is a real deficiency, to make it good? 

Mayor Sola. We called on him to do so and he said he required a 
certain time to make it good. We gave him the time he asked for, 
but he has not made it good yet. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the depositary under bonds for the faithful per- 
formance of his duty? 

Mayor Sola. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. HaA^e the bonds been returned to you yet? 

Mayor Sola. The bond is not worth a cent. 

Dr. Carroll. In case there is not a bond, then criminal proceedings 
would lie, would they not, unless he could explain the accounts and 
the reason for the shortage? 

Mayor Sola. If he does not turn over the money which the munic- 
ipality placed in his hands to take care of for it, he is subject to an 
action. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the ayuntamiento intend to take action in this 
case speedily? 

Mayor Sola. Yes ; he has promised the municipality to make pay- 
ment of the amount by a certain day, and the council is waiting to 
see whether he does or not. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the date? 

Mayor Sola. The date has already fallen due. I asked him to-day 
if he had everything ready, and he said that he had not ; he would be 
able to arrange the matter in about three days. 

Dr. Carroll. Has this been reported to the present secretary of 
state? 

Dr. Cruz. A memorial was sent to the old government about all of 
these accounts which are wrong, but up to the present nothing has 
been done about them. There is another matter I wish you to take 
notice of. I wish to direct your attention to the amount which has 
been added to the budget for the year 1898-99. You will see that 
$26,475.14 must be added to the $53,960.47 to get the total of the cur- 
rent budget. I would like to have you inquire in regard to this addi- 
tional amount. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the explanation of this enormous addition 
to the budget? 

The Secretary. It represents deficits and salaries which were not 
met by the old budget. 



565 

Dr. Carroll. Why were they not inscribed in the old budget? 

Dr. Cruz. They are amounts they did not dare put in the old budget, 
which they have put in the new. 

• Dr. Carroll. I am not getting any explanation of this large addi- 
tional budget. I would like to understand it. 

A Gentleman present. These are amounts not paid. 

Dr. Carroll. Why were they not put in the other budget? 

(No one offered any answer to this question. ) 

Dr. Carroll. When was the original budget made and adopted? 

A Gentleman present. May 14, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. When was the additional budget adopted? 

A Gentleman present. February 17, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Now, why did you add all this before the end of the 
year when you had estimates amounting to over $50,000? 

A Gentleman present. These were amounts from 1897-98 which 
were not paid. 

Dr. Carroll. Then why were they not put in here? 

A Gentleman present. Because the present budget was made 
before the end of the preceding fiscal year. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the amount of the budget in the previous 
year? 

A Gentleman present. Forty-five thousand six hundred and forty- 
six dollars, of which $20,000 was not collected. 

(The secretary produced a copy of the law and pointed out the 
paragraph providing that unpaid amounts in the budget should form 
a part of a new budget to be prepared in the course of the following 
year. ) 

Dr. Carroll. Was the total budget $45,646 last year? 

A Gentleman present. Yes; but there was an additional budget 
of $9,282, making the total about $55,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Then not much more than half of that was collected? 

A Gentleman present. The amount includes what was not col- 
lected and what was not paid. In other words, whatever is unliqui- 
dated is transferred to the new budget. 

Dr. Carroll. It is a very strange way of making an additional 
budget. That is more than half as large as the original budget. Do 
you expect, Mr. Mayor, to collect the whole budget, including the 
additional amount, this year? 

Mayor Sola. It is not possible to do so. The taxes are very heavy, 
and taxpayers are almost ruined. 

Dr. Carroll. Is this not a bad method, increasing the debt in this 
way? Last year the shortage was $9,000 and now it is $26,000. 

Mayor Sola. It is not only bad, it is ruinous. 

Dr. Carroll. What method of taxation would you propose instead 
of this? 

Mayor Sola. That would be a question for the ayuntamiento to 
study and prepare a plan for. 

Dr. Carroll. As nearly as I can understand, your shortage is 
between $35,000 and $40,000? 

Mayor Sola. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the prospect is that you will have a very large 
debt at the end of the year? 

Mayor Sola. The taxpayers can not pay the taxes. Thej^ are too 
heavy for them. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you tried to economize in the formation of the 
additional budget? 



566 

Mayor Sola. We have proposed economies aggregating between 
$9,000 and $10,000. 

Dr. Cruz. One thing that tended to increase the budget this year 
was the war. The Spaniards hired carriages and quarters for the 
soldiers here, and there were various expenses connected with these. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you estimate that the new system of land taxes 
which has been issued by General Henry will result in more or in less 
returns? 

Mayor Sola. I think it will give less. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you been able to make up what you lost on 
the consumption tax by the tax on liquor and tobacco? 

Mayor Sola. No; we have lost on that. 

Dr. Carroll. What suggestions would you make, Mr. Mayor, as 
to amendments in the present form of municipal government? I 
should like to know whether you consider that the present system of 
municipal government is entirely satisfactory, or whether you desire 
changes, and if so, of what character. 

Mayor Sola. I think they ought to have as much autonomj* as is 
consistent with justice. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the advantages and disadvantages in that 
respect of the present system? 

Mayor Sola. The municipalities at present can not form their 
budgets to meet their expenses. They are not free to make their 
budgets as they desire. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you constrained in that respect by the insular 
government? 

Mayor Sola. At present we make our budget under specific laws 
which we have had to follow under the Spanish Government. Under 
the new government we think .matters are much improved. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the insular government require you to make a 
budget larger than the mayor and the council think necessary? 

Mayor Sola. No ; I consider the insular government has tried to 
have us send in our budgets as small as possible. 

Dr. Carroll. I understood you to say that you wished larger lib- 
erty for the municipalities in the making of their budgets. For what 
reason? 

Mayor Sola. We wish to have more power in the matter of assess- 
ing taxes, so as to make taxation fall fairly on all classes. 

A Gentleman present. For twenty years this town has had a dis- 
astrous administration. Each year the estimate grew larger and 
larger, owing to the mismanagement of the corporate body, which was 
too small for our needs, and to the want of vigilance and allowing this 
body to do as it liked. When the moment arrived for the granting of 
autonomy by the Spanish Government, this district was completely 
shorn, being heavily in debt and without a cent in its treasury. Then 
the complications with the United States began, and things became 
graver by reason not only of the war, but also of the confusion which 
prevented the municipality from attending to its own affairs. The 
municipality had no time to collect its money. It was not proper that 
the municipality should have been saddled with expense connected 
with the war, but the Government put it on us. This is the reason of 
the critical position of the town to-day. The way to better the situa- 
tion would be to obtain a loan and apply it to running purposes. In 
the meantime inquire into past accounts and put the responsibility 
for them where it is due. There exists a need of such responsibility 
both in the government offices and here in the city, and when the time 
comes to make use of it, it will be used. 



567 

Mr. Sola. I as a councilor think that full local autonomy should be 
given to the municipalities in all matters which do not conflict with 
state government. 

Dr. Cruz. I wish to know whether they understand by autonomy 
decentralization. We have autonomy already, but I want it decen- 
tralized. If there is to be proper autonomy, the councilors should do 
their work in a proper way. I beg that if legislation be taken on this 
matter and decentralization is granted, responsibility be exacted 
from all the councilors for their acts. We are not so much in need 
of laws as of good administration. I find that the municipal book- 
keeping is too complicated. There are ten or twelve books kept — so 
many that if a person wants to find anything at a moment's notice it 
is impossible to get it. I desire liberty, biit liberty in the right sense. 
Besponsibility should be exacted from everyone, and I think that no 
citizen's rights should be trampled on. 

Dr. Carroll. Who is the bookkeeper? 

(The bookkeeper who was present at the hearing stated in reply to 
the commissioner's question regarding the system of bookkeeping 
in vogue that he kept the books by chapters and double entry. Every 
chapter has its articles and every article has its account. For in- 
stance, we credit the mayor with the whole amount of his salary and 
debit him as he draws. ) 

Dr. Carroll. This gentleman (Dr. Cruz) says there are so many 
books that it is impossible for anyone to find out in a moment any- 
thing about the accounts. He says there are ten or twelve books 
kept. 

The Bookkeeper. There are five books. 

The Secretary. We are under another obnoxious law. Under 
chapter 4, article 138, of the municipal law, bookkeeping for the 
municipalities is the same as that adopted for the royal treasury. 

Dr. Carroll (to the bookkeeper). In your judgment are there 
more books kept than are necessary to keep the accounts straight? 

The Bookkeeper. I think only necessary books are kept. That 
may be because I am accustomed to the present system. 

Mr. Jose Julian Avarez, municipal judge : 

-Dr. Carroll. There is, I believe, no salary allowed to municipal 
judges? 

Judge Avarez. No. 

Dr. Carroll. What fees are allowed by law; or is it an entirely 
honorary office? 

Judge Avarez. There is a tariff of fees, but it is so insignificant 
that the judges always leave it for their secretaries, who also have no 
salaries. 

Dr. Carroll. Are fees allowed for registering births, deaths, and 
marriages? 

Judge Avarez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Why are the births not fully reported? 

Judge Avarez. The chief reason is that the mother or father has 
to bring the child and ask for inscription, and he has to do this within 
forty days after the birth occurs, and as the distances are sometimes 
very great, neither the mother nor the father frequently is able to 
come. I think anyone should be allowed to report a birth. For 
example, the doctor who officiates at the birth. It should not be con- 
fined to the doctor, however, for, as a matter of fact, it is hardly ever 
that a doctor attends these country births. 



568 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a penalty for failure, of the mother to have 
the child registered after forty days? 

Judge Avarez. If it comes after forty days have expired, they have 
to prepare an expediente, and there is a fine from 85 to 810. 

Dr. Carroll. Does not that prevent the inscription of many births 
that otherwise would be inscribed? 

Mr. Avarez. Yes ; that, together with the fact that the father or 
mother is obliged to come to report it. 

Dr. Carroll. In your judgment, what would be a better system in 
order to get full reports of births? 

Judge Avarez. I think the first thing would be to send out circu- 
lars to the commissioners; second, to enable inscription to be made on 
the report of any person duly authorized; and third, that the method 
of inscription should be brief. The law requires that the inscription 
be put in in duplicate, and it is very long. 



MUNICIPAL AUTONOMY DESIRED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cayey, P. R,, Februanj 28, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the population of Cayey? 

Mr. Manuel Munoz. The population of the entire district is 
between 14,000 and 15,000. The population of the town itself is from 
3,000 to 4,000. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the amount of your budget? 

Mr. Munoz. Thirty-six thousand dollars. The budget for next vear 
will not exceed $22,000 or $23,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Does that include the additional budget? 

Mr. Munoz. The additional will be from $2,000 to $3,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that made up of amounts not collected last year? 

Mr. Munoz. About $700 of extra expenses and nearly $3,000 of 
uncollected amounts. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the amount for police? 

Mr. Munoz. One thousand five hundred dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. For public instruction? 

Mr. Munoz. From $8,000 to $9,000. 

Dr. Carroll. How much for streets? 

Mr. Munoz. From $600 to $700. 

Dr. Carroll. Does that include roads? 

Mr. Munoz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a fire department? 

Mr. Munoz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. How much is allotted to beneficencia? 

Mr. Munoz. Three thousand dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have a department prison here? 

Mr. Munoz. No, we send our prisoners to Guayama. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do you pay for the maintenance of pris- 
oners in Guayama? 

Mr. Munoz. One thousand five hundred dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. How many prisoners do you have there usually? 

Mr. Munoz. From sixteen to twenty. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that not a large amount? 

Mr. Munoz. No. 



569 

Dr. Carroll. What city property have you? 

Mr. Munoz. The cemetery, the clock tower in front of the church, 
a house used by the parish priest, a slaughterhouse, and a butcher 
shop in very bad condition. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a plaza? 

Mr. Munoz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. I want to ask you, in view of the future government 
to be given to the island of Porto Rico by the United States, what 
system of municipal government you would suggest, whether a sys- 
tem having more autonomy than the present one, or whether the 
present system of municipal government is satisfactory? 

Mr. Munoz. We want complete decentralization. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think each city should be given a constitu- 
tion, or charter, within the limits of which it ought to be entirely free 
to transact its business without any reference to the insular govern- 
ment? 

Mr. Munoz. I think so. 

A Gentleman present. I don't agree with the mayor in that. 

Dr. Carroll. What is your reason for differing? 

The Gentleman who had dissented. The state of education is 
not sufficiently advanced for the people to understand their own rights. 

Mr. Luis Munoz. I believe that under a territorial or any other 
form of government the municipality should be allowed all the decen- 
tralization and liberty which the constitution of the government 
allows. But, as to giving municipalities charters, either they would 
all be alike, in which case it would not be necessary to give charters, 
or they would be unlike, and in that case there would be conflicts 
between the various municipalities. 

Dr. Carroll. It does not so work in the United States. We have 
different classes of cities and appropriate legislation for each. Cities 
are autonomous there in that they have the right to decide how many 
policemen the}' want, how many fire engines, whether they will have 
their streets paved with blocks or whether they will have the asphalt 
system, whether they will raise money by bonds for an aqueduct or 
reservoir, and all that sort of thing, within certain limits, the consti- 
tution of the city prescribing generally that they shall not contract a 
debt greater than a certain percentage of the taxable property within 
the limits of the city. They have the absolute right also, within 
certain limits, to make their own budgets. 

Mr. Luis Munoz. That is what we understand by municipal decen- 
tralization, and that is what we all want. We want the greatest 
amount of power for the municipalities consistent with a connection 
with the insular government. But I think one municipal law or charter 
for the whole of the island would be well, in order that all the munici- 
palities should be governed by the same charter. 

Dr. Carroll. Some have interests of one kind, and some of another. 
Would one charter fit all of the municipalities? 

Mr. Luis Munoz. I think one law could be made to fit all, but 
where there were differences they could make their own regulations. 

Dr. Carroll. For instance, San Juan has a council of 24 members. 
If you provide the same law for all the cities, Cabo Rojo and Vega 
Baja would have to have the same number, and they probably could 
not get enough men to transact the public business. 

Mr. Luis Munoz. No ; the municipal law to-day provides for that. 
It is according to number of inhabitants. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you could not have one law for municipalities 



570 

of all sizes. Do you have any trouble, Mr. Mayor, in collecting taxes 
this year? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes; much trouble. 

Dr. Carroll, What is that trouble due to? 

Mayor Munoz. Owing, in the first place, to the war; in the second 
place, to the low prices of products, and in the third place, to the 
want of markets. Our market for second-class coffee used to be 
Cuba, which has laid a heavy duty on coffee. Our first-class coffee 
used to go to Spain, which has laid a prohibitive duty on it. 



HOW A LARGE CITY IS MANAGED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R,, March 2, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the amount of the budget of Ponce for the 
economic year? 

Mr. Julio Rosich (municipal accountant) . The total of the budget 
is $287,624. The additional budget has not been made yet. 

Dr. Carroll. What does the additional budget amount to, gen- 
erally? 

Mr. Rosich. The total comes to about $360,000, with the additional 
amount. 

Dr. Carroll. Will the additional budget be larger than usual by 
reason of failure to collect taxes last year? 

Mr. Rosich. No. This year has been one of the best, but the addi- 
tional amount belongs to last year. This budget is not closed until 
the 31st of December. We have not begun collecting taxes for this 
year at all, because the assessments were not approved at San Juan 
until to-day. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the authorities at San Juan changed the figures 
any? 

Mr. Rosich. No. They have approved the budget without change. 

Note. — The total for salaries is 123,620, of which the mayor receives 
$3,500 and the secretary $2,000. There are three head clerks at $1,000 
each. 

Dr. Carroll. The -municipal judge gets no salary, I suppose? 

Mr. Rosich. No; but the municipality furnishes the judge a house 
and pays his clerk. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you only one municipal judge here? 

Mr. Rosich. Only one. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the difference between the two classes' of 
policemen referred to in the budget? 

Mr. Rosich. One is what you would call detectives, and the other 
the police proper. 

Note. — The total for police is $31,048; for urban police, who attend 
to municipal property, $5,580. 

Dr. Carroll. Have j t ou no rural police? 

Mr. Rosich. No. 

Note.— For the fire department, $7,400; for .public lighting, $20,000, 
paid to the electric-light company; the playa, $25,000; cleaning and 
watering the streets, $12,500; public instruction (salaries), $22,970. 
There are 47 schools, including 3 kindergartens. 

Dr. Carroll. Who is the chairman of the school board? 

Mr. Rosich. The alcalde. 

Note. — The amount for library purposes, $750; beneficiencia, 



571 

$42,930. This amount includes the expense for one municipal health 
officer, who receives $1,500; three doctors, who receive $1,000 each; 
one doctor for the playa, $1,200; one doctor for the emergency hos- 
pital, $1,000; besides, there are several assistants; for the Tricoche 
Hospital, $18,930. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that a civil hospital? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that the one which was founded by private charity? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes; the man who left the money for the purpose bore 
the name of Tricoche. 

Dr. Carroll. How is that endowment administered? 

The Secretary. The money is employed in the aqueduct — that is to 
say, the money was used in constructing the aqueduct, and the water 
rates are employed by the municipality in keeping the hospital up. 

Dr. Carroll. Then this $18,913 is for keeping the hospital up? 

Mr. Rosich. The amount received from the aqueduct is in the other 
part of the budget as income, and is a much smaller amount than that 
which we allowed to the hospital. The ayuntamiento took the money 
to construct a part of the waterworks, and at the same time under- 
took to sustain the hospital with whatever amount of money might be 
needed. I would like to have you go and see it. It is the best hospital 
here. The appropriation for the madhouse is $2,494. 

Dr. Carroll. How many inmates are there? 

Mr. Rosich. Fifteen or sixteen. This provision for the madhouse 
is a matter which properly belongs to the insular government ; but the 
municipality, seeing that the insular authorities did not attend to it, 
has taken it up itself . 

Dr. Carroll. Is fifteen or sixteen about the average number of 
inmates? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a resident physician? 

Mr. Rosich. No. It is a very poor institution and is poorly equipped. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that the only insane asylum in the island? 

Mr. Rosich. No; there is one in the hospital, which is a general 
one for the whole island. These people are waiting their turn to be 
able to get in. There is also here a smallpox hospital, with an appro- 
priation of $3,343. This hospital has no resident physician, either. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many patients there now? 

Mr. Rosich. There are forty-nine. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they all from this municipal district? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes. They have been putting up some sheds for them, 
as they have not sufficient accommodation. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the system of vaccination been used here? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes. 

Note. — Other items of the budget were as follows: Aggregate of 
amounts given to poor people who can not go to the hospital or take 
their children there, $500; sundry amounts for charity, including 
medicines, vaccine virus, etc., $4,000; public works (architect), $1,500; 
one assistant, $480; one porter, $360; vicinage roads and bridges, 
$3,230; springs, water pipes, and street watering, $1,000; streets and 
plazas, $9,000; prisons, $32,818. Of this last amount $15,175 is for 
the construction of a new prison. The expenses of the city as a 
departmental prison district are $17,343; sinking fund for the debt, 
$9,000. This last debt is a municipal debt of $9,000, which they set 
aside for building the new prison, and now they are taking it back. 
Census expenses, $2,000. 



572 

Dr. Carroll. When was that taken? 

Mr. Rosich. Last year. 

Dr. Carroll. Was it a municipal census or an insula)' census? 

Mr. Rosich. Municipal. 

Dr. Carroll. What did that census show the population of this 
district to be? 

Mr. Rosich. Forty-nine thousand. 

Note. — A further item in the budget for various objects under the 
name of subventions was $3,060. 

Dr. Carroll. Does this result of the census referred to correspond 
to the insular census of 1897? 

The Secretary. It is the same thing. 

Mr. Rosich. We have an amount of $7,184 due to the provincial 
deputation. The expense of collecting the taxes is 86,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Has Ponce a sewerage system? 

Mr. Rosich. No. We have a system of pipes only from the Tri- 
coche Hospital and the prison, which join together and go on to a 
hacienda near here. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the source of the water supply? Is it 
artesian wells? 

Mr. Rosich. The River Portuguese. 

Dr. Carroll. You seem to have a good supply. 

Mr. Rosich. Yes; plenty. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it considered to be fairly pure water? 

Mr. Rosich. The aqueduct is not filtered, and the water comes 
down somewhat impure. When the river rises in the rainy season, it 
brings down turbid water, and each family filters for itself. We have a 
project already accepted for constructing a filter in the waterworks 

Dr. Carroll. How many fire engines are there? 

Mr. Rosich. We have no steam fire engines; we have three hand 
engines. 

Dr. Carroll. You don't have many fires here, I understand. 

Mr. Rosich. We have quite a few; but the water comes down with 
a great deal of force, and we can put out a fire easily. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the firemen paid? 

Mr. Rosich. No. 

Dr. Carroll. The city furnishes all the apparatus and the houses, 
I suppose? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a list of the municipal property? 

Mr. Rosich. We have no inventory of it. 

Dr. Carroll. I mean of the public buildings. 

Mr. Rosich. The municipal property consists of the cemetery, 
which is also registered; the municipal building, registered; the aque- 
duct, registered; a building lot on which we are building another 
school; the civil hospital, registered; the insane asylum, registered; 
a smallpox hospital, with the lot on which it stands, registered; an 
asylum for beggars, for which the municipality gave the lot and which 
is under the management of several ladies. We have also the mar- 
ket place, the slaughterhouse, the custom-house shed on the Playa, a 
lot on which the cholera burying ground was established, the fire 
department building, the kiosk, the plaza, and 13 cuerdas of land, 
where we are going to build the new prison. I think that completes 
the list. 

Dr. Carroll. This is the only city I have found where they have 
any property registered. What are the sources of municipal income? 



573 

The Secretary of Municipality. Municipal lands, 1360; niches 
in the cemetery, $1,000; aqueduct, $8,301; supplying water to shops, 
$300; duty on tonnage discharged, $50,000; stands in the market, 
$3,897; cattle brands, $400; permission for building in the city, $750; 
licenses for public balls, $10; for authorizing municipal documents, 
$400; fines, $837; municipal tax on meats (has been abolished), $8,012; 
amount to take place of tax on meats, $8,012 (liquor tax); renting 
butcher stands, $4,626; from other municipalities on account of prison 
expense, $3,313; expenses for prisoners sent by the state to the Ponce 
prison, paid by the state, $14,802; the commercial tax, $10,000. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the nature of that tax? 

The Secretary. It is the tax on those who did not appear as mer- 
chants before, but since the formation of the budget have declared 
their intention of opening stores. General tax, which is collected in 
the district, $174,625. This last is a tax on agriculture, on merchants, 
and on manufacturing. 

Dr. Carroll. That is a tax on incomes? 

The Secretary. It is a direct tax. You will see that most of the 
taxes of this municipality are direct taxes. Under the new territorial 
tax we have to give 50 per cent of that to the state. That will leave 
us 50 per cent short. 

Dr. Carroll. Your income, however, will be larger, because it is 
on a different basis* and the insular and municipal taxes will be levied 
together, whereas this represents only the municipal tax, and does 
not represent what the insular government raises by tax, as I under- 
stand it. 

The Secretary. No. This will be reduced from $60,000 to $70,000, 
according to the new tariff. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the insular tax will also be reduced, will it not? 

The Secretary. That does not interest us. We have nothing to 
do with the insular tax. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes.; but in the other cities we have visited the pro- 
portion has been 5 per cent for the insular government and 1\ for the 
municipal. Now it is share and share alike. 

The Secretary. The new law has fixed 8 per cent of the income as 
the maximum. We can tax up to 8 per cent— 4 for the state and 4 for 
the municipality. The amount given here represents 24 per cent ; that 
is six times as much as the law allows us to collect. 

Dr. Carroll. How could the people stand that? 

The Secretary. The reason is, the returns they have made of their 
property were not true returns. 

Dr. Carroll. How does General Henry's order in relation to the 
land tax affect the municipality? 

The Secretary. It ruins the municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. Under that system you can calculate from the num- 
ber of cuerdas exactly what the revenue will be. 

The Secretary. In Porto Rico, especially in the district of Ponce, 
an assessment has never really been made, and the returns made by 
interested parties are always incorrect. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you made an estimate yet as to how much will 
be received by the land tax? 

The Secretary. No. 

Dr. Carroll. The land will have to be classified first? 

The Secretary. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you receive 50 per cent of the income from the 
land tax? 



574 

The Secretary. Yes. The new order is an injustice to the munici- 
pality. Under the old law it received 75 per cent of the direct tax. 
Now it will receive only 50 per cent. 

Dr. Carroll. There has been an order issued recently with regard 
to the taxation of houses in the cities? 

The Secretary. Yes; but the city gets only half of that. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that a reduced tax? 

The Secretary. Yes, it is much lower. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the land tax is a mistake? 

The Secretary. It is badly divided. The municipality should 
have at least 75 per cent. At the last session of the council we asked 
General Henry to allow us to receive the whole of the the tax on town 
property. There has been no reply to that yet. I consider that this 
budget is much too high. It is an excessive budget. Direct taxes in 
Porto Rico have never given a good result. The assessors have 
assessed the tax badly. They have no stable basis for making the 
assessment, and have assessed as they pleased. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well to have taxes levied on land 
on the basis of its value, instead of income derived from it, so that 
land that was bringing no income would contribute to the taxes? 

The Secretary. Yes; I think so. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, for state purposes, in order that there might 
be equal taxation, there might be a state board to decide whether the 
assessments that had been made were equal in all districts, and if not 
to equalize them? 

The Secretary. I think your idea is not only correct, but I believe 
it is indispensable. 

Dr. Carroll. It is the system on which we levy and collect taxes 
in the United States, and it works better than any other system. 

The Secretary. Here it would be even more satisfactory, because 
it has been a practice here to hide wealth in every possible way, and 
the State for one hundred years has been laboring under the disad- 
vantage of not knowing the value of property. 

Dr. Carroll. If there is going to be a great shortage in the ingresos, 
you will, of course, have a large deficit at the end of the year? 

The Secretary. Not in this year, but owing to the orders that 
have come from headquarters without any consecutive plan — one 
without reference to the others — there is no ayuntamiento in the 
island that can make a budget with any certainty that will hold. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you receive enough from the liquor and tobacco 
taxes to make good the deficit caused by the removal of the consump- 
tion tax on meat, flour, and bread? 

The Secretary. We will be able easily to collect as much if we do 
not get any orders from San Juan. 

Dr. Carroll. All the other municipalities have replied that they 
can not collect this liquor tax and said that it was onerous. 

The Secretary. Ponce has already collected nearly all of it and 
digested it. 

Dr. Carroll. You are on the safe side, then. When was the city 
property registered? 

The Secretary. At different periods. Some of it still remains to 
be registered. 

Dr. Carroll. For what purpose was registry sought? Was it for 
the purpose of issuing bonds? 

The Secretary. Yes ; and so that it could not be taken away from us. 

Mr. Rosich. Ponce has several other properties; some, for instance, 



575 

that it has had to buy in at tax sales. We are gradually getting a 
list of these properties and registering them piece by piece. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the city of Ponce auy bonded debt? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes; we issued a loan, and a portion of it remains 
unpaid, but we have all the bonds in our safe, because we have 
accepted them as security for different purposes. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the bonds for official good behavior? 

Mr. Rosich. No; for the due discharge of contracts by contractors. 

Dr. Carroll. They will have to be paid back again when the con- 
tracts are completed. What is the amount of the debt? 

Mr. Rosich. About 7,000 pesos. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that other municipalities have no power 
to contract a bonded debt. 

Mr. Rosich. The law allows all municipalities to issue loans if they 
keep within the statutes found in the municipal law and special 
decrees that have been issued. 

Dr. Carroll. Are these loans limited in amount? 

Mr. Rosich. The limit is the municipal capital with which they can 
answer for the payment of the debt. They had to get the Governor- 
General's permission, however. The special reason why we are regis- 
tering our property is that we have a project to raise a new loan to 
complete some of our public works. The waterworks are valued at 
$200,000 and produce an income of $9,000 a year. 

Dr. Carroll. Above expenses? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes ; they sell the income by auction. 

Dr. Carroll What is the tax on the use of water? 

Mr. Rosich. It is so much per diameter of pipe. Five dollars per 
year for a fourth-inch pipe and $20 for a half -inch pipe. 

Dr. Carroll. Patrons can then use all the water they want? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes ; there is no sort of meter. Our object is to allow 
the whole town to use water. 

Mr. Luis Porrata Doria, mayor of Ponce : 

Dr. Carroll. I wish to ask you, Mr. Mayor, some questions with 
reference to municipal government and the changes j^ou would like to 
have made. It seems to me that this is an extremely important sub- 
ject for the future of the island, and I want to get all the information 
I can upon it, and the opinion of those who occupy the mayor's chair, 
as you do, as to the points in which the present system needs to be 
amended. 

Mr. Doria. The new orders being issued are going to place the 
municipalities in a very difficult position as regards their receipts. A 
great many taxes are being suppressed, and there are no other means 
being furnished to enable them to cover the deficits thereby caused. 
Commerce is complaining and crying out against the tax on unloading 
into the municipal warehouses, and we will have to remove that, 
although it will mean a loss of $50,000. 

Dr. Carroll. That is not the 10 per cent tax, is it? 

Mr. Doria. No ; it is a special municipal tax. Whether the goods 
go into the warehouse or not, they have to pay the tax all the same. 
There is no reason for the tax; it was imposed with the consent of the 
merchants and is really illegal. 

Dr. Carroll. The consumption tax has been removed, and also the 
cargo tax of 10 per cent in the revision of the tariff; that is a relief to 
merchants and importers. 

Mr. Doria. We would have to remove it. Several towns, like Yauco 



576 

and Juana Diaz, imported through Ponce, and they will not pay it. 
To make up for these taxes suppressed, Ponce will have to get out of 
liquor and tobacco about $200,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Perhaps you can reduce your expenses. 

Mr. Doria. Every day the expenses of the city are larger. In order 
to clean the streets, to light them properly, to increase the police 
force — we have only 50 men, which is not more than half enough — 
Ponce should really have a budget of $500,000. Every day they are 
taking away our sources of income, and I don't know where we will 
get the money from. To make Ponce a civilized city it requires a 
system of drainage and sewerage, and we would require a loan of at 
least $1,500,000, and a sinking fund to pay interest would require an 
income of $100,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Why not lay down the pipes and charge the property 
owners for each connection so much per annum? 

Mr. Doria. But we have to have the system before we can make 
those charges. 

Dr. Carroll. You can raise the money by bonds and the charges 
to owners will pay the interest, and gradually you will pay off the 
bonds. 

Mr. Doria. Nothing here is used for the purpose it was originally 
built for. For instance, the insane asylum was formerly the slaughter- 
house. In this city hall we have a public library, the mayor's office, 
the emergency hospital, and have no offices fit for the purposes for 
which they are employed. As regards the sewerage, we are laboring 
under the difficulty of not knowing how to dispose of the sewage. 
They would have to take it a long way, and that would greatly 
increase the expense. 

Dr. Carroll. Could you not take it out to sea? 

Mr. Doria. The municipal architect, who is a competent engineer, 
and I are studying everything that is requisite to make Ponce a 
modern city. For instance, the leveling of the streets. The streets 
are not level, and until they are level they can not be guttered. We 
are going into every requirement for Ponce. We will put in the form 
of a pamphlet our conclusions in the matter, and, when printed, I 
will send you a copy, and also a copy to General Henry. 

Dr. Carroll. What is your opinion as to autonomy in municipal 
government? 

Mr. Doria. It is necessary. It is the only way in which munici- 
palities can attend to their necessities. It is an absolutely indis- 
pensable measure and must come soon. Municipal autonomy is a 
sequence of individual liberty, and, as you know, the greatness of 
the United States is owing to the autonomy of its municipalities. 
Each municipality knows its own requirements, and should be able 
to attend to them without intervention of the central government. 

Dr. Carroll. I wish you would give me an idea, Mr. Mayor, of the 
disadvantages of the present system of municipal government. 

Mr. Doria. Up to the present we are still working under the old 
municipal law, which is a very deficient one. Owing to the war and 
lateness in granting autonomy, the insular congress was not able to 
change the legislation for the municipal government. I will give you 
a statement of a concrete case that presented itself to-day about the 
slaughter of oxen for X3ublic food. Under the old legislation, preg- 
nant cows were allowed to be slaughtered, and purveyors were com- 
mitting abuses. As alcalde, I found myself in a very difficult position. 
I did not know just how to bring these people to justice, because they 






577 

defended themselves by showing me the old law. I had to have 
recourse to the health board, which is to-day a military board. 
Formerly it was a civil board, and the mayor was at the head of it. 
This board issued an order- that cattle in that condition should not be 
slaughtered. 

Dr. Carroll. That was the question that caused the resignations 
of the council in San Juan. 

Mr. Doria. I, with that experience before me, instead of looking 
for trouble, looked for a way of getting out of it. To-day the pur- 
veyors came to me and complained about the board of health. I said, 
' ' Gentlemen, I am very sorry, but this is an administrative board. " In 
that case, if the municipality had been autonomous, it could have 
resolved the matter without referring it to anybody. This is only 
one case in thousands which present themselves. 

Dr. Carroll. What I understand you want for the city govern- 
ment is the power to initiate and carry out, without reference to the 
state, those things which concern only the municipality, and do not 
conflict with the state. If you wish to add, for example, ten police- 
men to your force for a month or two,, you want the power to do so 
without referring the matter to San Juan? 

Mr. Doria. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. With regard to your council, you have 30 councilors, 
I understand. 

Mr. Doria. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is not that too many? 

Mr. Doria. Yes; not half of them come to the meetings. The 
alcalde is always alone in the management of the municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. How many barrios are there in the district? 

Mr. Doria. There are many of them; I don't remember the number. 

Dr. Carroll. How many are there in the city? 

Mr. Doria. There are five. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well for each barrio to have a rep- 
resentative? 

Mr. Doria. Yes; that is the rule, but the alcalde has to do every- 
thing himself. 

Dr. Carroll. Are any of the members of your council from the 
rural districts? 

Mr. Doria. No; all are from the city. If they lived in the country, 
they would never come in to the meetings. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it or would it not be well to have the muni- 
cipalities divided — instead of having a rural district within a muni- 
cipality, to have a rural government for the rural districts, separate 
from the municipalities? 

Mr. Doria. In every barrio there is a representative of the alcalde, 
called a comisario, who is a sort of police justice. 

Dr. Carroll. But a good many ordinances you make for the gov- 
ernment of the municipality itself have no reference to any needs in 
the rural district. Why would it not be well, therefore, to have a 
different kind of government for the municipal body? The farmers 
don't want any sewers or electric light. 

Mr. Doria. Yes; you are quite right in that. We make the coun- 
trymen pay for what they don't enjoy. That is one of the things we 
could arrange on an equitable basis if we had municipal autonomy. 
Besides the ayuntamiento, we have what we call the municipal board, 
composed of thirty members, who, together with the thirty members 
of the ayuntamiento, form an assembly of sixty, which considers 
matters concerning the whole district. 
1125 37 



578 

Dr. Carroll. Is that board composed of persons from the country 
barrios? 

Mr. Doria. From all over the district; they are picked by lot. One 
of the duties of this board is to approve the budget. 

Dr. Carroll. Which they do, I suppose, merely as a matter of 
course. 

Mr. Doria. Generally. The board can not remove any item from the 
budget formed by the ayuntamiento, but it can increase or decrease 
the amounts. It can not take away the amount entirely, in other 
words, but can only say that an amount is too large or too small. 

Dr. Carroll. If they can decrease it, can they not practically take 
it all away? 

Mr. Doria. Yes; they can bring an amount down to such a small 
sum that the item would be practically suppressed. 

Dr. Carroll. Are your barrios in the city about equal in popu- 
lation? 

Mr. Doria. No; some of them are more populous than others. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well to have members of the council 
elected bj^ barrios — that is, make the barrios as nearly equal in popu- 
lation as possible — and then have the members elected by them, instead 
of the method now in vogue? That would be a representative system. 
That is the way it is in the United States. You would then have the 
mayor elected by the whole municipality, and have the councilors 
elected for a two year-term, and if there are 12 members, have half of 
them elected every year. Have the mayor elected for two or three 
years, unremovable except for cause, so that his responsibility shall 
not be to the council, but to the people of the whole district. 

Mr. Doria. At present the town elects these councilmen. The 
whole town has a voice in the matter. The council, from among its 
number, elects the mayor. 

Dr. Carroll. That makes him responsible to the council, when he 
ought to be responsible to the people generally. Would it not be 
better, in your judgment, that the mayor should be elected by the 
people, without any reference to the council, and let him serve as the 
mayor of the whole district, and as the representative of the people 
direct, without election by the council? 

Mr. Doria. I think that would be better. 

Dr. Carroll. In what other respects would you amend the present 
system? 

Mr. Doria. What has already been referred to embraces the essen- 
tial things; other things are details. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States municipal officers are elected 
generally by the people; also municipal judges, district attorneys, or 
fiscals, as you call them here, the city treasurer, and nearly all of the 
chief officers of cities. In some cases they are appointed by the 
mayor. 

Mr. Doria. I think that as everything emanates from the people 
all public offices should be elective by the people. 

Dr. Carroll. In New York the council, president of the council, 
the judges of the various courts except of the police courts, the dis- 
trict attorney or fiscal, the commissioner of jurors, the city chamber- 
lain, the city treasurer, the coroner, and the sheriff are all elected by 
the people, but the police justices, the chief of police, the commis- 
sioners of various departments — for instance, of public works, parks, 
etc. — are appointed by the mayor. 

Mr. Doria. I am in accord with that. I will study the matter of 



579 

municipal government, and see if there are not other points to give 
you. 

The Rev. Z. Vall-Spinosa. I hand you a book with reference to 
prostitutes, showing the system by which they are licensed and exam- 
ined here. This book has the stamp of the United States upon it, and 
I think it is a shame that such an institution should be given such 
recognition. 



DIVISION OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yauco, P. R., March 6, 1899. 

Mr. Luis Cianchini, vice-mayor of Yauco, stated the object of the 
commissioner's visit to Porto Rico. 

The commissioner then called for a copy of the municipal budget. 
An official copy of the current budget was produced, showing the fol- 
lowing estimates: 

Administrative expenses: 

Salaries --'- $9,096 

Materials - 1,619 

Police - -- 2,806 

Detective force - 210 

Public instruction: 

Salaries (16 teachers) 6, 684 

Materials 3,374 

Beneficencia: 

One doctor $1,800 

One janitor. . 300 

One student ...l 240 

Miscellaneous, including medicines, alms, etc .... 2, 800 

: — 5.140 

Roads_.. 3,000 

Streets 1,500 

Total for public works 7,400 

Prison (prison district of Ponce) 1,316 

The municipal judge receives no salary, but is provided with a house or 
office. 

For new hospital which is being built here .. - 3, 000 

Uncollected taxes for account of the State (being the sixth of ten yearly 
installments) - - 1, 041 

Total of the budget of expenditures 62, 809 

Additional budget of expense . -- 3.. 830 

Dr. Carroll. What public property have you? 

Mr. Cianchini. The city hall, the church, slaughterhouse, the 
butcher shop, the hospital, and all city lots; also all the land on 
which the town of Guanica is built. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get any rental from these lots? 

Mr. Jose G-. Torres (a councilman). The city grants the lots gratui- 
tously to people who will build on them. The same is true of the lots 
in Guanica. We have in project the sale of these lots. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the municipality own the market place in front 
of the alcaldia? 

Mr. Torres. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What about the cemetery? 

Mr. Torres. That is also municipal property. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you own a casa parochial? 



580 

Mr. Torres. No; the casa parochial here is a private house. 
Dr. Carroll. Is the city property registered? 
Mr. Torres.' Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Including the church? 

Mr. Torres. The land, the city hall, and the butcher shop are reg- 
istered, hut the church is not registered. 

Mr. Me jia and Mr. Torres : 

Dr. Carroll. I presume the city has no bonded debt. 

Mr. Mejia. It has none. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have any difficulty in collecting the addi- 
tional tax on liquors and tobacco authorized by the Governor- General 
when. he removed the consumption tax? 

Mr. Torres. It produces less than the consumption tax. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any complaint on the part of the merchants 
against the imposition of this additional tax? 

Mr. Torres. On the contrary, they prefer to pay it on liquors and 
tobacco rather than on articles of prime necessity. 

Dr. Carroll. Has it compelled any dealers to go out of business? 

Mr. Torres. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any distilleries in this district? 

Mr. Torres. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they complain of the additional tax? 

A Gentleman. They pay a license fee only, because they are all 
agriculturists. 

Dr. Carroll. Mr. Mayor, what changes would you like to have 
made in the form of municipal government? 

Vice Alcalde of Yauco. We want to have municipal autonomy. 

Dr. Carroll. What measure of autonomy? 

The Vice-Alcalde. The free administration of our local matters, 
such as building whatever municipal structures we wish to, making 
our own budget, etc. 

. Mr. Mejia. The tale is told of a king of France who went to a vil- 
lage once and said : " What can I do for this village?" And they said : 
"The best thing you can do is to let us alone." 

Dr. Carroll. You think that is what ought to be done for the 
cities? Nevertheless you would consider it well that in the charter 
given to municipalities there should be some limits placed upon their 
powers? 

Mr. Mejia. Every town should have the same system. There 
should be administrative autonomy. For instance, we should have 
the right to form our own budget, which should be submitted to the 
taxpayers for approval and not to headquarters. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think it well that the number of members in 
the council should be reduced in niany cases? 

Mr. Torres. I think that should be done. In Yauco, for instance, 
most of the wealthy men are foreigners and can not form part of the 
council, and it is difficult to get up a representative council outside 
of these men unless the number is limited. 

Dr. Carroll. You would, of course, expect the people to elect the 
councils? 

The Vice-Alcalde. Certainly. 

Dr. Carroll. How many barrios are there within the town proper 
of Yauco? 

The Vice- Alcalde. Two only; the north and the south. 



581 

Dr. Carroll. Do the districts or barrios outside of Yauco have 
any representation in the council? 

The Vice- Alcalde. Some have. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think it well that municipalities should be 
limited generally to the territory occupied by the population proper 
and not take in large sections of the rural districts? 

Mr. Mejia. It can not be. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not a fact that those who live in the rural dis- 
tricts and have their interests there nevertheless have to pay taxes for 
your street lights, for your aqueduct,- for your fire department, for 
your police, in the maintenance of which they have no interest? 
Would it not be fairer to organize a government for the rural districts 
and have a separate government for the town? 

Mr. Torres. That could not be. At present there are barrios with 
1,000 inhabitants, and we can not find a man fit to name as a comisario 
who can read or write. 

Dr. Carroll. That is a bad state of affairs, but in the United 
States we have different kinds of government adapted to the needs of 
different localities. The people who live in rural districts and do not 
want the things they have in the cities are not taxed as much. They 
have to raise money chiefly for the care of the roads and for the pub- 
lic schools and have very few expenses beyond these. Consequently 
they have a government suited to their needs and also to their pocket- 
books. 

Mr. Torres. Such a system would be impracticable here, owing to 
the want of education. 

Dr. Carroll. We find in the United States that the formation of 
these small rural governments acts as a school in politics, so that 
people in a small way learn the art of government, and especially of 
self-government, and from administering these small affairs they come, 
in time, when the community grows and the population reaches to a 
considerable number, to be educated up to the point of having a 
higher form of government — that of a town or city even — and these 
small rural governments are considered, therefore, excellent schools 
in governmental matters. 

The Vice- Alcalde. In the United States everybody knows how to 
read and write. 

Dr. Carroll. No; many do not. 

The Vice-Alcalde. But a large proportion. 

Dr. Carroll. We have many there who do not know how to read 
and write, and yet we find by experience that they often make good 
public officials. I have known such men on school boards who have 
made efficient public servants. The first requisite of good citizenship 
is that the man should have the public interest at heart, and if he is 
a good, honest man he can do service in some position. Furthermore, 
if you have these rural governments men will have an aspiration to 
fit themselves for such positions. 

A Gentleman present. Not only are the people in the country towns 
ignorant about municipal government, but the people here in the city 
are also, because we were never allowed to have a voice in municipal 
government. We are capable of taking a share in the government 
because we have education, but I don't think rural governments 
should be started at once. There should first be started schools in 
the country. 

Dr. Carroll. It has been stated that there are barrios in which 
no one can read or write. 



582 

Mr. Torres. Yes; those who can read and write are foreigners. 

Dr. Carroll. How do they get comisarios in those barrios'? 

Mr. Torres. If they can find a man who can read and write, they 
name him. Mr. Mejia, who lives in one of those barrios, can tell you 
about them and the condition of the peojde. 

Mr. Mejia. In the barrio where I live there are twenty or thirty who 
can read and write. It has about 1,000 inhabitants. They removed 
from there the only school there was in the barrio and now nobody is 
learning. 

Dr. Carroll. Why did they close the school in that barrio? 

Mr. Torres. The municipality can only sustain six or eight rural 
schools, and as there are twenty-four districts, they move the schools 
about. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't you think that if the district were divided up 
so that the district of Yauco were limited, the country people would 
see to it that they had schools for their children? I think they would. 

Mr. Torres. I don't think so, because here it is necessaiy to force 
the parents to send their children to school, and if left to their own 
initiative I don't think they would take any steps at all. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the compulsory law enforced here? You have 
not accommodation for half the children of Yauco, have you, if they 
all wanted to go to school at one time? 

Mr. Mejia. For that reason we have asked the state to take schools 
under its charge. 

Dr. Carroll. That is just my point. The compulsory law amounts 
to nothing unless you have schools for the children to attend. I am 
not criticising the conditions here. 

Mr. Torris. In thfs district, or in some districts, there are some 
two or three hundred children that ought to go to school. 

Dr. Carroll. I am not criticising the town at all for the provision 
or lack of provision it makes for education. I am asking these ques- 
tions to get at the facts. We have a compulsory law in our own 
country, but if that law were enforced we would not have accommo- 
dation for all the children in many cases. I think you must have 
considerable help from the insular government in order to make your 
schools what thej^ should be and in order to establish more schools; 
but it is my belief that a different system of government throughout 
the island would contribute to that result; that towns like this should 
have a government of their own and should be set off from the rural 
community; that rural communities should have a government of a 
much simpler cast, that would cost much less. Now, with regard to 
the question whether the people of a barrio or several barrios together 
in the country districts are capable of self-government. The same 
question comes into view with regard to the people of the island, and 
when I was asked this question in the United States I said the onby 
way to determine whether people are capable of self-government is to 
place the responsibility upon them, and when the responsibility is 
placed upon them they usually rise to the emergency. I believe the 
people of this island are competent for self-government, and I believe 
that it is true of the people of your barrios in some measure. 

Mr. Mejia. I think the country people are not sufficient!}- educated 
or instructed to conduct their own affairs. 

Mr. Torres. The few educated people who can govern would natu- 
rally be chosen by the free vote to conduct the government. 

Dr. Carroll. If this system of government of which I am speaking 
were established, it would be in conjunction with what is known as 



583 

county government in the United States. In the county are gathered 
a number of municipalities, towns, and townships, and the authori- 
ties* of the county government exercise supervision to a certain extent 
over the governments which are under them ; and if such a system were 
adopted here, it would be necessary to have this county government, 
and the officials of the county government would instruct the officials 
of the township government in the art of governing, so as to prevent 
them from making any serious mistakes. 

Mr. Mejia. I think that in each barrio a council could be formed 
consisting of the comisario and three or four members who can 
administer their local affairs under supervision of the head munici- 
pality. 

Dr. Cakroll. That is what we have in the United States in town- 
ship government under a different name. 

Mr. Torres. The powers of such districts would have to be very 
limited in that case. 

Dr. Carroll. Certainly; because their needs would be very limited. 

Mr. Torres. If they had to have a system of employees and book- 
keeping, such as this municipality has had, it would be impossible. 

Dr. Carroll. No; their needs would be very simple. 

Mr. Torres. Would they have to collect and apply their own taxes? 

Dr. Carroll. Yes; but under the supervision of the county board 
of taxation. 

Mr. Torres. Then, what income would this municipality count on? 

Dr. Carroll. On the income from the property within its limits. 

Mr. Mejia. How would we pay our alcalde's salary, our titular 
doctor, our hospital, our police? 

Dr. Carroll. Ought not the people of the city pay for the things 
which they enjoy exclusively? 

Mr. Torres. What would the barrios do if they had no titular 
doctor? 

Dr. Carroll. Have their own titular doctor. 

Mr. Torres. At present we have only two doctors for the entire 
jurisdiction. 

Dr. Carroll. Several of the barrios could join together and have 
one doctor between them. It is not necessary that every barrio should 
be changed to a township. . 



CONDITION OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 
STATEMENT OF MANY CITIZENS. 

Isabela, P. R., February 15, 1899. 

The ayuntamientos drag on an ephemeral existence. They are nearly 
all insolvent and can not cover their liabilities, being unable to ful- 
fill their mission or comply with their duties as required by law. This 
condition, in our opinion, is owing to centralization in government, to 
which they were subjected by the Spanish monarchical rulers. 

The government must put the municipalities in the way of govern- 
ing with complete liberty, allowing them to nominate or remove all 
employees paid out of municipal funds, and giving them free action 
in matters relating to roads, schools, budgets, police, and everything 
affecting local matters. With this freedom of action and without 
having to submit voluminous documents for superior approval, which 



584 

system has always prevented all initiative, both personal and col- 
lective, the ayuntamientos will be able to attend to their duties and 
cany on things as they should be done. For these reasons we think 
that the Government should declare in force for the whole island the 
memorial treating of ayuntamientos approved by General Henry, who 
began his term of government by calling an assembly to inform him 
about the needs of the island, with the object of remedying them 
in so far as possible. 



POPULAR ELECTIONS FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICERS. 
STATEMENT OF JOSE M. OETIZ. 

Maunabo, P. R., February ££, 1899. 

(1) The immense majority of the municipalities of Porto Rico are 
bankrupt and can not support the burdens weighing on them, and it 
would be well to relieve them of these so that taxpayers may note 
the benefits of a change of regime, which Avould act as a stimulus in 
fomenting work. 

(2) Autonomy for cities as a governmental basis, with the modifica- 
tions suggested by persons of competent judgment in this country. 

(3) Municipalities, municipal judges, and governmental bodies to 
be chosen by popular elections. Municipalities to name their alcalde 
and president. 

(4) That the maintenance of district prisons pass to the charge of 
the state. 



FEWER MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS. 
STATEMENT OF DE GAZTAMBIDE. 

Yaitco, P. R., November 20, 1898. 
Civil administration can be left in the hands of municipalities and 
municipal boards, but the number should be reduced. To become an 
alderman or member of a board the following qualifications should be 
exacted: Two years' residence; to be of age; knowledge of reading 
and writing, and being a taxpayer, either governmental or municipal. 
Municipalities to be conceded complete autonomy in local matters, 
and local boards to be chosen by popular election of all the persons in 
the district able to write and read and who pa} T taxes. Employees to 
be permanent, only to be removed for cause, and vacancies to be filled 
by competition in which preferent rights be, first, for the most com- 
petent; second, length of service. 



A LIMITED SUFFRAGE. 
STATEMENT OF ESCOLASTICO PEEEZ. 



Cidra, P. R., November 10, 1898. 
I think that mayors, judges, and municipal corporations should be 
elected by all ratepayers, whatever quota be paid, and by those know- 
ing how to read and write, and no one else. Public offices, especially 
in the schools, should be filled by competitive examination, in which 



585 

virtue and merit should be vigorously exacted. Municipal accounts 
should be clear and simple; the estimates should be drawn with 
economy, and taxation, with the exception of a few easity collected 
items, should be levied on one general article of assessment. There 
should be municipal autonomy. 



MUNICIPAL AUTONOMY. 
STATEMENT OF TWENTY MERCHANTS AND PLANTERS. 

Yauco, P. R., March 6. 1899. 

Municipalities need complete autonomy in order to develop freely. 
They must be able to fix their own budgets of receipts and expendi- 
tures according to their local needs and means without outside inter- 
ference of any sort, and with no other fiscalization than that of a board 
of the largest taxpayers. They must also be allowed to undertake all 
classes of public works, making the necessary contracts for loans for 
that purpose. 

In this district we limit ourselves to asking for the opening of the 
port of Guanica for export and import, as it is one of the best of the 
island and is the natural port of the largest coffee-producing district, 
which exports 60,000 hundredweight of coffee and large quantities of 
sugar, and would obtain the exports of the neighboring towns of 
Sabana Grande, Lajas, San German, and Guayanilla, and would 
acquire the importance it is entitled to. 



REFORMS IN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT. 

Guayanilla, P. R., November, 1899. 
Municipal administration needs a special study. Towns should be 
allowed to participate in the control of their own interests. Until the 
present time the ayuntamientos have not really been the administra- 
tors. Composed of an excessive number of members, almost entirely 
political doctrinarians rather than public servants, they have con- 
verted the administration into a field of battle, thus prostituting their 
high office, and have given ear only to the initiative and pressure of 
the captain of the majority in this strange struggle. This captain, 
being the most resolute and sagacious, has been elected president, and 
he himself fixes his salary, which he takes care shall be sufficient to 
to enable him to live decorously and give his whole attention to his 
object, thus constituting him a political agent. It is customary to 
bring into the body of these councils not the best class of persons of 
the locality, nor the persons whose prestige and attainments make 
them fit for the position, but political bosses, who can at any given 
moment bring the greatest amount of grist to the political mill. 
These personages, who in some cases can neither read nor write, and 
pay hardly any taxes, and have no practical experience of public 
affairs, are usually the most active in political struggles and are well 
in with the authorities of the district. These recommend or disap- 
prove and pass on measures, enforcing obedience from the other mem- 
bers, and at the end of the economic year are rewarded by having 
their propertj 7 assessed at a low valuation. Between the alcalde and 
his employees there is generally a familiarity or secret understanding 



586 

that he shall be the head of the economic family and they his willing 
agents. 

Members of a city council, which is everything but representative, 
always fall in with the alcalde's views on all important measures and 
give their votes as he directs. Notwithstanding this, there have been 
occasions when alcaides have announced measures before a vote has 
been taken on them and have fallen out with a member of the minority 
who has not countenanced the proceeding. 

How is it possible that the municipalities shall have prosperity in 
such hands? Councilors in excess, ayuntamiento which does every- 
thing but attend to public business, and alcalde who bosses the com- 
munity and manages everything his own way — these are the three 
principal spokes in the administrative wheel. 

We think that six or seven councilors are sufficient to manage the 
affairs of a district like Guaj^anilla, with 8,000 inhabitants, but they 
should fill the conditions of prestige, morality, education, or capital, 
and concern for public welfare. To name a greater number is to 
insure failure or to deprive other boards, such as those of education, 
health, etc., of the needed members. 

If the alcaldes were nothing but presidents of the boards of alder- 
men, charged to carry out their motions, if the alcaldes were not poli- 
ticians, but gave their services gratuitously, as do the aldermen, 
doubtless we should see the positions filled by independent persons 
of some standing, who would not be terrorized by the threat of re- 
moval, and who would attend to public affairs as if they were their 
own business. 

To conclude, we want fewer members in the city council, men of 
known worth and unpaid alcaldes, and until this is provided the 
plague spot will remain. 

Up to the present the emplo3^ees have been named for one of two 
reasons only — political affinity or relationship or business convenience. 
Merit has had to hold aloof. There should be a law to stop unjust 
nominations and unjust removals. A law is needed which shall exact 
merit, honesty, and promotion by turn, and which would not set a pre- 
mium on political adherence to one or the other party, and requiring 
a strict responsibility for the f ufillment of duty. At present it is not 
possible to exact any of these conditions from emplo} 7 ees, as they are 
not sure of their positions nor of their daily bread. Up to now for 
every affair there has been named an employee; for each sheet of 
paper a pen; all tending to waste public money. 

Reduce the number of public servants, divide and organize the 
work and offices, and it will be seen that few and good men, well paid, 
can do the work to-day neglected by an army of dissatisfied and ill- 
paid clerks. Why should a small town like this need more than a sec- 
retary at $2 daily and an assistant at $1 daily? 

Who would be a better depositary than one of the council, by 
monthly turns? 

The question of police is the most important and should have your 
attention. To be a public guardian, a policeman should be an honest, 
firm, and kindly man. Unfortunately, here we have as policemen 
men who have been in prison and are political servants of the maj^or, 
and who carry out his orders in such a way that there seems no remedy 
for us but to emigrate, as some who have been constantly persecuted 
have already done. Let the police be well paid, but make them 
responsible for the least abuse or excess, and above all only name 
men of respectability and firmness for such important positions, who, 



587 

instead of terrorizing and becoming political instruments, will really be 
public protectors. Otherwise it would be better to emigrate than lose 
all liberty of action or expose oneself to outrage and insult. 

Everything that can be said about taxation is both irritating and 
scandalous. As until now all taxation is based on the information 
of the taxpayer himself as regards his income and rests on the good 
faith of his declarations, the result has been that the returns are 
hypothetical. As the revising board is named by the alcalde and 
council, these, under the conditions aforenamed, constitute a family 
party. The poor peasant, who has to pay, falls a victim to the col- 
lector, who sells his estate when he can not satisfy the excessive 
quota assigned him. Working his farm, he has no time to attend to 
these matters and trusts in the alcalde to do hiin justice; but the 
alcalde, together with his board, only sees that his henchmen are 
protected at the expense of the others. We even have known it to 
happen that when the experts named did not attend, the municipal 
employees have themselves acted as experts in valuation. 

If it is impossible to do away with direct taxation, then let the 
property in each municipality be properly assessed for purposes of 
taxation. Until this is done there will be neither justice nor equality 
in the application of taxation. 

We will also say a word about the officials who are appointed to 
collect overdue taxes by forced sales. They themselves name the 
valuers and lend themselves to all sorts of immorality in carrying out 
their task. 

The government should, in the matter of education, look into, two 
things — the teachers and the material used in schools. In the cities 
inspection is possible. In rural districts, where population is scat- 
tered, the teachers are obliged to become instruments of the domi- 
nating power and to allow things to pass unquestioned that should be 
suppressed. The distance of one house from another makes the 
attendance of pupils extremely difficult. Besides, the school mate- 
rial used is far from perfect and is often entirely wanting. 

The situation of the poor in respect to sanitation is lamentable. 
Badly fed, living on the ground in huts, without assistance in case of 
sickness, the spectacle presented is moving. Only in the large towns 
have sums been set aside for charitable purposes, and only in them 
can the poor find a bed and medical assistance in case of need. 

But in small towns like ours, where large sums are voted for 
employees, feasts, extra allowances, etc., our poor pass their periods 
of sickness in their huts, far from medical attendance, both owing to 
the causes named, their numbers, and the distance at which they live. 

Is a remedy to be sought? In which case, less feasts, less politics, 
fewer squandering municipalities, more economies, and a sum set aside 
each year for charities and hospitals. 

As roads are the life of a town it is natural that ayuntamientos 
should give them some attention. As our country is essentially agri- 
cultural, there is no doubt that if it were covered by a network of 
roads it would become rich and flourishing. This town, for instance, 
although traversed by a good central road, has no roads to its points 
of production. The bad roads, or rather paths, are the cause of the 
produce seeking other outlets, depriving this locality of its legitimate 
benefits. It is therefore necessary that money should be furnished to 
construct our vicinage roads, and that the ayuntamiento should vote 
the amounts required for their repairs. 



588 

We will not close without stating - that the late order of the govern- 
ment respecting the liquor tax lias been wrongly interpreted. Gen- 
eral Henry wished to diminish the vice of drunkenness, so common 
in the country, but he did uot wish to lay a tax on the producer, who 
already pays taxes in the general scheme of land taxation. Why, 
then, have our authorities taxed both the producer and the retailer? 
Can not our ayuntamiento understand that not having done this in 
other towns, the producers of those districts are in a position to 
undersell the producers of this district, and the retailers consequently 
buy their supplies outside, to the great prejudice of our locality? 

If it is wished to wipe out political rancor, to unite the Porto Ricans, 
and finish once for all old enmities, it is logical that until the first 
elections take place both elements be given equal voice and equal 
benefits in the regeneration. It is not logical to give the ayuntamien- 
tos over to one party and to allow the other ingress only when some 
vacancy occurs. 

Is peace sought? Is politics to be exterminated? Then name an 
equal number of both parties to the city councils and an American 
delegate with a voice, but no vote, as a representative of the Govern- 
ment, and it will be seen how quickly success will follow the step. 

If this is done, the naming of the new members of the councils 
should not be left to the present councilors, or they will do as they 
have done already — name nonentities from among their political 
opposites, men not able to oppose their selfish plans'. 

Gitayanilla, March, 1899. 



PRISONS AND CHARITIES. 

MUNICIPAL CHARITIES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the municipalities have a poor fund? 

Mr. RoiG. There is always a hospital, sometimes an asylum, but 
that is in charge of private parties. There are asjdums in only a few 
places. A custom here is to go around and beg. 

Dr. Carroll. Is not that bad policy? In the United States we have 
asylums for the deserving poor. 

Mr. RoiG. Yes; we used to do that in Humacao. There is an asy- 
lum in Ponce, one in San Juan, and one in Arecibo. 

Dr. Carroll. I have been told that when a young girl loses her 
parents her relatives and friends will join together to take care of her. 
One furnishes her clothes, another supplies her food, and another edu- 
cates her. 

Mr. Roio. That is usually done. The people here are not miserly. 
They do not care much for money. Many of the people who go about 
begging are idle people who could work just as well as not. 



589 

HOSPITAL IN SAN JUAN. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R. , November 4-, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any civil hospitals here in addition to the 
military hospital? 

Mr. Zarate (secretary of the board of health). There are none. 
The military hospital was built by a former bishop here by the name 
of Cos, who handed it over to the military authorities with the stipu- 
lation that thirty beds should be reserved in it for civil patients. As 
can be imagined, this limited accommodation is insufficient, and the 
beds are the subject of much competition. Up near Morro Castle an 
old shanty has been built for hospital purposes, but it does not deserve 
the name of a hospital. The building at present in use as a prison 
was originally constructed for a hospital, but sanitary experts decided 
that it was so placed that easterly winds would blow germs of infection 
from it into the city, and hence it was not used for hospital purposes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the military hospitals publish annual reports 
showing the number of deaths, the various causes of death, the num- 
ber of patients, etc.? 

Mr. Zarate. They do not publish anything. 

Dr. Carroll. I have a report for ten years, giving the number of 
patients each year, the number having certain diseases, and the total 
number of deaths, but it does not show what were the causes of the 
deaths. - 

Mr. Zarate. They kept a record of the number of patients admitted 
and certain data regarding the deaths, which became a part of the 
military record, but it was never published. The military authorities 
of Spain took this record away with them, so that it is to-day impos- 
sible to get the facts regarding the causes of the deaths in the military 
hospital unless they can be obtained from the manager of the ceme- 
tery, who would have to go over the record of deaths one by one. 



HOSPITAL IN AGUADILLA. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aguadilla, P. R., January 21, 1899. 
Dr. Casseldttc (mayor of Aguadilla). We have a civil hospital 
here of twelve beds. I have two American soldiers there now; one, 
Mr. O'Connor, from Newark, 1SL J., who is very ill. At first he had 
typhoid fever, and then pneumonia, so that one of his lungs nearly 
disappeared, but now he is getting along and I hope to get him in 
shape so that he can be sent back to the States. The hospital is a 
great thing for the poor here, though it is difficult to maintain it. 



PRISON REFORMS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aguadilla, P. R., January 21, 1899. 
Dr. Casselduc, mayor of Aguadilla, and Mr. Torregrosa: 

Dr. "Casselduc. There is another very important question to be 
touched on — that of prisons. The expense of keeping up the prisons 



590 

is too high for municipalities. There should be State institutions. 
The system here in Porto Rico consists in having a prison in the chief 
town of the district, and these prisons receive the prisoners from all 
the small towns lying within the district. The result of this is that 
the number of prisoners lodged in these prisons is far greater than 
the capacity of the prison to receive them. The prison here that was 
built for 50 has 160 inmates. It is for the prison district, and other 
municipal districts lying within it are supposed to send their contribu- 
tions for its support, but they never send any. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do you not make a rule that when prisoners are 
sent here you will not receive them unless the municipality from 
which they came pays for them? 

Dr. Casselduc. When the judge says, "You take this prisoner," 
we have to do it. The judge resides here, and they must be tried in 
Aguadilla, and then they go to the head court in Mayaguez. 

Dr. Carroll. I think one important reform for Porto Rico is to 
have the powers of the municipal judges enlarged so that many cases 
which are now required to go to Mayaguez may be tried in the municipal 
districts. Here in Porto Rico on some slight suspicion they put a man 
into prison. And when the man has stolen a few bananas or some little 
thing, he is put in jail and kept there ten months, sometimes, without 
trial. 

Mr. Torregrosa. There are prisoners here who have been detained 
three or four months before trial, and when tried their offense was 
proved to be a mere misdemeanor. 

Dr. Carroll. That must be remedied. When a man brings a false 
charge against another, he should be brought to justice for it. 

Mr. Torregrosa. One of two things must be done — either the 
municipalities must be given power to sustain their own prisons or 
else the 11 prison districts of the island must be sustained by the 
State, and in that case collect the tax for their maintenance and not 
leave it to the municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. That is right; but it seems to me that there ought to 
be common jails in every municipality for the detention of prisoners 
found guilty of misdemeanors, and in addition to that jails for the 
detention of prisoners guilty of more serious crimes. 

Dr. Casselduc. They have jails for such misdemeanors. 

Dr. Carroll. I mean that the powers of municipal courts should 
be enlarged to cover additional cases that are really too small to go to 
the criminal court. There would be fewer sent to Mayaguez and 
other places where you have criminal courts, and then, instead of con- 
fining the criminal courts to San Juan, Mayaguez, and Ponce, I think 
there should be one in each district, because your means of travel are 
very much restricted, and it is ia hardship for witnesses or for a man 
who is pressing a criminal charge against another to have to go such 
long distances as are now necessary, and not only pay his own way but 
lose his time. For instance, a man living on the border of Arecibo, 
at Gobo, told me of the case of a man who stole a horse from him. He 
went first into Arecibo, and there found that the case would have to 
go before the judge in Utuado, because the crime was committed in 
the district of Utuado, and the judge in Utuado had to prepare a brief 
of the case to send to Mayaguez, where this man will have to go to press 
the charge. It ought to have been tried in Utuado. 

Mr. Torregrosa. The municipality spends at present from $25 to 
$28 a day to give the prisoners food, and naturally at the end of the 
month they have not money enough to pay their employees. 



591 

Dr. Carroll. Is it true that the judge of first instance does not 
have trial powers? 

Mr. Torregrosa. He only has power to prepare a case, and for that 
reason he is called judge of instruction. 

Dr. Carroll. Why not have a court of first instance to try the less 
serious cases in the districts where they are comniitted? 

Mr. Torregrosa. That would be a fine thing for the town. 

Dr. Carroll. I do not see why it can not be, and allow an appeal. 
You don't need more judicial commissioners, it seems to me, but to 
have the powers better distributed ; or you might have a circuit court 
for trying these, as in the United States, where judges who have 
power to hear and determine cases travel around and hold courts 
periodically and dispose of criminal cases. Is there any provision in 
your law for releasing on bail? 

Mr. Torregrosa. There is a system of allowing persons out on bail, 
except for the gravest of crimes; but the system does not work, owing 
to the venality of the clerks. The system is very much mixed up. 
Very often a person is imprisoned for four or five months for a crime 
of no consequence. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there no writ of habeas corpus? 

Mr. Torregrosa. No. 

Dr. Carroll. That is considered the palladium of American liberties. 

Mr. Torregrosa. The question of prisons should be attended to, as 
it is one of great importance. 

Dr. Casselduc. It is a source of great misery here. 

Dr. Carroll. What provision would you make for the temporary 
reform of it during the military regime? 

Mr. Torregrosa. Either of the two I have mentioned before, 
namely, that the state should take charge, or each municipality be 
allowed to have its own prison and attend to it. 

Dr. Carroll. That would not be really a reform. Great injustice 
is done by keeping people in prisons for two or three months without 
a hearing in cases of a trivial character. 

Mr. Torregrosa. I would recommend, then, simply to give the 
judge of first instance power to take cognizance of small cases that 
are not absolutely criminal. 

Dr. Carroll. What is done in the case of persons who are wit- 
nesses and whose testimony is regarded as of great importance? How 
are they detained and how is their presence secured when necessary 
in a case? 

Mr. Torregrosa. That is another question of highest importance. 
When the court at Mayaguez requires a witness, it cites him, and if 
he happens to be a poor man he naturally can not afford to undertake 
a journey from here to there, and he avoids it. 

Dr. Carroll. His expenses ought to be paid in such cases, together 
with his witness fee. 

Mr. Torregrosa. That should be done; but the state should do it, 
for the same reason it supports the judg-es and the high court. 

Dr. Carroll. Of course, if it is a state case; but in the police court 
it should be done by the city. 

Mr. Torregrosa. I think the whole system of courts should be 
under state control. I consider that as the state to-day collects a 
direct tax — for instance, as a pharmacist I pay $50 to the state in 
addition to my municipal taxes — the state ought to spend that money 
for state purposes or leave that amount to be spent by the municipal- 
ity. In the latter case, the municipality could attend to these matters. 



592 

think that the custom-house tax and direct taxes should be collected 
onh' for federal purposes; that all other taxes should be used for the 
purposes for which they are collected — that is, the municipalities col- 
lect for municipal purposes only. 



GAMBLING. 

[Hearing before the United States Commission.] 

Mayaguez, P. R., January 24, 1899. 
Don Cartagena and Mr. St. Laurent, mayor. 

Note. — The following was read from the Penal Code, Title VI, 
articles 354, 355, and 35G : 

That bankers and owners of gambling houses in which enters luck or chance 
shall be punished by major arrest and fined from 625 up to 6.250 pesetas, and in 
cases of repetition by that of major arrest in its greatest degree to correctional 
imprisonment in its minimum degree and double fine. The players who shall 
meet in such house shall be punished by major arrest in its minimum degree and 
fined from 325 to 3.250 pesetas, and in cases of repetition with major arrest in its 
minimum degree and double fine. The conductor and seller of lottery tickets or 
unauthorized raffles shall be punished by major arrest in its minimum degree 
and its medium degree, and a fine from 325 to 3,250 pesetas. Those who make 
use of fraudulent methods in play or in raffles to secure their winning shall be 
punished as swindlers. Money or effects and instruments used in play or raffles 
are to be confiscated. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they proceed against gamblers severely? 

Don Cartegena. Yes; after the feast daj^s, if the police give infor- 
mation about it. 

Dr. Carroll. There was a great deal of gambling going on last 
night in the market place. How long will that continue? 

Don Cartegena. During the feast; it has been the custom through- 
out the island for many years on feast days to do that. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have any cockpits here? 

Mr. Cartagena. Yes; they are allowed by the city. There is no 
law against them. They pay a tax. 

Dr. Carroll. How many have you in this city? 

Mr. Cartagena. Only one. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it the expectation that the council will continue 
to license that? 

Mr. Cartagena. I don't know. 

Mr. St. Laurent. We are in a difficult position to-day — neither one 
thing nor the other. We are still under the Spanish law, and there 
is nothing in that to prevent it. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do you permit gambling on feast days and not 
on others? 

Mr. St. Laurent. It is the custom to celebrate the feast in each 
city. As far back as anybody can remember it has been the custom 
in these celebrations to allow small gambling, such as you saw here 
last night. The council determined this year to have nothing to do 
with the feast; but a committee of townspeople called on the council 
and asked permission to carry it on as usual. I went to the colonel 
in command here and explained the matter to him, in order to avoid 
responsibility. The colonel said to me, "Let them do as they are 
accustomed to do so long as there is no disorder. We do not intend 
suddenly to do away with old established customs. As long as order 
is preserved the people may continue their old methods. Little by 



593 

little the introduction of American customs here will show these peo- 
ple what they should do and what they should not do. I do not wish 
to interfere in any way." The gamblers pay the expenses of the feast. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any objection in your mind to this way of 
celebrating the feast day? 

Mr. St. Laurent. The council unanimously objected to it. It is 
composed of men who do not gamble; but the townspeople this year 
were very much in favor of holding the traditional feast, and the 
councilmen, wishing to bring some money into the city and wishing, 
at the same time, to raise the spirits of the people a little, allowed the 
feast. The people have been very much depressed, owing to the pov- 
erty that exists. I expect next year, when we shall have become a 
part of the American Union, to take such steps as may be necessary 
to compel the people to follow the usages of the American nation. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it the general feeling among Porto Rican people 
that these games are not on the whole objectionable? 

Mr. St. Laurent. They do not think, nor do I, that there is any 
real harm in raffles for a package of hairpins or a pot of pomade. 

Dr. Carroll. But all the games I saw last night were for money. 

Mr. Cartagena. It is our custom, which dates back hundreds of 
years. Last year they had a roulette table in the open plaza. This 
year they have moved it from the plaza. It is quite possible to pro- 
hibit this thing, because if you tell these people there must be no 
gambling of any description, there will be none. We have not opposed 
the feast this year, so as not to make ourselves unpopular. The whole 
town seems to desire it, and as we are here in office on uncertain ten- 
ure we did not wish to stop it. Besides, the country people bring in 
their daughters to dances, and neighboring towns bring in a certain 
amount of business, and the merchants for that reason like the fad. 

Dr. Carroll. But no one objects to the dances. 

Mr. St. Laurent. Yes; but we can not have the dances without 
the gambling, because they are paid for by taxing the gamblers. The 
band of the Fifth Cavalry has cost us 1300; the firemen's band 
has cost also $300 ; the fireworks have cost $500. A ball which they 
are going to give in the theater will cost at least $500. The five balls 
to be given will cost in all, $800. They will include a masked ball, a 
children's ball, a people's ball, and a workmen's ball. 

Dr. Carroll. Has any attempt ever been made by the city authori- 
ties to prevent the school children from taking part in this gambling? 
. Mr. St. Laurent. They have never taken any steps, because they 
do not consider that this gambling is vicious. Women also gamble, 
but after the period of the feast gambling is prevented altogether. 
When once the feast is over there is absolutely no sort of gambling 
allowed. We allow it now for two reasons: First, because the colonel 
did not oppose it; and secondly, because Ponce had held its feast and 
this city did not wish to be behind. 



PRISON CONDITIONS IN HUMACAO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Humacao, P. R., F bruary 1, 1899. 
Mr. Joaquin Masferrer, mayor of Humacao : 

Dr. Carroll. How many prisoners have you in your municipal jail? 
Mr. Masferrer. Eighty-odd. They belong to the judicial district, 
or rather to the prison district; not alone to Humaco. 
1125 38 



594 

Dr. Carroll. Have you an audiencia here? 

Mr. Masperrer. No; we go to San Juan. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have to send prisoners up there for trial, 
together with witnesses? 

Mr. Masferrer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. You have a judge of first instance and instruction 
here? 

Mr. Masferrer. Yes. He will be present at the hearing today. 

Dr. Carroll. Does this municipal district have to pay all the ex- 
penses of the prison or are they divided? 

Mr. Masferrer. All towns pay their proportion. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any abuses of right or privilege or justice 
in the arrest and imprisonment of persons? 

Mr. Masferrer. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Are persons allowed to be arrested on secret charges? 

Mr. Masferrer. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Then it is different in this district from what it is in 
others that I have visited. I have had testimony that persons have 
been arrested on secret charges in other districts, the cause of the 
arrest not being communicated to them. I think it would be well 
before arresting a person to inform him for what reason he is arrested. 

Mr. Masferrer. In the time of the Spaniards the abuse was very 
common. 

Dr. Carroll. Are your prisoners all kept together without respect 
to the nature of the offense committed by them? 

Mr. Masferrer. Yes; the only separation is according to sex, 
except that we have a room, called a preference room, which is devoted 
to prisoners who do not wish to be in the same quarters with the rest 
and for which the prisoners have to pay. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you make any difference as to the age of the pris- 
oners — keeping youthful offenders apart from older criminals? 

Mr. Masferrer. We haven't sufficient room in the prison to make 
such a distinction. 

Dr. Carroll. You recognize the importance of keeping first offend- 
ers apart from old offenders in order that they should not be inocu- 
lated by the vices of the older ones? 

Mr. Masferrer, Yes ; but we haven't the means of separating them. 

(At the close of the hearing the commissioner inspected the prison,, 
which is in the basement of the alcaldia and is the prison for the 
entire prison district, comprising Humacao, Fajardo, Naguabo, Vie- 
ques, Yabucoa, Juncos, and Piedras. It contains three departments — 
that for male prisoners, another for female prisoners, and a preference 
department, as it is called, for those who do not wish to be quartered 
with the others and can afford to pay for better quarters. There are 
now ninety, prisoners in all, among whom are three women. The 
female quarters are dark, unhealthy, and totally unfit for human habi- 
tation. The women are taken out daily for exercise. Those serving 
sentence and those undergoing trial are all in prison together, and no 
difference is made between persons guilty of grave crimes and those 
guilty of slight offenses ; and no distinction is made on account of age — 
old and young, hardened criminals and first offenders, all being shut 
up together. The mayor claims that this is one of the best prisons in 
the island. The men's prison is in better condition, as to air and 
space, than the women's, but the drainage is defective, and the place 
is filthy and the smell unbearable. No uniform dress is adopted, most 
of the prisoners wearing the clothes they wore when arrested. ) 



595 

Dr. Carroll. Are you familiar with the condition of the prison 
here, both the part for men and the part for women? 

Dr. Pablo Font. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you consider the prison in good sanitary condition? 

Dr. Font. No ; it is not in good condition. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you please state the condition in which you 
found the prison and your opinion of it? 

Dr. Font. There are too many prisoners for the room assigned them. 
They are huddled too closely together. There was a project to build 
a modern prison, but it was dropped for want of funds. 

Dr. Carroll. What is your opinion of the drainage in the men's 
department? 

Mr. Masferrer. Permit me to say that it is so bad that a few days 
ago I called in a competent person to see what could be done in the 
matter. He drew up plans for improving the drainage, but I have not 
been able to carry them into effect for want of funds. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to know if Dr. Font does not regard the 
effluvium which comes from the prison dangerous not only to the 
prisoners, but to the keepers and to the people of the town generally? 

Dr. Font. Naturally so; and for that reason the alcalde tried to 
take steps to better the condition of the prison. 

Dr. Carroll. Is not the air charged with germs that might develop 
typhoid fever or other diseases? 

Dr. Font. Yes ; that is also the case. 

Dr. Carroll. There seems to be no particular odor about the 
women's department ; but is it not too dark and in other ways unfit for 
the incarceration of women? 

Dr. Font. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What amount do you consider necessary to make the 
prison sanitary? 

Mr. Masferrer. We have the lot, and we estimate that $12,000 
would be sufficient to put up a building that would be adequate. 
This sum was collected under the old government for that purpose, 
but the money has disappeared from the treasury. 



PRISON CHARGES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aibonito, P. R, February 6, 1899. 
Mr. Manuel Caballer, mayor of Aibonito, and Mr. , munic- 
ipal judge: 

Dr. Carroll. Where are the headquarters of this judicial district? 

Mr. Caballer. Guayama. 

Dr. Carroll. You send your prisoners to Guayama? 

Mr. Caballer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. And- you pay for the support of the prisoners you 
send there? 

Mr. Caballer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the charges large? 

Mr. Caballer. Yes. We pay much out of proportion to the num- 
ber of prisoners we have sent from here. With the amount we pay 
we could keep our prisoners in a hotel. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you looked into the matter to see why it costs 
so much? 



59G 

Mr. Caballer. I have only been in office six days and have not 
looked into it. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not the custom for the several alcaldes in the 
district to get together and agree as to the amount that shall be appor- 
tioned to each municipality in the judicial district? 

The Municipal Judge. This district pays S3,000 state taxes, and 
on that amount they base the amount this district is to pay for prison 
duties. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there no auditing of the accounts of the prison on 
the part of the municipalities which contribute? 

The Municipal Judge. I went there. They presented the account 
and said: "This contract was let at auction. Here is the amount; 
and this, that, and the other thing were done, and here they appear," 
and all the alcaldes could do was to say, "All right." 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that the municipalities ought to look 
into it. They are spending large amounts for the keeping of a few 
prisoners. 

The Municipal Judge. Beginning the 1st of July next, the state 
will take the prisoners under its charge; consequently there will be 
no need for it. 



PRISON AND HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATIONS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Coamo, P. R., February 6, 1899. 
Dr. Juan Trujillo, a physician of Coamo: 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a city hospital in this city? 

Dr. Trujillo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the condition of it? 

Dr. Trujillo. Good. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you all the supplies and accommodations that 
are needed? 

Dr. Trujillo. No; the town being a poor one, it is not able to keep 
up more than a certain number of beds. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a jail in the city? 

Dr. Trujillo. Yes; the municipal jail. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it a part of your duty to visit the jail? 

Dr. Trujillo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the condition of the jail as to sanitation? 

Dr. Trujillo. It is not a prison possessing good hygienic conditions, 
but as few prisoners only are in it, the matter is not serious. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the general health of the city? 

Dr. Trujillo. Good. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the principal diseases? 

Dr. Trujillo. Intestinal diseases and a few cases of typhoid fever. 

Dr. Carroll. What are those intestinal diseases caused by? 

Dr. Trujillo. The chief reason is the heat; another reason is the 
unhealthy condition of the town; but now that other measures are 
being taken, I think an improvement will be felt. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have any cases of smallpox? 

Dr. Trujillo. Up to the present we have had none. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have consumption? 

Dr. Trujillo. Yes; it is a very common disease here. 



597 

Dr. Carroll. What is the cause of that? 

Dr. Trujillo. Bad alimentation, the general misery of the poor, 
and the irregular way of living. 

The Municipal Judge of Coamo : 

Dr. Carroll. How many prisoners are there now in the municipal 
jail? 

The Municipal Judge. Two. 

Dr. Carroll. For what offenses are they imprisoned? 

The Municipal Judge. One is there for disrespect shown to the 
judge and the police authorities, and the other for assault. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the case of disrespect? 

The Municipal Judge. I had a horse in my grounds, taking care 
of it for a man in the country. Another man took it out and rode it 
about the town, and on undertaking to get the horse from him, he 
used blasphemous words. The case will go to Ponce for trial. 



MURDER OF AMERICAN SOLDIER. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Caguas, P. R.., February 27, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. I want to ask a question or two about the killing of 
an American soldier here a few days ago. 

Dr. Jiminez Cruz. I don't believe that this affair in any way was 
induced by the people. I believe that the man who committed the 
assassination is a criminal. I know him and know his character. 
The affair had nothing to do with politics. Several days before this 
event happened I heard certain people say that they were tired of the 
conduct of some of the soldiers; that they had had enough of it, owing 
to their drunkenness, but this happening has nothing whatever about 
it which indicates any feeling against the Government. 

Mr. Sola. When the military proceedings were instituted, witnesses 
stated that the soldier was invited into the Workmen's Club and that 
the assassin entered and killed hiin, treacherously, from behind. The 
man who committed the crime was not a member of the club and had 
never been in there before. 

Dr. Carroll. Had he strong reason for bitter feeling against that 
particular soldier, or against any soldier here? 

Mr. Sola. It is not known whether he had any motive or not. He 
is a man whose hand has been against everybody. 

Dr. Carroll. Has he been captured? 

Mr. Sola. We have done everything we could to catch him, but 
have not been able to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. I am not here to investigate that malter at all, but I 
wanted to ask a few questions for my own satisfaction. 

Dr. Cruz. I wish to put on record that this deed does not in any 
way represent the feeling of the people for the soldiers. The soldiers 
and the townspeople have been very friendly and have mingled 
together up to the present. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to be a very strange affair, because your 
people are generally so peace loving. I hardly know how to find an 
explanation for it. 

Dr. Cruz. I have just been informed that the soldier who was 
killed was making love to the girl with whom this man who assassi- 



598 

nated him was keeping company, and that the assassin had followed 
him until he got an opportunity to kill him. This assassin is a man 
of bad conduct and has committed other felonious assaults. I have 
attended, as a doctor, to the cure of persons whom he has assaulted 
and shot with a revolver. It is a gain to society that he should dis- 
appear. 

Dr. Carroll. Is he a white man? 

Dr. Cruz. He is a young mulatto and the son of a blacksmith. 
His antecedents are not good; his mother is half demented and a 
drinker. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you had aii3 T other murder here in recent years? 

Dr. Cruz. This was the first in many years. There have been 
quarrels and wounds, but no murders. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the prevailing crime in Caguas? 

Dr. Cruz. Quarrels, abduction, and blows given in quarrels. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you mean the abduction of girls under age? 

Dr. Cruz. Yes; with the girl's consent. 

Jose Boada. president of the gremio of workmen of Caguas : 

Mr. Boada. In the name of the club which I represent, I come to 
repeat the protest which I have already made to the colonel here, and 
to offer our assistance, if necessary, and to make the government 
understand that we did not wish to be impressed by what certain 
Spanish persons here residing told us with regard to the troops, for 
which reason these same Spaniards wish to make bad blood between 
us and the American troops. The young man who committed this 
murder is not a workman; he is not of us, nor is he with us. I wish 
one of the witnesses to speak, because I was in the country at the 
time and am not personally acquainted with the facts. 

Mr. Juan Diaz, a member of the gremio of workmen: 

Dr. Carroll. Were you present when this affair occurred? 

Mr. Diaz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you give an account of what you saw and heard? 

Mr. Diaz. There were six of the club there that night, around a 
table, reading our regulations. An American soldier came upstairs, 
entered into the club, and asked permission to sit down there, which 
was granted, and he sat down. He asked what the place was, and we 
told him it was a club, and he took his hat off. One of the members 
of the club, thinking the soldier came up under the influence of 
drink, went down to the street to look for an officer. The criminal 
came up the stairs, through the door, and committed the act. 

Dr. Carroll. While the man was absent looking for the officer? 

Mr. Diaz. Yes, while he was absent. 

Dr. Carroll. Then what did the criminal do; leave immediately? 

Mr. Diaz. Before the act was committed I got up and asked the 
criminal what he wanted, and he said, "I have come here to stick a 
knife into this soldier." I tried to prevent him, but I didn't have 
time. 

Mr. Carroll. Did the soldier know that he was there? 

Mr. Diaz. It seems to me that he did not know, because his back 
was turned — the assassin stepped up behind him. 

Dr. Carroll. Did you try to arrest the man then? 

Mr. Diaz. Yes; I tried to catch him, but it was all the work of an 
instant. As soon as he did it he ran away. 



599 

Dr. Carroll. Do you know the man; had you seen him before? 

Mr. Diaz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What was his trade, if any? 

Mr. Diaz.' A coachman. 

Dr. Carroll. He was not a member of your club? 

Mr. Boada. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Was he in the habit of associating with members of 
the club? 

Mr. Boada. None of the townspeople associated with him; he was 
not the friend of anybody. 

Dr. Carroll. Who tries to connect the club with this act? Is it 
any person you know of, or is it simply rumor? 

Mr. Boada. It is rumor, and is not directed against the club in par- 
ticular, but against the working people as a whole, and is started by 
those who are annoyed by the fact that we have a liberty we did not 
have before. . 

Dr. Carroll. Is your club private? 

Mr. Boada. No; it is public. 

Dr. Carroll. I heard a report to-day on the street that this soldier 
was asked into the room of a secret club, and was stabbed by one of 
the members of the club. I am very sorry the deed should have 
occurred where your club meets, but I don't see any fact connecting 
the club with the act, except the fact that the crime was committed 
in the same place where your club meets. 

Lieutenant (Forty-seventh New York Volunteers). There 

had been a meeting there Wednesday night before. I immediately 
got their papers and made a thorough search. We took everything 
there. It is a casino of the better class of the workmen. It was 
reported that he had been invited in there and had been seen with 
this man, but I know that the assassin's name was not on the roll of 
the club. 

Mr. Boada. We wish to have the effects of the club returned to us, 
although after what has happened we do not mean to have ifc continue 
in the same name nor in the same house. 



PRISON CONDITIONS. 

LHearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 2, 1899. 
Mr. Luis Porrata Doria, mayor of Ponce : 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to see the prison this afternoon. 

Mr. Doria. There is a refrain here that says "If anything is bad, it 
is the prison." 

Dr. Carroll. I understand there is no division in the prison except 
as between the sexes. 

Mr. Doria. It is anything but a prison. All the criminals are in 
together, unless we get a dangerous person, and then we put him in a 
cell. We have a plan for a new prison, but we lack the money to 
build it. 

Dr. Carroll. Other municipalities in this judicial district will con- 
tribute? 

Mr. Doria. They are required to contribute, but they do not do so. 

Dr. Carroll. At Arecibo they imprison the insane, I understand, 
with criminal offenders. 



600 

Mr. Doria. Here we do not. Here we have an old slaughterhouse, 
as I told you, which we turned into an insane asylum. Everything 
here has to be done over. 

Dr. Carroll. When you get autonomy you can undertake all these 
reforms. 



DISORDERS IN PORTO RICO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1899. 

Mr. Manuel Reyes Ruiz, mayor of Quebradillas, called at the office 
of the United States Special Commission for Porto Rico and was inter- 
viewed by the special commissioner. 

Mr. Ruiz. There have been about fourteen burnings in my district 
of houses belonging to Canary Islanders, owing to the fact that these 
gentlemen during the Spanish rule tortured the people there and 
imprisoned about thirty-five of them. In their business transactions 
the Spaniards robbed the Porto Ricans. For instance, if a Porto Rican 
bought goods to the amount of $200, the Canary Islander would charge 
it up as $300. Canary Islanders are ultra-Spanish. The result of 
this robbery was that the Canary Islanders gradually appropriated 
the propert3 r of the native Porto Ricans, so that while some of them 
arrived there with a hundred dollars, in a few years they became capi- 
talists. Prior to the war it was generally stated that these Spaniards 
had threatened in case war should be declared to tie us to the tails of 
their horses and to drag us to the nearest port to get us out of the 
country; they also threatened to tie us together by our mustaches 
and use us as beasts of burden to draw them to the water when they 
wished to take their baths. 

At election time they put the civil guard at all the entrances of the 
towns and made us produce our cedulas, or documents, and used every 
possible means to prevent Porto Ricans from exercising their right of 
suffrage. They threatened the laboring classes that they would tor- 
ture and imprison them if the}' dared to cast their votes. They sent 
to my little town 150 troops to inspire the people with fright and 
thereby prevent them from voting. That was the municipal election 
before the installation of the autonomous government. Since the 
autonomous government has been in effect elections have been with- 
out a show of force. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the result of the election where force was 
employed? 

Mr. Ruiz. In spite of the soldiers and the threats my party refused 
to be terrorized and carried the election, but in previous elections 
they absolutely desisted from voting, as the authorities made use of 
double ballot boxes, pretended to take people to the voting room and 
instead took them to prison and made it appear that they had voted 
by the substitution of false ballots, whereas they really had not 
done so. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that they have one ballot box for one 
purpose and a second box for another and that they had voters 
deposit their ballot in the wrong box in order that they might be 
counted out. 

Mr. Ruiz. There was in each booth onty one box, but this had a 
false bottom. The Governor- General would direct the mayor as to 
what persons should be elected, and the returns of the elections 
invariably conformed to this direction. This was accomplished by 
false ballot boxes and terrorism. 



601 

Dr. Carroll. How has it been since the American occupation? 

Mr. Ruiz. When the Spanish troops left after the occupation, ven- 
geance entered, and I believe that the only hope for the peace of this 
country is to make the Spaniards clear out. Fourteen or fifteen of 
the worst ones have left Quebradillas and have gone to Aguadilla. 
Several of them want to return, but the people of the village will not 
permit them to do so. Those who behaved properly under the old 
regime have not been molested in any way. Owing to the atrocious 
treatment the natives received from some of these men their desire 
has been to kill them ; and if they have not done so, it is because they 
have been unable to get hold of them. Since the occupation by the 
Americans things have quieted down in my section, and the American 
soldiers are welcomed as friends and saviors. 

Dr. Carroll. Has there been any trouble since the occupation? 

Mr. Ruiz. No; but I am not sure there will not be if the Spaniards 
remain, as the people do not want them there. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they merchants? 

Mr. Ruiz. They are storekeepers and agriculturists, and all of them 
were volunteers of the Spanish army. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any plantations in your vicinity? 

Mr. Ruiz. There is a little sugar, coffee, tobacco, and smaller pro- 
ductions. 

Dr. Carroll. Has there been any retaliation against the proprietors 
of those plantations by the laborers? 

Mr. Ruiz. That has been the greater part of the trouble there. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the condition of the peons? 

Mr. Ruiz. They work twelve hours a day for 2^ reals, with rations, 
which consist of salt codfish and plantain. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the proprietors take care of the families of their 
peons? 

Mr. Ruiz. No ; only of the peons themselves. 

Dr. Carroll. Did they give them lodging? 

Mr. Ruiz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Did they pay the peons by checks? 

Mr. Ruiz. Some of them gave half the wages in provisions out of 
their stores; others gave all the wages in provisions, and still others 
gave all in money. 

Dr. Carroll. Did the plantation owners have any power over the 
peons to hold them? 

Mr. Ruiz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. There has been recently no system of slavery of 
laborers on account of debt? 

Mr. Ruiz. No; I know of none. 

Dr. Carroll. The peons were free to leave the proprietors at any 
time? 

Mr. Ruiz. Yes; they had that liberty. The laborer of this island is 
by nature very humble, and besides that he has always been in fear 
of the Spanish volunteers and the civil guard; consequently, he used 
to go to work and at the end of the day or week, according to what 
arrangement he had made, would receive his pay, and would go back 
the next day to work for the same owner, partly because he could not 
get more wages elsewhere and partly also because he feared that some 
complaint might be made against him. There are both black and 
white peons, but there are more white. 

Di\ Carroll. How many people are there under your jurisdiction? 

' Mr. Ruiz. About 6,000. The so-called bandits are afraid of the 

American troops, and knowing there are troops in Camuy they will 



602 

not go there, and I am afraid they will come to Quebradillas. The 
so-called bandits are Spaniards and a few native Porto Ricans who 
are naturally bad; but the greater part are Spaniards who have 
deserted from the army and prisoners whom the Spanish released. I 
caught two of them a few days ago myself and put them in jail. I 
could take care of the bad natives if the Spaniards were not there. 
Recently a party of 700 natives organized to burn some property in 
niy district, and I personally was able to restrain them. All the dis- 
orderly acts which have occurred in that district were committed 
before my election. I was elected by the people, and have been con- 
tinued by the Americans in office. 



San' Juan, P. R., November 9, 1898. 
A delegation representing the banking, mercantile, industrial, and 
other interests of the district of Ponce visited the office of the com- 
mission to present the conclusions arrived at by a meeting of repre- 
sentatives of those interests in Ponce. The delegation was instructed 
to lay particular stress upon the following paragraph : 

Before we close the present information we desire to state here that the condi- 
tion of affairs in the interior of the island can not be tolerated any longer. Bands 
of assassins that have been for the last two months burning and killing have 
caused such consternation in the country that it is now unsafe to travel, and the 
banks and merchants have practically closed business with the interior. If the 
present situation continues, there will soon be a complete paralysis of business, 
which can not but be immensely detrimental to the credit and prosperity of the 
island. As no apparent steps have been taken to stop such vandalic acts, we 
earnestly request you, in the name of the inhabitants of Porto Rico, to ask the 
President, Mr. McKinley, to give immediate orders to stop it. 

On being questioned respecting these acts the members of the 
delegation declared that the refusal of the bankers to 'grant loans to 
the agriculturists in the interior was due to the destruction caused 
by the marauders, and that the merchants for the same reason would 
sell to country storekeepers for cash only. 

On being asked whether the condition of the currency was not in some 
measure responsible for this stoppage of business the delegation 
admitted that it might have some effect, but insisted that the chief 
cause Was the depredations committed by these midnight bands. 

On being urged to make representations to Maj. Gen. John R. 
Brooke, military commander of the island, they said they had already 
done so some days previously, and General Brooke had said he would 
do what he could. They said his plan was to station troops at towns, 
so that they could protect these centers of population; but, in their, 
opinion, the towns were in no danger; it was the planters who were 
suffering, and the trouble was that by the time the troops could be 
secured from the towns, the marauders had made their attacks and 
escaped. The delegation stated that they believed that travelers were 
not safe from these banditti. Before the Spaniards left the island 
they opened the doors of jails and let many prisoners loose. These 
were among the banditti, and probably also some farm laborers who 
hold a grudge against their former employers. They said that the 
feeling at Ponce was that this matter was most urgent and should be 
attended to at once. 

Dr. Manuel F. Rossy, a lawyer, and editor of El Pais, and a 
prominent political leader in the island, in submitting the conclu- 
sions of the congress of Porto Ricans, of which he was president, for 



603 

transmission to Washington, made the following statement at the 
office of the commission, November 9, 1898: 

There are towns where as many as twenty-two estates have been 
destroyed, and in many cases the coffee crop has been ruined. The 
owner of a large coffee estate has sent his family to Mayaguez and 
has himself come to San Juan because of his fear of visitations from 
the banditti. In four days there have been seven murders. Three 
of the victims were Spaniards, one a Frenchman, and the rest wealthy 
Porto Ricans. 

At Yauco, in the southern part of the island, a mob visited a coffee 
estate owned by a Spaniard from the Balearic Islands. They found 
the man in the parlor, and killed him in the presence of his wife and 
daughters, to whom, however, they offered no insult or injury. 
Later they met his major-domo and cut- off his ear and nailed it to a 
tree. These mobs seem to strike specially at Spaniards from the 
Balearic and Canary Islands, who are very much hated. 

In the opinion of Dr. Rossy, those who commit these depredations 
are in part of foreign and in part of native birth. Some of them are 
Frenchmen, some Italians, a few Spaniards, and a large number 
natives. The Spaniards were mainly deserters from the Spanish 
army. A band of marauders captured near Arecibo was led by a 
Spanish captain of the Alfonso regiment. He was a deserter from 
the Spanish army. The purpose of these bands, which in some cases 
number almost a hundred, is loot and revenge. This is made clear 
from the fact that they do not offer any indignity to women. They 
are generally armed with revolvers, machetes, and clubs. 

A mob took from one estate near Barceloneta over 100 head of cattle, 
but the owner got most of them back because the bandits could not 
make way with them. They killed two or three of them for imme- 
diate use and had to abandon the rest. 

Some of those who do not want to work have joined these bands. 
One of those who surrendered had been a member of the guardia 
civil. 

Dr. Rossy had been informed that in the district of Camuy on the 
north property had been destroyed worth $100,000. 

As Mr. Rossy is an editor, he was asked why he did not give the 
particulars of these crimes in his paper and why so little was found 
concerning them in other papers, particularly of the capital. He was 
informed that it was one of the chief functions of the press in the 
United States to call repeated attention to abuses in order that a 
remedy might be applied, and he was asked whether he did not think 
that if the details were given in the press of all these attacks on life 
and property the authorities would be in a better position to cope 
with the difficulty. He stated in reply that he did not think it would 
do any good to publish these matters. 



San Juan, P. R., October 20, 1898. 
Father Sherman, United States chaplain, stated to the special com- 
missioner for the United States to Porto Rico that he had been staying 
a short time previously with a friend on a hacienda between the lines 
of the United States and Spanish troops. One night an attack was 
made on the estate. The proprietor, his son, and a number of others 
armed themselves to defend the property. The proprietor was a Span- 
iard. Father Sherman did not believe that the men who made the 
attack were bandits ; they were former laborers who took this oppor- 



604 

tunity for revenge. They had worked hard for the proprietor for 
years and had been paid in brass cheeks which they had exchanged 
for goods at the company's store. They were almost starved, while 
the proprietor had saved out of the estate 630,000 a year. Those who 
made the attack were not bandits, but men who regarded themselves 
as having been defrauded of the just income of their labor. 

Sehor Filipe Cuebas, collector of customs at Mayaguez, said that 
acts of incendiarism reported from the interior of the island were 
entirely new to Porto Rico, and he hoped and believed that the state 
of terror reported as existing in some of the districts would not last 
long. 

Mr. A. Argueso, of Humacao, vice-mayor of that municipality, also 
engaged in the mercantile business there, and an exporter of sugar, 
made a statement to the special commissioner for the United States 
to Porto Rico on the 13th of November. 

He stated that the chief sufferers from the marauders in the island 
are coffee planters, many of whom owe large amounts of money. In 
some cases where injuries amounted to $200 representation would be 
made by the owners of the estates to their creditors that their prop- 
erty had been ruined, and on the basis of this statement an extension 
of the time of payment would be asked and granted. There is not, in 
the opinion of Mr. Argueso, very much of real disorder. What there 
is is instigated chiefly by desire for personal revenge. As a usual 
thing it is the proprietor or manager who is attacked, while the prop- 
erty is very little injured or not injured at all. There had been no 
disturbances at Ponce, none at Humacao, and none, in fact, in the 
eastern part of the island. There had been some at Yauco among the 
coffee planters and in the western portion of the island. He had no 
doubt that these disturbances could be easily put down. 



Comparison of criminality between Cuba and Porto Rico for 1862. 





Cuba (population 
1,200,000). 


Porto Rico (popula- 
tion 600,000). 




Number. 


Proportion. 


Number. 


Proportion. 




169 
667 
161 
1,592 
343 


1 to 7,101 
1 to 1. 799 
1 to 7,453 
1 to 753 
1 to 3, 498 


8 
117 

38 

284 

48 


L to 75. 000 




1 to 5. 120 




1 to 15. 789 


Thefts 

Suicides 


lto 2.112 
1 to 12. 500 



Crimes in Porto Rico in 1S64 and 1SG5. 



Crimes against religion 

Crimes against public order . 

Crimes of falsehood 

Crimes against the public health 

Gambling and raffles - 

Crimes of public servants in the course of their employment. 

Crimes against the person 

Crimes against honesty 

Crimes against honor - -.. 

Crimes against liberty and security -. 

Crimes against property 

Acts not constituting crimes 



Total 



1864. 1865 



37 
243 
50 
.» 

28 
572 
169 

1,231 



4 

106 

18 

1 

3 

25 

230 
49 
14 
27 

527 

165 

1,169 



605 

Penalties imjwsed. 



1864. 



1865. 



Death by garrote --- 

Penitentiary, without privilege of going out occasionally - 

Penitentiary and stripes, with privilege of going out occasionally 

Penitentiary, without stripes, and with privilege of going out occasionally . 

Imprisonment in the puntilla (San Juan) and stripes - 

Imprisonment in the puntilla. without stripes 

Banishment, not affecting offspring - 

Banishment --- 

Penitentiary, correctional punishment 

Imprisonment in the jail - - 

Imprisonment in jail, with right to be ransomed - 

Confinement in the beneficencia - -- 

Stripes 



Warned against repetition of offense, and released 

Fined - - 

Released on ground of imprisonment suffered pending sentence 

Released with warning against repetition of offense 

Temporary suspension of sentence — - 

Pinal suspension of sentence.. 

Pardoned - - 

Freely pardoned 



Total 



392 



10 



85 

111 

1 

12 

15 

56 

132 

22 

231 

231 

167 

136 



1,641 



1 

1 

3 

25 

7 
312 

1 
2 
2 



11 

19 
5 

17 
136 

16 
247 
114 
146 
114 



1,340 



DEPARTMENTAL JAILS OR PRISONS. 

REPORTS FROM ALCAIDES, OR KEEPERS. 

THE DEPARTMENTAL JAIL AT SAN JUAN. 

At the end of the year we have 10 female prisoners, 2 of these sen- 
tenced to cadena, or perpetual imprisonment, 1 for the crime of parri- 
cide and the other for that of homicide, another to thirty-seven years' 
imprisonment for homicide and poisoning, another to fourteen years 
for infanticide, another to twelve years for homicide, another to three 
years for adultery, another to two years and four months for assault, 
and 3 whose cases are pending — 1 for double infanticide, another for 
attempted infanticide, and the other for theft. 

Of the men, 29 are sentenced to terms of minor imprisonment, rang- 
ing from four years to a month and a day, 13 for theft, 5 for robbery, 
8 for assault, 3 for rape, and the remaining 117 are for pending causes 
and are awaiting sentences for various crimes already mentioned. 

The penalty of death is imposed according to the existing code, and 
in the various instances when it has been imposed it has occurred on 
the Campo del Morro, in this city, or in the town where the crime was 
committed. 

In respect to the food which is furnished the prisoners, it is quite 
good. It is composed of pease and beans, alternately, with potatoes, 
rice, bacon, butter, and meat, and four days in the week a half a pound 
of bread, furnished by Juan Perez, all cooked and prepared for eat- 
ing, and a plate for each prisoner, for which is paid 18 cents. Clothes 
are furnished the prisoners as they may need them; light, whitewash- 
ing, and painting of the building and other necessary matters the 
auxiliary junta of the prison is charged with providing. It is composed 
of individuals of the ayuntamiento, who are a vice-president, who 
is always the alcaide, now Ramon Patron, besides four vocales, a 
secretary — all without salary — and a clerk, who receives 300 pesos 
a year. This junta prepares its budget annually, which it distributes 
proportionately among .the towns which compose the district, such 
towns being the capital, Rio Piedras, Carolina, Loiza, and Rio Grande, 



606 

"besides the prisoners from the audiencia, who come from the juris- 
dictions of Humacao, Caguas, and Vega Baja, whose expenses were 
paid until the present by the provincial deputation. 

There are at present employed on salary a first chief or director, 
Jose Perez y Gonzalez, who receives $800 a year; a second chief or 
director, Jaime Alsina Gonzalez, who receives $400 a year; a Dr. Jose 
Maria Cueto, who receives $420; an assistant doctor for the hospital, 
Luis R. Cordova, at 480 pesos; a chaplain,. Jos6 Martinez Ortiz, at 
360 pesos, and four turnkeys, at 300 pesos, besides a female turnkey, 
at 300 pesos, which amount is satisfied from the budget already men- 
tioned, as also the rent, which is paid to the municipality for the jail 
building, namely, 1,500 pesos annually. 

The jail building, which is the property of the municipality, was 
constructed for a hospital in the year 1877, the contract for its con- 
struction having been taken by Juan Bertoli for the sum of $149,800, 
which contract he was unable to complete, for which reason various 
repairs were required to prepare it for a prison in the year 1889. Its 
dimensions are 110 mefers front, 55 meters deep, and 16 meters high, 
consisting of two floors — a lower and an upper — and a subterranean 
department, fairly large, in the eastern side and two courts connected 
on the southern side, each of which measures 38 meters from north to 
south and 32 meters from east to west. 

The building has been occupied as a jail since May, 1889, without 
possessing suitable conditions for that purpose. The prisoners have 
their departments, or galeras, on the upper floor, where they are dur- 
ing the day and night in want of space where they may be able to 
breathe the pure air or see the rays of the sun. On the lower floor 
there are large compartments for women on the eastern side, with the 
hospital on the western side. The front is occupied for quarters of 
the employees. The parts occupied by the prisoners do not possess 
conditions of safety, but, owing to the lack of good gratings and doors, 
escapes of prisoners occur frequently. Neither do they possess 
hygienic conditions, on account of lack of windows for ventilation and 
because of the fact that the prisoners are constantly in their depart- 
ments, where they eat, sleep, wash their clothes, and have their closets. 

In respect to the capacity, if well arranged the building would 
accommodate from eight hundred to a thousand prisoners, but with 
the bad distribution which exists there is no space for anything; so 
that in the year 1896 to 1897 there were constantly from 400 to 500 
prisoners, all very much crowded on account of the bad distribution 
of the departments which they occupied. 

In spite, of the poor hygiene there has been very little sickness, 
which was attended to by the assistant doctor or student, under the 
direction of the titular doctor. 

In respect to the present system, the only thing I am able to say is, 
that if the rules should be fully complied with it would be fairly good, 
but as the} 7 are not fully, observed the manner of caring for the 
prisoners leaves much to be desired. The prisoners occupy them- 
selves absolutely with nothing, and do not seek distraction in work or 
amusement. 

All classes are together, those sentenced and those awaiting sen- 
tence, and the}" occupy themselves only in vice. It is supremely 
important to have established industrial shops to give employment in 
something which would improve them and teach industries, knowledge 
of which a greater part of them lack. There should be a professor of 



607 

instruction, and they should be obliged to learn to read and write and 
be instructed morally, a respect in which they are quite, lacking. All 
these matters are provided in the prison regulations, but on various 
occasions when it was desired to establish industries in this penal 
institution they were suppressed in consequence of the criticism of 
the press of the country. 

Jose P. y Gonzalez, Alcaide. 
San Juan, P. R. , January 1, 1899. 



THE VEGA BAJA JAIL. 

The jail of the village of Vega Baja was completed July 4, 1888. 
The cost of its construction was 4,600 pesos, and the annual expense 
of maintaining it is about 1,400 pesos. The building measures 15 
meters front by 20 deep and 5 high, outside measurements. It is 
divided by a passageway 8 meters in length by 2 in width, having at 
the sides two rooms, one for the hall of justice and the other the 
preference room. The hall of justice is 5-J meters in length by 5 in 
depth. There are, besides, 4 compartments for prisoners, 2 barto- 
linas (cells), 2 privies, and a court and algive in the interior. The 
galeras measure 6 square meters of floor and 4^ meters high ; the bar- 
tolinas, 3 meters. All persons sentenced to greater or minor impris- 
onment or to correctional imprisonment are confined in this j)rison. 
The total number of prisoners during the year 1898 was about 405, 
and there are now remaining about 34. The employees of the prison 
comprise an alcaide, who receives 500 pesos annually; a turnkey, who 
receives 250 pesos; a nurse, 150 pesos; a doctor, 300 pesos, and 2 
assistants, 24 pesos. The death penalty is never imposed here. The 
meals consist of rice, potatoes, beans, meat, and other articles. 

P. Gimenez, Alcaide. 
Vega Baja, December 27, 1898. 



THE AEECIBO JAIL. 

The present jail of the district of Arecibo was completed for occu- 
pancy in 1867, and took the place of a former building of old con- 
struction. The jail occupies the greater part of the space under the 
consistorial house, so that it can not be ascertained what was the cost 
of the part occupied for that purpose. The entire building cost 
30,000 pesos. The average expense of maintaining the prison is 720 
pesos and its original capacity is over 90 prisoners. 

All persons are imprisoned here who are sentenced to penalties 
ranging from minor to correctional imprisonment. The number of 
prisoners during the year 1898 was 777, and there are at present for 
all offenses 163 prisoners. There are two employees who are badly 
paid, an alcaide who receives 500 pesos, and a turnkey, 250. The 
death penalty is not imposed in the jail. 

The food consists of coffee or ginger in the morning, two messes 
daily, one at 10 in the morning and another at 4 in the afternoon. 
The first mess is composed of 4 ounces of meat, 5 ounces of rice, with 



608 

necessary condiments, and a plantain, or its equivalent in similar 
products of the country. The afternoon meal is similar, and these 
two meals are varied from da} 7 to day with codfish, rice, beans, and 
food plants of the island. 

The condition of the jail is always good when there is not, as at 
present, an excess of prisoners, which is proved by the fact that no 
epidemic has ever broken out in it. 

Gekardo Mendes y Martinez. 

December 30, 1898. 



THE UTUADO JAIL. 

The jail of Utuado was founded the 9th of November, 1896, and took 
the place of the municipal depository (which existed formerly), when 
the judge of instruction was appointed to sit in this city. The build- 
ing which the jail occupies is private property, the annual rental of 
which is 600 pesos, paid from the funds of this municipality. In the 
budget of expenses for tbe prison the sum of 3,000 pesos is assigned, 
but there is at present an expenditure of 20 to 26 pesos daily, due to 
the excessive number of prisoners, who are sustained at 20 cents each. 

The building is composed of two stories, with 5 compartments, 3 
small rooms which serve as dungeons, 3 privies, and a corral, or court, 
which measures 9 meters 3 centimeters in length by 7 meters 5 centi- 
meters in width, with a capacity for 140 prisoners. All persons are 
imprisoned here who have a sentence to serve — those who suffer pro- 
visional imprisonment and those sentenced governmentally. There 
have been imprisoned during the current year in this prison 856 per- 
sons, and at present there remain 139 persons. There is an alcaide, 
with an annual salary of 500 pesos ; a turnkey, with 300 pesos ; 2 watch- 
men, with 240 pesos each; a barber with 96 pesos, and a servant, or 
peon, to carry water to the prisoners, with 120 pesos annually. Since 
the creation of the jurisdiction of instruction in this city no proceed- 
ing whatever has been taken which would lead to the imposition of 
the death penalty. 

The meals which are furnished to the prisoners consist of coffee in 
the morning, a breakfast of rice, codfish, and plantain at 11, and at 5 
in the evening a meal of rice and meat sometimes, and at other times 
of rice and beans or pease. 

Titular doctors are obliged to visit the prisoners, the medicine being 
furnished free, and there is also a barber to cut the imsoners' hair. 

NlCOMEDES YlRNET. 

Utuado, December 28, 1898. 



THE MAYAGUEZ JAIL. 

The jail of the judicial district of Mayaguez was founded in the 
year 1879 and substituted a prior jail which existed in the street floor 
under the municipal building. The building at present occupied by 
the jail was formerly used as the slaughterhouse of this city, and its 
transformation for its present purposes cost a little over 9,000 pesos. 

The annual cost of maintaining the jail is on the average 8,180 
pesos, which includes, in addition to the usual expenses of the prison, 



609 

the cost of caring for sick prisoners in the hospital. The capacity of 
the prison is about 200 prisoners, hut owing to the recent burnings 
and robberies in the country there is a larger number of prisoners 
than ever before seen here. All classes of prisoners prior to sentence 
and those sentenced to greater and correctional imprisonment are 
confined here, and during the year 1898 the number of those impris- 
oned was 1,365. On the 31st of December of that year there were, 
for all offenses, 221 prisoners, which is an extraordinary number. 
The prison has 4 employees, the alcaide, who receives a salary of 60 
pesos a month; a subalcaide, who receives 40; a turnkey, receiving 30, 
and an assistant, 20. The death penalty has never been imposed in 
this prison. 

The meals consist of coffee in the morning, a mess of meat, rice, 
potatoes, bacon, and vegetables at 11 o'clock, and another similar to 
this at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. The fooil of the sick is regulated 
according to their condition and need. 

There are no printed prison regulations; there is only a manuscript 
copy, of which similar copies exist in other prisons. This prison has, 
besides the dungeons and bartolinas (cells), a hall of justice, a hos- 
pital accommodating 20 persons, a bathroom, a kitchen, two large 
courts, and two small ones. These two last belong the one to the 
department for women and the other to the department of preferences. 
According to the opinion of persons capable of judging in the matter, 
this prison does not possess the necessary conditions for an establish- 
ment of this kind, and should be supplanted by a system of cells and 
one more in harmony with principles of hygiene and morality. 

Eduardo Texidor. 

January 5, 1899. 



THE SAN GERMAN JAIL. 

The construction of the jail of the district of San German was com- 
menced in 1837 and a building of two stories was completed in 1844, 
the upper floor being designed for the municipal corporation, and is 
used to-dajr by the ayuntamiento and its dependencies; the lower floor 
for the jail and the residence of the employees. 

In 1872 the construction of an addition to the upper floor over the 
lower space was undertaken. In this addition two rooms were set 
apart for prison purposes under the name of rooms of preference. 
These rooms are distinct, the daily sum of 25 cents being the esti- 
mated receipts from these rooms as a prison income. The new build- 
ing was commenced and completed in 1844 and cost 16,300 pesos, 
according to the data found in the municipal archives. The amplifi- 
cation of this was constructed in 1872, at a cost of 6,000 pesos. The 
public plot and tower over the upper establishment cost 3,000 pesos. 
In the year 1S97-98, from the 1st of July until the 30th of June, inclu- 
sive, the cost of maintaining the prison amounted to about 2,495 pesos. 

The building measures in length 27 meters, in width 17 meters 15 
centimeters, and in height 14 meters 18 centimeters, according to 
data taken from the original expediente. 

All classes of prisoners are confined here, as is the case in other 
prison departments. When once sentenced the governor of the prov- 
ince fixes the prison in which the sentence shall be served, and he 
designates always for that purpose the prison of the department in 
' 1125 39 



610 

which the crime was committed. There is also in connection with the 
prison the municipal depository for trifling misdemeanors. Where a 
person commits a crime of the serious character of those indicated in 
the code, meriting superior punishment, the sentence is served in the 
provincial presidio in the capital, without respect to the district in 
which the crime was committed. 

The number of prisoners confined in this jail during the year 1898 
for all offenses was 420, and at present there remain in the prison 34. 
There are two employees of the prison, an alcaide and a turnkey, the 
first receiving a monthly salary of 45 pesos and 5 for expenses, and 
the second 25 pesos. There are 4 pesos set apart for assistants as a 
monthly gratification, 1 peso for each. Owing to the fact that the 
turnkey must be capable of taking the place of the alcaide in case of 
his sickness or absence, there should not be the difference in the two 
salaries which exists. 

Prior to the year 1845, according to data, there were cases in which 
the tribunals imposed the penalty of death, some criminals being 
executed by the garrote and others by the gibbet. In some cases the 
sentences were executed by the military authorities in this place. 
From 1845 to the present no data are known which show that the death 
penalty in any form has ever been imposed. 

The food of the prisoners consists of rice, meat, cereals, potatoes, 
wheat bread, or tubers. The supply of this food is let by contract 
annually. 

The preference rooms, situated in the upper floor, are very close to 
the office wings of the ayuntaioiento. They are lacking in privies in 
their interior, those imprisoned being obliged to go outside of the room, 
but within the same building. These circumstances and the form of 
the building make it possible for those imprisoned to be in continual 
relation with those employed and transient. Those of the lower floor 
improve the opportunity by means which those in the preference rooms 
facilitate. It is desirable to avoid these relations, to avoid also the 
necessity for the extraordinary vigilance of the employees of the jail. 

There should also be rooms for female prisoners with interior sub- 
divisions for cases of sickness. There should also be proper hospital 
facilities. 

The jail in the lower floor is subdivided into 12 rooms in the form 
following: Two for the office and sleeping room of the alcaide, 1 for 
the turnkey and a hall of justice, and 4 situated in the front of the 
prison. In the rear, 8 rooms, 1 for the municipal depository, 1 used 
as a storeroom, which is that to-day set apart for women, 3 for prison- 
ers of all classes who do not comply with the requirements for prefer- 
ence. Every hall contains 10, 14, or 18 individuals. Two rooms are 
set apart for persons confined incomunidad and one for punishments 
in the interior of the building. There is only one closet for the entire 
building. 

During the day all prisoners are together in the court of the prison, 
situated in the middle of it, including those imprisoned for slight 
offenses and for the first time and those for grave offenses who are 
there for the second or third time. For this reason, instead of the 
prison being correctional, it causes bad ideas to be inculcated in undis- 
ciplined minds. 

There is a cistern for drinking water situated in the court of the 
prison. 

There is in this prison a manuscript copy of regulations, the origi- 
nal of which should be found in the jail of the capital at San Juan, 



611 

dated the 20th of March, 1866, approved by Marchessi. According to 
the opinion of some learned persons, the regulations ruling in this 
prison are not in conformity with present laws. For this reason arises 
a necessity of reforming it or substituting another for it. 

Salvador Lugo, 

Interim Alcaide. 
San German, December SI, 1898. 



THE GUAYAMA JAIL. 

The jail of the judicial district of Guayama was founded in 1870, 
at a cost of 14,443 pesos. The expenses of maintaining the prisoners 
during the year reaches the sum of 5,748 pesos 75 centavos. It is 18 
meters in front, by 26 in depth, approximately. There are admitted 
to this prison offenders who commit all classes of crimes and misde- 
meanors. Only those sentenced to greater arrest and correctional 
imprisonment serve their sentence in it, and those against whom 
slight penalties have been imposed by the municipal judge. During 
the present year there have entered into the prison for different 
crimes and misdemeanors 860 persons, counting both sexes, and at 
present there are 29 prisoners. 

The employees are the alcaide, who receives an annual salary of 500 
pesos; a turnkey, who receives 250; a doctor, who receives 300, and a 
barber, who receives 96. 

The death penalty is not imposed here. 

The meals which are furnished to the prisoners consist of meat, 
bread, rice, codfish, beans, pease, and vegetable products, such as 
plantains and other crops of the country, and coffee. The regula- 
tions which govern this prison and which serve as a practical guide 
of the alcaide in the discharge of his duties were made by the crimi- 
nal audiencia of Ponce in 1877. 

Francisco Lopez. 

Guayama, P. R., December SO, 1898. 



the humacao jail. 

The jail in the judicial district of Humacao was established in 1849, 
at a cost of about 15,000 pesos, and the annual expense for its main- 
tenance is 5,840 pesos. It accommodates 100 prisoners. All who com- 
mit offenses in this city or district are imprisoned here, of whom, 
during the year ending to-day, according to the records, there were 
1,143 persons, and there are to-day remaining 89 persons. There are 
three employees, namely, an alcaide, who receives 500 pesos annually; 
a subalcaide, who receives 400 pesos, and a turnkey, 300 pesos. The 
death penalty is not imposed here. There is a project for enlarging 
the jail, as its capacity is too limited. 

J. Mariano Reges, 

Interim Alcaide. 



612 

PRISON STATISTICS. 
Table I.— Penal population, census of 1897. 1 



Department. 



San Juan.. 
Arecibo ... 
Aguadilla . 
Mayaguez . 
Ponce 



Number 
of pris- 
oners. 



799 
48 
24 
62 
53 



Department. 



Guayama . 
Humacao.. 

Total 



Number 
of pris- 
oners. 



1,101 



Evidently the entire number of prisoners in all classes of prisons, including municipal jails. 
Table II. — Summary of crimes according to race — Presidio at San Juan. 



Crime. 



Race. 



White. Mixed. Black 



Total. 



Murder 

Homicide 

Robbery 

Theft 

Forgery 

Incendiarism 

Swindling 

"Violation 

Abduction 

Ofensa de obras... 
Insult to superior. 
"Various crimes - . - 



Total 



131 



131 



46 



4 

113 

111 

57 

2 



Table III. — Length of sentence by periods of years — Presidio at San Juan. 



Period. 


Race. 


Total. 


White. 


Mixed. 


Black. 




25 
41 
42 
13 
5 
2 


38 
33 
38 

14 
5 
2 


10 
13 

16 
6 

1 


73 




87 




96 




33 


20 to 30 years... 


11 
4 








Total - . 


128 


130 


' 46 


304 






Less than 1 year or for life: 


1 
1 






1 








, 


9 months 


1 


1 


( i 


Life (22 years old) 















613 

Table IV. —Departmental prison of San Juan. 

PRISONERS DURING THE YEAR 1898. 



Received 
or dis- 
charged 
during 
month. 



Total. 



January 1. In prison. 

Received during month ... 
Discharged during month . 



Increase . 



February 1. In prison 

Received during month . . . 
Discharged during month . 



Decrease . 



March 1. In prison 

Received during month . . . 
Discharged during month . 



Decrease. 



April 1. In prison 

Received during month ... 
Discharged during month 



Increase 



May 1. In prison.. 

Received during month . . . 
Discharged during month . 



Decrease . 



Junel. In'prison 

Received during month ... 
Discharged during month . 



Increase . 



July 1. In prison 

Received during month ... 
Discharged during month . 



Decrease . 



August 1. In prison. 

Received during month . . . 
Discharged during month. 



Decrease. 



September 1. In prison 

Received during month . . . 
Discharged during month . 



Decrease . 



October 1. In prison 

Received during month . . . 
Discharged during month. 



Decrease. 



November 1. In prison 

Received during month . . . 
Discharged during month. 



Increase 



December 1. In prison . 

Received during month . . . 
Discharged during month 

Increase 



107 



102 



106 
81 



78 



94 
114 



35 



248 



257 



29 

228 



14 
214 



25 



12 

248 



18 
230 



17 
213 



20 
193 



54 
139 



10 
149 



7 
156 



614 



Table V. — Inmates under sentence. 

AGE AND RACE. 



Race. 


13 to 20. 


30 to 25. 


25 to 30. 


30 to 35. 


35 to 40. 


40 to 50. 


50 to 62. 


Total. 


White 

Mixed 


4 
4 
2 


13 
11 
3 


5 
6 
1 


3 

2 
1 


3 


1 
2 
3 


1 
2 


30 
87 


Black 


2 


12 








Total 


10 


27 


13 


6 


5 


6 


3 


G9 



Table VI— CRIMES BY RACE. 





White. 


Mixed. 


Black. 


Total. 


Theft _ 


6 

10 


8 
10 
3 
3 
1 
1 
3 


4 

7 


18 




37 




2 




2 

1 
4 
5 
1 
1 










2 


















1 






1 


2 








Total _... 


30 


27 


13 


69 



Table VII.— LENGTH OF SENTENCE. 





Years. 




1. 


2. 


3. 


4. 


6. 


7. 


13. 1 Total. 


White .- 


3 
5 


8 
6 
2 


3 
1 


2 
1 


2 


1 


.1 

1 


16 


Mixed .- 


17 


Black .... 






3 














Total 


8 


16 


4 


3 


2 


1 


3 36 











Months. 




1. 


2. 


3. 


4. 


5. 


6. 


7. 


S. Total. 


White 


1 
1 
1 


5 
3 
5 


1 

2 
1 


3 

3 


3 
1 






i 12 




1 


1 


1 i 12 


Black 


1 


! 9 






Total 


3 


13 


4 


6 


4 


1 


1 


1 33 







Table VIII.— RACE AND AGE. 





Years. 


Total 




13 to 30. 


30 to 25. 


35 to 30. 


30 to 35. 


35 to 40. 


40 to 50. 


50 to 60. 




White 


8 
6 
8 


14 

36 

5 


14 
31 

1 


11 
3 


3 

5 


5 
4 
2 


1 
8 
2 


56 




77 


Black... 


31 








Total 


32 


45 


36 


31 


8 


11 


11 


154 







Table IX.— SUMMARY OP PRISONERS. 





Under sentence. 


Await- 
ing 
trial. 


Total. 




Months. 


Years. 


White 


13 

12 

9 


16 

17 

3 


56 

77 
31 


84 


Mixed 


106 


Black 


33 






Total ' 


33 


36 


154 


233 







Males . . . 
Females . 



319 
4 



Total 323 



615 



THE SYSTEM OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

i 

THE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1898. 
Mr. Antonio Rosell, director of the Collegiate Institute: 

Q. When was collegiate education established in the island? — A. 
On November 1, 1882. 

Q. How was it supported? —A. By the government. 

Q. What is the system of administration? — A. It is under a director 
and secretary of institute. The accounts are approved by the secre- 
tary of the interior. 

Q. What is the length of the terms? — A. From October to June, 
June being occupied with examinations. 

Q. Is the institute open to nonresidents? — A. Yes; open to all. 

Q. What is the character of entrance examinations? — A. The sec- 
ond class of primary scholars are eligible. • 

Q. What are the courses of study? — A. There are five successive 
groups, as follows: First group, Latin and Spanish (first course), uni- 
versal geography, and English; second group, Latin and Spanish (sec- 
ond course), geography and history of the United States, and English; 
third group, arithmetic and algebra, general elements of literature, 
universal history, and English; fourth group, geometry and trigonome- 
try, psychology, logic and moral philosophy, English, and French or 
German (single course) ; fifth group, physics and chemistry, natural 
history, agriculture, and English. 

Q. What diplomas are given? — A. Bachelor's degree (after the 
French fashion). 

Q. On what conditions are degrees granted? — A. On completion of 
the course and a final examination. 

Q. Is the institute open to both whites and negroes? — A. It is open 
for any color or sex. 

Q. What advantages are given graduates in government service? — 
A. Preference is given to graduates. 

Q. What text-books are used? — A. No selected text-books; instruc- 
tion is given by lectures. 

Q. What languages are taught? — A. English, German, French, 
Latin, and Spanish. 

Q. Is music taught? — A. No. 

Q. Are religious exercises held? — A. Not now. There is a course in 
moral philosophy. 

Q. Is the library at the disposal of students? — A. The library is at 
the disposal of the teachers. 

(It was further stated that many of the books in the library are 
French publications; that the pay of the teachers is $125 per month; 
all, including the director and secretary, received an extra sum of $16 
annually, termed a " gratificacion ; " that the ideas which enter into 
the management were adopted from the French ; that about 200 pupils 
attended last year; that fees are charged as follows: Matriculation, 
$10; tuition, $15 per year; diploma, $25; for the government, $25; 
printing, $2.50, and $4.25 for the stamp tax on the diploma.) 



616 

SCHOOL IN SAN JUAN. 

San Juan, P. R., October 29, 1898. 

The Commissioner, accompanied by the interpreter and stenog- 
rapher, visited the public school for small boys in Cristo street, San 
Jnan, and the following is a memorandum of the visit: 

The school consisted of one room, in which there were 29 small 
boys, ranging in age from 8 to 13 years. The room was on the second 
floor, front. It was fitted up with a number of maps — one showing 
the two hemispheres, two maps of Europe, one of Spain, one of Asia, 
one of Africa, another of North and South America, and a map of 
Porto Rico. There were also charts for the purpose of teaching 
arithmetic, cases of insects, numerous moral maxims, a small desk 
of primitive manufacture, and several tiers of rough benches for the 
children. On two opposite walls were crucifixes. 

When the Commissioner's party entered the school a blackboard 
exercise was in progress, the pupils being instructed in the rules of 
proportion, and the problem in this branch of arithmetic was being 
worked out by a boy of 12 years of age. 

Two male teachers were in charge of the school. 

The room was about 16 by 20 feet, with a ceiling about 15 feet high. 

The children were all clothed. 

During the visit a reading lesson was given in Spanish. Six boys 
were called before the teacher's desk, and each read in turn from a 
reading book, the exercise read being selected by Mr. Solomon, the 
interpreter of the Commission. 

Dr. Carroll asked to whom Porto Rico belonged, and received a very 
prompt and emphatic answer from the boys, who shouted, "Estados 
Unidos." He then requested those of the boys who could do so to 
point out the United States on a map which hung before them of 
North and South America, having the political divisions indicated on 
it, and very promptly the boys scampered to the map and. placed their 
fingers triumphantly on the United States, 



THE -PUBLIC-SCHOOL SYSTEM. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 29, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you kindly explain, Mr. Secretary, what your 
office is and what your duties are as secretary? 

Dr. Carbonell. I am secretary of the interior (fomento). The 
salary of my office is $8,000 a year. 

Dr. Carroll. How long have you been in this office? 

Dr. Carbonell. About three months. 

Dr. Carroll. Were you in the ministry previous to that time? 

Dr. Carbonell. No, sir. 

Dr. Carroll. Were you appointed by Captain-General Macias? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes, sir. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you kindly state in outline the system of pub- 
lic instruction here in Porto Rico, which I understand comes under 
your department? 

Dr. Carbonell. The previous sj^stem of instruction in this island 
could not have been worse. Since General Brooke has been in com- 
mand here the secretary has asked permission to change somewhat 



617 

the system here, so as to bring it into conformity with the American 
plan of education. We have three schools — two of them being normal 
schools, one for males and one for females — and the institute, which 
is for men. These schools grant the degree of "bachelor." 

Dr. Carroll. I would like a general outline of the system and 
when it was established. 

Dr. Carbonell. We have normal schools for ladies, and we have a 
normal school for men and have 551 public schools paid by the 
municipalities — that is, ought to be paid by the municipalities, but 
usually ai*e not. The school system here is a very old one, except 
that the normal schools were introduced in 1894. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like first to get at the number and character 
of the primary schools as they were established previous to the war; 
the part that the State took in the government of them as well as in 
the support of them. 

Dr. Carbonell. There were 551 ; they were paid by the munici- 
pality, but payment was frequently neglected. The municipalities 
lately have dared to suppress several schools, which they have no 
right to do, as they are still under the old Spanish law. 

Dr. Carroll. Did the old Spanish law require that a public school 
should be established in every community? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes ; a school for every certain number of inhab- 
itants was required under that law. 

Dr. Carroll. What were the terms of admission to that school? 

Dr. Carbonell. It was compulsory that the boys should go to the 
boys' school and the girls to the girls' school. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the earliest age at which they entered the 
school? 

Dr. Carbonell. About 8 years. 

Dr. Carroll. Parents sent them at an earlier age if they wished 
to, I presume? 

Dr. Carbonell. In San Juan and Ponce they had what they called 
"the orphans' school," where orphans as young as 4 years were taken 
in and cared for and instructed. 

Dr. Carroll. As a matter of fact, what was the youngest age at 
which children were accustomed to go to the public schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. The parents in better condition sent their children 
when they were about 5 years old, but poor' people very seldom sent 
them before 8 years of age. 

Dr. Carroll. In the United States the laws of the States differ, 
but generally the educational age is between 5 and 18, and in some 
cases 21. If a person remains beyond the age of 18 or 21, in many 
places he is expected to pay, and children below the age of 5 are not 
received, except, perhaps, in kindergartens. Is there no provision here 
for a minimum and a maximum age? 

Dr. Carbonell. At 16 or 17 they have to leave. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the government provided buildings for these 
schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. They have few — very few — and generally they 
have been only rented by the government. 

Dr. Carroll. How is the money for the support of the schools 
gathered; by special tax, or is it paid from the revenues of the 
province? 

Dr. Carbonell. The three superior schools are paid by the govern- 
ment out of the general budget, but the other schools are paid by the 
municipalities in which they exist. As the municipalities are to-day 
short of money, they have suppressed some of the schools. 



618 

Dr. Carroll. Did not the municipalities levy a special school tax? 

Dr. Carbonell. The municipalities also had their budget, and in 
that budget was included an amount for the payment of teachers, for 
the hire of buildings for school purposes, and for their school needs. 

Dr. Carroll. Are fees charged the parents under any circum- 
stances? 

Dr. Carbonell. Fathers who were in a position to do so usually 
gave something to the school-teachers, but that was absolutely a 
gratuity. There are no fees established by law. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the children required to furnish their own school 
supplies, such as text-books, paper, pens, ink, etc.? 

Dr. Carbonell. It is obligatory on the municipality -to supply 
books and all school materials and also the prizes given at the end of 
the school year, but they never do so, and frequently the school- 
master is obliged to pay for these things out of his own pocket. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a governing board in each municipality for 
the schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. There is a board of public instruction, of which 
the mayor is president. 

Dr. Carroll. How large is it, and how is it appointed, and for what 
term of years? 

Dr. Carbonell. It usually consists of the chief men of the villages, 
such as the priests, the doctor, and the lawyer, but there is no special 
limit to the number. When one leaves another is appointed. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the special duties of this board? 

Dr. Carbonell. To attend to the complaints of the teachers of the 
children, of the children as against the teachers, or the parents as 
against the teachers; to be present at the examinations; attend to the 
methods of teaching in the schools (which they do not do), and to 
make a report to the secretary of instruction here at the capital (which 
they also do not do). There were during the Spanish rule also two 
inspectors of education, whose duties required them to travel all over 
the island, looking into the general aspect of the schools. They also 
had the power of examining any school that they wished to, also the 
accounts of the school. These posts have been abolished, and I am 
now awaiting orders from the American Government for their reestab- 
lishment. 

Dr. Carroll. Who selects the buildings where the schools are 
held? 

Dr. Carbonell. This same board of education which I have re- 
ferred to. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the hours of the daily sessions of the 
school? 

Dr. Carbonell. From 8 to 11 and from 2 to 5, and during the hot 
season they have diminished the hours of the afternoon session. 

Dr. Carroll. How many days in the week? 

Dr. Carbonell. Every day except Sunday and feast days. 

Dr. Carroll. Are all the feast days excepted? 

Dr. Carbonell. At present the only feast days are those recog- 
nized by the United States, together with the special feast day of the 
patron saint of the town. Formerly all the feast days were observed. 
There were 40 of them in the year, the number of which was after- 
wards reduced to about 16. There are also the vacations. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the vacations? 

Dr. Carbonell. The Christmas holidays, extending from the 23d 
of December to about the 3d of January; the Easter holidays, holy 



619 

week from Wednesday to Saturday, the day of resurrection, and fifteen 
days in July after the examinations. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you have a school year of about eleven months. 
In the United States generally the months of July and August are 
vacation months, and the term begins in most cities the first Monday 
in September and ends the latter part of June, and then there is a holi- 
day of about ten days at Christmas. Good Friday also is a holiday; 
also Washington's birthday, and" in some cities Lincoln's birthday; 
Decoration Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving Day, and there is -no 
school on Saturday. 

Dr. Carbonell. Professor Harrington, of the weather bureau here, 
has promised to give me an exact statement of the days observed as 
holidays in the schools of the United States, and I intend to introduce 
them here. 

Dr. Carroll. In many places in the United States the. contract 
with the teachers is for two hundred school days in the year. Are 
there no rules respecting the minimum amount of clothing which 
children should wear in order for admission to schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. No. In some places children go without clothes 
absolutely. 

Dr. Carroll. Are children of both colors admitted without dis- 
tinction? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do many of the colored children attend school? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes. They have colored teachers for both sexes. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there separate schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Do parents raise objection to this? 

Dr. Carbonell. No; none whatever. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there generally one teacher to each school? 

Dr. Carbonell. Only one. In the superior schools there is fre- 
quently an assistant to the schoolmaster, who is also a graduated 
master or teacher. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there no woman teachers? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes; both in the superior and elementary schools. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they eligible to appointment to any school, male 
or female? 

Dr. Carbonell. No. The schools for boys have male teachers and 
the girls' schools have lady teachers. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the curriculum of the primary schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. Reading, writing, arithmetic, very much religious 
teaching, and history. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the religious instruction given by the teacher? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. I notice that the people here are very fine writers. 
There must be a great deal of attention given to that. 

Dr. Carbonell. Writing has received quite a large amount of 
attention in our schools, but I have reduced it, as I regarded it 
unnecessary to devote so much attention to handwriting. They used 
to give three years to it, but I have changed that to one year. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the length of the curriculum in the primary 
schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. There is no rule about that. Sometimes a child is 
in the primary school because it happens to be the school nearest his 
home. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they promoted from the primary to the secondary 
schools? 



620 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the range of studies in the secondary schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. Arithmetic, algebra up to quadratic equations, 
geometry, elementary trigonometry, logarithms, elementary physics 
and chemistry, elementary philosophy, general and Spanish history, 
which I have changed into the history of the United States,, universal 
geography, and Spanish geography, which I have changed to the his- 
tor} 7 of the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it the purpose of the secondary schools to prepare 
for the institute and for college? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the institute here confer degrees? 

Dr. Carbonell. Only the "bachelor" degree, which is the degree 
that entitles a person to enter the universities. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a university in the island? 

Dr. Carbonell. No ; our students ordinarily go to Spain or France, 
sometimes to the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. Who prescribes the text-books in use in the primary 
and secondary schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. Formerly the Captain-General. Now I do so. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you include in the higher schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. They include the institute and the normal schools. 
The normal schools are for the purpose of granting teachers' diplomas, 
entitling persons to teach in both elementary and higher schools. 

Dr. Carroll. How long a course is prescribed in the normal school? 

Dr. Carbonell. Four years. 

Dr. Carroll.. What else is taught besides pedagogy? 

Dr. Carbonell. Religion and morals, by a priest. But that has 
been suppressed. That is a special course; it has a certain code 
which forms the basis of instruction and is taught by the priest. A 
course in moral philosophy has been substituted. Universal history 
and Spanish history have also been included in the course, but I have 
changed that to United States history; the same with respect to geog- 
raphy, the Spanish language, the English language, covering a term 
of four years; also the French and the German languages. It is left 
to the pupil to choose between French and German. 

Dr. Carroll. Is Greek or Latin taught? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes ; in the institute. 

Dr. Carroll. Is this instruction to teachers furnished free? 

Dr. Carbonell. They have to pay an entrance fee — $2.50 for each 
subject they take up. 

Dr. Carroll. They pay their own living expenses? 

Dr. Carbonell. They live outside — not in the school. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they promise to teach in order to be admitted to 
the privileges of the school? 

Dr. Carbonell. No; teaching is not required from them. As a 
rule, most pupils enter the normal schools with the idea of obtaining 
the diploma of the teacher, even if they do not desire to teach. 

Dr. Carroll. Where are the normal schools located? 

Dr. Carbonell. There are only two, and they are located in San 
Juan. 

Dr. Carroll. How many pupils obtain diplomas annually, on an 
average? 

Dr. Carbonell. I can not give that information, as I have been 
here only three months. 

Dr. Carroll. Do some go to the university to qualify themselves 
further? 



621 

Dr. Carbonell. Formerly teachers went to Spain to obtain the 
diploma of normal professor, but some do not. Spaniards come from 
Spain with the title already competent to fill the post of professor here. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it required that every teacher in the public schools 
shall have a diploma? 

Dr. Carbonell. That is absolutely required. 

Dr. Carroll. Is any subsequent examination held after they begin 
their professional life? 

Dr. Carbonell. They are never subjected to any direct examina- 
tion, except insomuch as the inspection of the schools is an examination 
of the teachers at the same time. Spanish tyranny, unfortunately, 
under Captain-General Sanz, gave an order for the removal of all 
native teachers, male and female, and substituted soldiers and com- 
mon women from Spain, about twenty-two years ago, and unhappily 
there are three of these women to-day in this city. They have not 
resigned, because they have expressed their willingness to swear alle- 
giance to the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. How are teachers removed? 

Dr. Carbonell. In case of complaint against any teacher the 
board of education of each village prepares what is called a document, 
in which it sets forth the merits of the case, and which goes to the 
secretary for final adjudication. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any difficulty in maintaining discipline in 
the schools? 

Dr. Carbonell. We have no difficulty in that line. 

Dr. Carroll. The children are generally docile and very quick to 
learn? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes; but generally, and more especially in the 
country districts, children attend school very irregularly; sometimes 
because of rain and sometimes because their parents keep them at 
home to work. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there no compulsory law respecting school attend- 
ance? 

Dr. Carbonell. There is no real compulsory law; that is, the 
parents are not fined for not sending their children to school. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there accommodation for all the children? 

Dr. Carbonell. There would not be if they all went to school. 

Dr. Carroll. Are primary and secondary schools opened in the 
morning with religious exercises? 

Dr. Carbonell. In the primary schools they are opened with 
prayer. 

Dr. Carroll. A written prayer? 

Dr. Carbonell. With "Our Father," "Ave Maria," and the Creed. 

Dr. Carroll. How is the religious instruction given — by means of 
the catechism? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes; the catechism used was written by Father 
Rapilda, in which they have modified the sixth commandment. Instead 
of the words "Do not commit adultery," they have "Do not commit an 
act opposed to morals." 

Dr. Carroll. What is the purpose of it? 

Dr. Carbonell. The idea is not to give the children ideas above 
their years. Text-books vary here constant^. Sometimes the gov- 
ernment sends over a teacher who has written a book, and in order to 
give the book a sale an order is made that his book be used. The 
professor of Latin in the institute wrote a book which is sold for $4, and 
the professor of philosophy the same, and these books had to be used 



622 

by order of the government. Under my ministry I have recommended 
that there should be no text-books at all; that the instruction should 
be purely oral, and that the pupils should take notes from the teacher, 
leaving the right in the pupil to buy any book he might desire. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it your idea that English should be introduced 
into all the schools at once? 

Dr. Carbonell. Yes. I would like to get permission to adopt the 
plan used by the Germans in Alsace-Loraine — that is, to bring here 
lady teachers who do not speak a word of Spanish to teach small chil- 
dren the English language in the schools. This plan worked very well 
in Alsace-Loraine, and I believe it could be successfully employed 
here. If I am authorized to do that, I will bring teachers here. 

Dr. Carroll. Do your teachers generally understand English? 

Dr. Carbonell. They are all learning it now, but few speak it. 
Everybody, in fact, is studying English. 

Dr. Carroll. It would seem to me that the first desideratum for 
the island in the matter of schools would be comfortable buildings, 
built purposely for schools, conveniently arranged and well ventilated. 

Dr. Carbonell. Our idea has been to build such schoolhouses in 
accordance with modern ideas of convenience and sanitation. In 
many of the schools here there are no laboratories or closets. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well also that in the normal schools 
the teachers should be taught the principles of hygiene? 

Dr. Carbonell. We are just about to name some new professors 
and I shall include that branch in the two normal schools. I was 
president of the Society for the Protection of Intelligence, and we 
brought that institution up to« a standard which has never been 
approached in the island. We have graduated eminent teachers of 
both sexes. We taught according to the methods of the superior 
schools qf France, where I myself was educated. 



VIEWS OF A TEACHER. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 

Pedro Carlos Timothee, a native of Naguabo, P. R., and edu- 
cated in San Juan: 

Dr. Carroll. How long have you been a teacher? 

Mr. Timothee. Twelve years; in public and private schools. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you now in a primary or secondary school? 

Mr. Timothee. In a primary school; but besides, I have classes in 
secondary work privately. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the range of years for children in the pri- 
mary schools? At what age do they normally pass into the secondary 
classes? 

Mr. Timothee. There is no fixed ago, but it is usually about 9 years 
of age. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the children divided into grades in the primary 
schools? 

Mr. Timothee. That is a matter which rests with the teacher. The 
pupils are usually divided into several sections, according to their 
ability, but that is arbitrary. The largest number of sections is three. 

Dr. Carroll. What are those three sections? 



623 

Mr. Timothee. They depend upon the age of the pupil and the 
state of the pupil's knowledge. 

Dr. Carroll. What studies would you include in the lowest grade? 

Mr. Timothee. They study the same in all three, but the quantity 
varies. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you have no graded system? 

Mr. Timothee. IsTo. Teachers in^Porto Rico have not had the lib- 
erty of implanting modern methods, because school regulations have 
prohibited that altogether. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do I find so many teachers imbued with the 
idea of progress? Is it that they have got it from books from the 
United States or France or other foreign systems, or how? 

Mr. Timothee. When they are going through their studies they are 
made acquainted with the methods used in foreign countries — it forms 
a part of their studies — but when they come to practice they find 
themselves so hedged in by arbitrary rules that they have no freedom 
to pursue methods which they have learned. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the teachers as a class imbued with these pro- 
gressive idea's? 

Mr. Timothee. The teachers living in the larger towns and those 
who have lately completed their studies are all imbued with ideas of 
progress, but those who have, been teaching for twenty years or so are 
somewhat more conservative and retroactive. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the first, most pressing need of the schools 
of Porto Rico? 

Mr. Timothee. They have many urgent necessities, but the most 
important is the creation of kindergartens in every town to prepare 
children for elementary education later on. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you consider the provision of public buildings 
large enough to accommodate all the children of the district, built com- 
plete, with all sanitary appliances, an important need? 

Mr. Timothee. So urgent do I consider it that for three year si have 
been advocating it in the press constantly. I consider also of urgent 
importance that the intervention of priests and Sisters of Charity 
should cease in the schools, as they do not benefit. 

Dr. Carroll. Have they interfered to any considerable degree with 
the teaching? 

Mr. Timothee. The state having granted them a protection which 
it has not granted the school-teacher, they have been a hindrance to 
education, because they exercise a great deal of influence over the 
women of the country, and that has always been used against the 
influence of true education. 

Dr. Carroll. Have they been in the habit of coming into the school 
and taking up much of the time of the school in catechising the chil- 
dren? 

Mr. Timothee. As a rule the cure attached to the municipal board 
of education in each town used to go to the schools and examine the 
children. He was a superior officer as compared with the school- 
teacher, and he and the teacher were nearly always in disaccord. 

Dr. Carrot.l. Do you consider that religious instruction in the 
schools should be discontinued, and that the scholars should be simpty 
instructed in morals? 

Mr. Timothee. I think that religion should be removed from the 
schools altogether, and lessons of pure morals instituted. 

Dr. Carroll. I visited recently a school of small boys in Cristo 
street, where I saw a collection of moral maxims. Is that collection 
strictly moral, or is it also religious? 



624 

Mr. Timothee. Religion forms a part of some of the maxims. 

Dr. Carroll. To an objectionable extent, do you think? 

Mr. Timothee. Religion does not enter into them with much weight. 

Dr. Carroll. What other urgent needs do you think the public 
schools have? 

Mr. Timothee. I will name them one by one. In the first place, the 
establishment of gymnasiums for the boys to exercise in; (2) the 
establishment in the country barrios of schools for girls or mixed 
schools, where, up to the present, only schools for boys have been 
established; (3) better methods for elementary instruction in draw- 
ing; (4) the salaries of the teachers should be in proportion to the 
amount of work they have to do — in some schools teachers have as 
many as a hundred boys, and yet have no amount allowed them for 
assistant teachers, with the result that they have to neglect their 
work; (5) the establishment of public libraries by the municipalities; 
(6) the establishing of schools for adults in every city and town are 
very necessary; (7) the establishment of a school of fine arts; (8) the 
establishment of a business school, schools of agriculture and other 
technical subjects; (9) while not within the province of the Govern- 
ment, perhaps, yet there should be formed in some way an organiza- 
tion among the teachers, male and female, so that they can meet and 
exchange ideas from time to time; (10) I think it very necessary to 
establish here a school for blind and deaf-mutes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there such a school here? 

Mr. Timothee. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there an industrial school here? 

Mr. Timothee. No, except in one school, where there is some tech- 
nical teaching of agriculture, but it amounts to very little. There is 
one school also which makes some pretensions to teach arts and 
industries. Formerly there were schools in the departmental prison, 
all of which have been closed. It is not only necessary that they 
should be reopened, but that schools should be established in the pre- 
sidio. The presidio is a prison in which prisoners are completing their 
terms as distinguished from a carcel, in which prisoners are confined 
temporarily. It would be advisable that the government of the schools 
should not be too much centralized ; that municipalities should be able 
to legislate on their own school matters and be accountable to the dis- 
trict supervisor, and these supervisors to the central committee at the 
capital. There were formerly two inspectors of public schools, who, 
owing to the bad state of the roads, have not been able to make inspec- 
tions of the schools. It would be well that there should be an inspec- 
tor in each district or county. There is one other thing I would rec- 
ommend, and that is that all teaching should be done by professional 
teachers. Teachers of technical subjects were not usually professional 
teachers. Laymen do not take the same interest in their work, since 
it is not their profession. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the tenth item in the second chapter in 
the estimates of the provincial deputation, called "Society for the 
Protection of Intelligence?" 

Mr. Zarate, of the institute. This is a private society to which any- 
body may belong by paying a dollar a month, which has for its object 
the sending of promising youths to foreign countries for their educa- 
tion. The municipality, thinking well of this society, made it a grant 
of 1,000 pesos yearly, and there are to-day in Porto Rico manj r men 
with professions who owe their education to this worthy and useful 
society. 



625 

EDUCATION ABROAD. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R. , November 4, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any demand in Porto Rico for a university 
for the granting of degrees other than the degree of bachelor of arts? 
, Mr. Zarate. I think Porto Rico is too small to support a univer- 
sity. As a private individual I should be delighted to see one estab- 
lished here, so that my son could be educated without being separated 
from me. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think young men will go to the United States 
for their education in science, medicine, and other professions? 

Mr. Zarate. It is natural that they should go there; for one reason, 
that the United States is so much nearer than Europe, and because 
to-day the greater number of our doctors and engineers hold their 
diplomas from institutions in the United States. 



SCHOOLS AND BAD ROADS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arecibo, P. R., January 14, 1899. 
Mr. Adolf Bahr and Mr. Bernardo Huicy, members of the 
municipal council of Arecibo : 

Mr. Huicy. As regards public instruction, owing to the bad state 
of our roads and the difficulties which children have in reaching 
schools situated at some distance from where they live, it is not pos- 
sible to extend the benefits of public instruction to all the people. It 
would also be impossible for us to undertake to bring children into 
the centers to educate them, because we would then have to provide 
them with necessary subsistence, and we have not funds sufficient so 
to do. It would be well if the United States should arrange some 
plan by which the present state of things in our interior districts 
could be bettered as regards education. It may be said that only 14 
per cent of Porto Ricans can read and write. 

Dr. Carroll. How many schools are there in this, municipal dis- 
trict outside of Arecibo proper? 

Mr. Huicy. Mne. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they pretty widely distributed, so as to afford 
accommodation to most of the children? 

Mr. Bahr. They are very badly distributed. Our barrios are 
sometimes very extensive. In a barrio there is only one school,which 
makes long distances for the children to go to school, and for that 
reason some children are forbidden to go at all. In some cases 
fathers, without excuse, do not send their children to school, and I 
think there should be a law making attendance in such cases com- 
pulsory. 

Dr. Carroll. How would it do to provide stages in these sparsely 
settled districts to take the children to school in the morning and 
home at night? 

Mr. Bahr. I think we could do it in a different way. Instead of 

one school establish five schools, and instead of placing in them what 

are called here professors have young ladies, who, for a small salary, 

say, $20 or $30, would live among these people and be able to teach 

1125 40 



626 

at least reading and writing and the rudiments of arithmetic. That 
would he easier for the children, because they would have the school 
nearer, and easier for the teachers as well. It is a question of dis- 
tribution. Until now the government has required that our teachers 
should be persons with titles. That should not be obligatory; all we 
need is to get a person who knows enough to teach the elementary 
subjects. 

Dr. Carroll. How many would you have instead of nine? 

Mr. Bahr. We could have thirty. 

Mr. Huicv. We understand that perfectly; but twenty-five schools 
means a large additional expense, and, although we have the wish, 
we haven't the means. 



HOW TO IMPROVE THE SCHOOLS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arecibo, P. R., January H, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What is your opinion as to the best way to improve 
the system of education? 

Dr. Curbelo (a physician). It is, first, to oblige all the schools of 
the town to be in one building, instead of having several school build- 
ings, as they have here, where it is impossible to inspect and control 
the attendance of children. I think there should be one building for 
boys and one for girls. That would make it possible to keep track of 
pupils better. I think that teachers for the schools should be brought 
from the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. That would do, perhaps, for a compact city like 
Arecibo, but for Ponce I should think there would have to be more 
schools. Would you have buildings made expressly for schools? 

Dr. Curbelo. Yes, that ought to be done. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that that is about the first step to be 
taken. 

Dr. Curbelo. They should begin at once to teach English in the 
schools. 

Dr. Carroll. There are plenty of teachers in the States who would 
be glad to come down here and introduce the system they have there 
of teaching. It seems desirable, does it not, that there should be 
established more than one normal school for the training of teachers? 

Dr. Curbelo. I think one would be sufficient in this city. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes, but there is at present only one in the island, I 
understand. 

Dr. Curbelo. That was not really a normal school, although they 
called it a normal school, because if the pupils were friends of the 
professors they would get their titles whether they knew anything 
or not. 

Dr. Carroll. Could that be said also of the collegiate institute? 

Dr. Curbelo. It could be said of any school with a Spanish teacher, 
because it can be readily understood that a teacher with a high degree 
of proficiency would not come to this country, leave his position in 
Spain, and expose himself to the dangers of this climate for the poor 
recompense that is offered. Moreover, they are as backward in the 
art of teaching in Spain as they are here. 

Dr. Carroll. A great many have spoken in favor of a compulsory 
system of education to compel parents to send their children to school. 
According to representations made here, a great many people are too 



627 

poor to buy clothing for their children, and how in such a case could 
they send them to school, and how could they get along without the 
wages which those children earn after they become 8 years of age? 

Dr. Curbelo. You must distinguish between education in the city 
and education in the country districts — two things quite different. In 
the city everybody, even if he has not sufficient to give his children 
proper food, has at least enough to clothe them sufficiently well to 
send them to school. These little children, 7 or 8 years of age, whom 
you see on the streets selling dulces, should not be allowed to do that 
at the expense of their education, but the old people should be granted 
concession to sell, and the children sent to school. The poor people, 
instead of asking for charity, should be selling these dulces. 

Dr. Carroll. What would you do with the blind and infirm? 
Would there not have to be houses for them? 

Dr. Curbelo. These classes of people do not like to go into houses 
of charity. They prefer to live with their relatives and to indulge in 
vices which they can cover up in that way. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there asylums here for orphans, for the aged and 
infirm, for the blind and the crippled? 

Dr. Curbelo. There are two houses of that description in the island ; 
and with regard to orphans, you must take into account that this is a 
kindly disposed people. When a parent dies and leaves orphaned 
children, there are always some who are ready to take the children 
under their care. As regards instruction in the country, that is a 
problem for which I can find no solution. They live so separate, one 
from another, that I do not see any way of getting them to school. 

Dr. Carroll. A proprietor in San Juan told me that one of the 
troubles of the peons was that they were addicted to certain vices, 
largely due to their lack of intelligence. He said that one of these 
was gambling; that whatever the peons may have left Saturday night, 
they are in the habit of gambling away, and that they have certain 
vices which he believed could be cured together with these. If he is 
right in that, it becomes an important question how the children can 
be educated. 

Mr. Alfred Solomon. If you can prevail upon the owners of 
estates to make the peons live on the estates, and not employ those 
who have to walk 3 or 4 miles to work, the owners would lose noth- 
ing, and the peons would become more sociable and form nuclei of 
small villages, in which schools can be gradually established. If a 
few owners at a time could be induced to undertake this system, 
others would follow. 

Dr. Curbelo. There is such a system in Lares, where they have a 
school. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it work well there? 

Dr. Curbelo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What estate is that? 

Dr. Curbelo. The owner's name is Arana. 



PRIMARY EDUCATION AND MORAL INSTRUCTION. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P.' R., January 18, 1899. 
Mr. Lucas Amadeo. Now as to the subject of education and instruc- 
tion. Really I have nothing to say about that, because the Ameri- 
cans are past masters in education, and are the creators of great 



628 

educational plans. Not being a master mind, I will leave the technical 
part to those who understand it better, but I would insist on the fur- 
ther diffusion of elementary instruction — I mean by that primary 
education and moral education — showing the child what his rights are 
and what his obligations are; also elements of rural and political and 
agricultural economy. That would be my plan for the primary edu- 
cation of this country, because it is suitable to the conditions exist- 
ing here. The fault of our system of secondary education is that it 
produces a horde of so-called writers, who use it for no better purpose 
than to consume ink. They are realty a plague to society. They 
obtain a superficial knowledge of everything, but not a sufficient 
knowledge of anything to earn a living. They take to politics and 
writing as a means of earning a livelihood and become a nuisance to 
the country; therefore we have a small army of politicians here whom 
we would be pleased to lend to any country that wants them. I 
would take measures to stop the further creation of these dainty lite- 
rateurs, and turn education in the direction of useful arts. This 
country is more in need of men who know some trade. 

Dr. Carroll. That is becoming, more and more the difficulty in the 
United States. Those who become educated desire to go into what 
they regard as the dignified professions and leave the trades. 

Mr. Amadeo. Instruction must be modified. That is the Qnly remedy. 

Dr. Carroll. We have industrial schools, and we are teaching 
more and more various arts and industries. 

Mr. Amadeo. Make the term of the course from the liberal profes- 
sions a harder one, so as to limit the output of professional men. 

Dr. Carroll. We are doing that. 

Mr. Amadeo. Bachelor's degrees have been conferred on men here 
who did not know how to write a letter. 



SUPERFICIAL CHARACTER OF INSTRUCTION. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Mayaguez, P. R., January 23, 1899. 

The commissioner visited a school for young girls in the Mendez- 
vigo street. A lady teacher was in charge of the school, who stated 
that she had 130 pupils, with one assistant teacher paid by the munic- 
ipality, and two other assistants, one of them her sister, whose remu- 
neration she attends to herself; that there are two departments, the 
primary and the superior; that the school was intended to be a supe- 
rior school, but as there were comparatively few scholars application 
was made to the board, which directed that children should not be 
kept out on account of grade, so there are two grades in the school; 
that there are 96 poor children. The others pay "for their tuition. 

The Teacher. By the 96 poor children .1 mean those who come in 
by ticket from the municipality. Some of the others are poor, but 
were unable to get the ticket from the municipality, but I have let 
them come in anyway. It is a public school, but before children can 
be entered in it they have to go through certain forms, such as get- 
ting the cure's signature, and as it was very difficult, and permission 
was sometimes refused, I have taken some without that formality. 

Dr. Carroll. Then it is not a free school? 

The Teacher. They still have to go through the same steps to get in. 



629 

Dr. Carroll. The secretary of fomento in San Juan told me that 
the schools were free ; that no fees were charged to scholars. 

The Teacher. We have authority to take pay pupils. I have to 
pay $60 for this house, and the municipality only gives me $40 and 
some odd cents for the rent. 

Dr. Carroll.' Then you apply some of the money you receive from 
the pupils to the expenses? 

The Teacher. Yes ; and also for the purchasing of materials which 
the poor can not buy. As regards school furniture, we are completely 
unprovided with it. For several years we have been trying to get it, 
and they have been asking for numerous lists of what is needed, but 
it has all ended there. 

Dr. Carroll. Are other schools similarly situated? 

The Teacher. It is the same in all the schools. I have to spend 
some money from my salary on school furniture, and I have told nry 
sister that we can not go on in this way, as we will not have enough 
left out of the salary to live on. 

Dr. Carroll. How many months of school do you have in the year? 

The Teacher. There are fifteen days' vacation twice a year. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you teach every month in the year? 

The Teacher. Yes. From 8 to 11 in the morning, and from 1 to 4 
on every day in the week except Sunday. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you teach, besides sewing, to the children in 
the superior department of the school? 

The Teacher. General and sacred history, grammar, arithmetic, 
geography, universal history, geometry, health, natural history, and 
drawing. 

Dr. Carroll. I should be glad if you would ask them simple ques- 
tions in geography. 

The teacher called upon a class of 15 girls of the superior grade 
and questioned them one after the other as follows: 

The Teacher. Into how many parts is the terrestrial globe divided? 

Answer. Five parts — the five continents. 

The Teacher. Into what is geography divided? 

Answer. Into astronomical, physical, and political. 

The Teacher. What is the universe? 

Answer. The conjunction of bodies which forms infinite space. 

The Teacher. What do you understand by a star? 

Answer. Every one of the luminous points we see in the firmament. 

The Teacher. What are these stars divided into? 
• Answer. Into fixed and moving stars. 

The Teacher. What do you understand by fixed stars? 

Answer. Those that have their own light and which appear to be always 
stationary. 

The Teacher. Can you give me the name of any of the fixed stars? 

Answer. The sun. 

The Teacher. What do you call the sun with all its stars and other satellites? 

Answer. The solar system. 

The Teacher. Can you tell me the number of stars. 

Answer. It is unknown. To the unaided eye more than 5,000 are visible, but 
to the telescope more than 100,000,000 are known. 

The Teacher. How are the fixed stars divided? 

Answer. Into sixteen magnitudes. * 

The Teacher. Of these sixteen magnitudes how many are visible to the sight? 

Answer. Up to the seventh magnitude. 

The Teacher. How many are visible to the telescope? 

Answer. The rest of them. 

The commissioner here asked the privilege of putting what he regarded as sim- 
ple questions in geography to the class. 

Dr. Carroll. Where is Germany? 

Answer. In Europe. v 



630 

Dr. Carroll. What is the capital of Germany? 

Answer. Berlin. (The girl who answered was prompted by the one next to her. ) 

Dr. Carroll. Where is Spain? 

Answer. In Europe. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the capital of Spain? 

Answer. Madrid. 

Dr. Carroll. Where is Italy? 

Answer. In Europe. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the capital of Italy? 

Answer. Rome. 

Dr. Carroll. Where is the United States? 

The Teacher. The study of the United States belongs to a course which has 
not been taken yet. They have only studied the astronomical part of geography 
and Europe. 

Dr. Carroll. Where is Turkey? 

Answer. In Europe. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the capital of Turkey? 

Answer. Constantinople. 

Dr. Carroll. Where is the capital of Turkey situated? 

(Question not answered.) 

Dr. Carroll. Where is Austria? 

Answer. In central Europe. 

Dr. Carroll. What country is on the north of Austria? 

Answer. Germany. 

Dr. Carroll. What is on the south of Austria? 

Answer. Italy. 

Dr. Carroll. Where is Porto Rico? 

(No answer.) 

Dr. Carroll. Is Porto Rico in Europe? 

(No answer. ) 

Dr. Carroll. What country is north of Porto Rico? 

(No answer. ) 

Dr. Carroll. What country is south of Porto Rico? 

(No answer.) 

Dr. Carroll. What is Porto Rico? 

Answer. An island. 

Dr. Carroll. What is Porto Rico surrounded by? 

Answer. The Atlantic Ocean. • 

Dr. Carroll. Is it surrounded on all sides by the Atlantic Ocean? 

(No answer.) 

Dr. Carroll. Where is Cuba? 

(No answer.) 

Dr. Carroll. Is it east or west of Porto Rico? 

(No answer.) 

Dr. Carroll. To what country does Porto Rico belong? 

(One little girl said New York, but others answered correctly.) 

Dr. Carroll. To what country did Porto Rico belong last year? 

Answer. Spain. 

Dr. Carroll. Will the teacher please ask a few questions in arith- 
metic? Tell the girls not to be afraid. I am not here to criticise 
them, but to ask them a few questions with a sympathetic interest in 
them. 

The Teacher. How do you reduce numbers to their prime factors? 

Answer. To reduce a number to its prime factors, you divide the given number 
by one of its simple divisors. The quotient thus obtained is divided again by one 
of the primary divisors. This is continued until a primary quotient results, which 
is divided by itself. 

The Teacher. Take 98, for example. By what would you divide it to get the 
prime factors? 

Answer. By two. 

The Teacher. Why by two? 

Answer. Because it terminates in an even number. 

The Teacher. That gives what result? 

Answer. 49. 

The Teacher. And then you divide by what? 

Answer. By 7 and then by 7 again. 



631 

The Teacher. Now 36. By what do you divide that? 

Answer. First by 2, then by 2, then by 9. 

The Teacher. How do yon find the greatest common divisor by means of the 
decomposition into simple factors? 

Answer. After dividing the number into its common factors, the sum of all the 
common factors is taken. 

The Teacher. What is the common factor there [referring to the prime factors 
of 98 and 36]? 

Answer. Two. 

The Teacher. Which is the greatest common factor? 

Answer. Two. 

The Teacher. I have $20. Some poor people come to us, among whom we 
divide $8£ . What amotmt remains of the $20? 

(This example was worked out on the board, the 20 and 8f being reduced to 
fractions with common denominators, subtracted in that form, and the result 
changed to a mixed number. ) 

Dr. Carroll. I want to ask a few questions in simple addition, and would like 
to have the pupils answer them quickly. How much is 5 and 5; 15 and 12; 13 and 
13; 27 and 27; 30 and 19; 3 and 12; 19 and 6; 18 and 17? 

(Correct answers were given, but not as rapidly as is usual with pupils who have 
been well trained in mental arithmetic.) 



THE SCHOOLS OF MAYAGUEZ. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Mayaguez, P. R. , January 24, 1899. 
• Dr. Carroll. What municipal moneys have been expended the 
past year for schools in this municipal district? 

Secretary Balsac. Twenty-three thousand dollars, approximately. 

Dr. Carroll. How is that amount divided? How much for teachers? 

Secretary Balsac. Sixteen thousand dollars, and $7,000 for rents, 
books, materials, and other supplies. 

Dr. Carroll. How many schools are there in the city itself? 

Secretary Balsac. Seven. 

Dr. Carroll. How many are there in the municipal district? 

Secretary Balsac. Twenty-four. 

Dr. Carroll. How many teachers are employed in these schools? 

Secretary Balsac. There are 24 professors — 1 for each school — and 
5 assistants, making 29 in all. 

Dr. Carroll. They receive, then, on an average, $551 a year for 
each teacher. Some get more than that, do they not? 

Secretary Balsac. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the minimum salary? 

Secretary Balsac. The minimum salary is $300. Such low salaries 
are paid usually to rural teachers. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any arrears of payment of teachers in this 
district? 

Mr. St. Laurent. ISTo. 

Dr. Carroll. How many days are usually occupied by the scholars 
in a year? 

Secretary Balsac. The whole year, with the exception of two periods, 
one after the examinations in August of about twenty days, and one 
after New Year's of an equal length, and the 52 Sundays. During 
the warm season the sessions are only held during the morning. 

Dr. Carroll. Are any fees collected of parents? 

Mr. St. Laurent. All who can do so pay. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that- collected by the teachers? 



632 

Mr. St. Laurent. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the professor in such cases required to report the 
amount collected? 

Mr. St. Laurent. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the professor allowed to expend that nionej- as he 
sees fit? 

Mr. St. Laurent. Yes; absolutely. It is his own property. The 
money they receive from the municipality is supposed to be for the 
teaching of poor children only. 

Dr. Carroll. Then it is only regarded as part salary? 

Mr. St. Laurent. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be well, in your opinion, that the schools 
should receive much larger appropriations and that all this should be 
abolished? 

Mr. St. Laurent. I think that should be done. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it your opinion that it would be well to have sep- 
arate buildings for the schools, built purposely to have the natural 
conveniences that schools have in the United States and elsewhere? 

Mr. St. Laurent. I think so. We have building lots for that pur- 
pose, but not having funds we have been unable to construct them. 
We think the number of school buildings should be diminished and 
the schools centralized in a few buildings. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the school board exercise any jurisdiction over 
the employment of teachers? 

Mr. St. Laurent. No; the council does. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the council have the right to employ and dis- 
charge teachers, or does it simply have the right to nominate to the 
secretary of fomento? 

Mr. St. Laurent. It simply nominates. 

Dr. Carroll. Ought there not to be a school board in every city, 
who should have entire control of all these matters, without the 
necessity of applying to the secretary of fomento for permission to 
employ or discharge teachers? 

Mr. St. Laurent. Yes; there should be. As Mayaguez was taken 
bj^ the Americans before the capital, we took advantage of that to 
name our own teachers, because we had Spanish teachers we did not 
want. The secretary of fomento subsequently confirmed these. 

Dr. Carroll. Should there be in every municipal district a super- 
intendent of instruction, whose business it should be to visit con- 
stantly the schools in each district to see that the school laws are 
applied; that proper instruction is given the children, and proper 
facilities ; and to supervise in a general way the duties of the teachers 
and the conduct of the teachers? 

Mr. St. Laurent. Yes. I consider that a very correct measure to 
take, and we have already considered the matter among ourselves. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think it would be well that proper facilities 
should be afforded for the instruction of children; that it should be 
made obligatory for them to attend a minimum number of daj T s every 
school year? 

Mr. St. Laurent. That is the law already, but you have to take 
into account that the peasants live so isolated that it is quite impos- 
sible to make them conform to the regulations. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose the rural schools for that reason are not 
kept open as many days in the year as the city schools. 

Mr. St. Laurent. That is probably the case. The schools are open 
every day, but they don't have a full attendance. 



633 

VISIT TO ANOTHER SCHOOL. 

Mayaguez, P. R., January &£, 1899. 

The commissioner visited an elementary school for girls, called the 
School of the Divine Providence. The ages of the pupils ranged from 
6 to 14 years. 

Dr. Carroll. We visited a superior school yesterday, but it also 
had primary scholars. Why are these two schools so close together? 

The Teacher. The reason this is so near is that the other is a 
superior, while this is an elementary school. The pupils from this 
school pass to the other. 

Dr. Carroll. But the other has more elementary scholars than 
superior scholars. 

The Teacher. In my opinion it is a very bad arrangement. The 
elementary scholars ought to come here first. Any elementary pupil 
can get into this school if she has the necessary ticket from the alcalde. 
This ticket gives the name of the scholar, her address, etc. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any fee charged here? 

The Teacher. Not in this school, but there is in the school you 
visited yesterday. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the reason for the distinction? 

The Teacher. Wealthy persons generally send their children there 
and pay for their tuition. I sometimes have children of wealthy 
parents who pay. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they pay at their own option, or do they receive 
additional facilities for their children? 

The Teacher. None at all. The reason that some parents send 
their children and pay for their instruction is that they don't care to 
have their children mingle with children of color. 

Dr. Carroll. Where were you educated? 

The Teacher. I was born in Italy, but was educated here. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you been in the normal school in the capital? 

The Teacher. Yes. My diploma is that of the superior school. I 
have taught school fifteen years. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you teach the smallest of these children? 

The Teacher. The alphabet; how to write figures and syllables. 
We are in absolute need of all kinds of supplies. 

Dr. Carroll. Will you give the pupils an exercise in reading? 

The reading lesson was given from a small primer. In the course 
of the reading lesson the word " arbolus" occurred, and the commis- 
sioner asked the little girl who read it what its meaning is. She was 
unable to answer. The commissioner interrupted another of the 
pupils to ask the meaning of the word " cinco " and was told in reply 
that it meant " cinco pesos." A similar question was put by the com- 
missioner as to the word " canario," and he was told correctly that it 
was a bird, and a further question as to its color was answered cor- 
rectly. 

The school consisted of 18 very small children, whose average age 
was perhaps 7, and 26 larger ones, whose average age was somewhat 
higher. The room in which the school was held was square and about 
15 feet long, its ceiling about 10 feet high. The older children are 
taught doctrine, aud when the commissioner inquired regarding this 
study the teacher said that she was at a loss to know whether the 
study was obligatory or not. The further exercise was conducted as 
follows : 

The Teacher. What is a verb? 
Answer. A word which denotes action. 



634 

The Teacher. What are the stages of the verb? 

Answer. Five — voice, mode, tense, number, and person. 

The Teacher. What is meant by the voice of a verb? 

Answer. There are two voices, active and passive. One denotes action and one 
denotes being acted upon. In Spanish there is no passive voice. 

The Teacher. What is mode? 

Answer. The general manner in which the classification of verbs is expressed. 

The Teacher. What is conjugation? Give to the verbs their designations and 
the changes which they undergo. 

Answer. We have three conjugations in Spanish, which are: the first terminat- 
ing in ar, the second in er, and the third in ir. 

The commissioner pointed to a sentence in the primer and asked 
one of the pupils to indicate a verb. The article "el" was pointed 
out. On asking a second pupil the adverb "pronto" was pointed 
out. A third pupil was then asked to point out a noun, which was 
done correctly. The commissioner then asked that a vowel be indi- 
cated, which was also correctly done. In like manner an adjective 
was correctly pointed out. Still another of the pupils was asked to 
point out a preposition in the sentence, "I have put a basket of 
apples on the table." She answered, "a basket of apples." Another 
pupil answered the question correctly. A sentence was pointed out 
by the Commissioner commencing with the words ' ' la nina " and he 
asked that a noun be pointed out. One of the pupils answered that 
the noun was la nina. When further asked which of the two words 
"la" and "nina" was the noun, she replied "la." 

Dr. Carroll. Do you drill the pupils in the parts of speech with 
a view to teaching them the value of verbs, adjectives, etc.? 

The Teacher. Yes; but in the fifteen years I have never become 
accustomed to visitors, and always get nervous, and my nervousness 
seems to be transmitted to the pupils. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that perfectly. I have very seldom 
known teachers who did not get a little nervous when visitors came 
in, for fear the pupils would not do as well as they desired them to. 
If I had any criticism to make, it would be the criticism I have to make 
on all schools in the island — that is, too much attention is given to 
theoretical education and too little to the practical. 

The Teacher. The first misfortune of our schools is that the school- 
teacher is treated without any consideration. They have no moral 
power with the pupils. 

Dr. Carroll. Have they any power over the pupils to discipline 
them? 

The Teacher. None at all. If I should impose any punishment on 
a child, the father would go at once to the ayuntamiento and I would 
very promptly receive a document from that body about it. The 
child would know all about that and I lose all influence over the child. 
That is what always happens. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you do with incorrigible children? 

The Teacher. I write the parents not to send them. I really have 
no power to do that, but I do it. 

Dr. Carroll. Who has power to do that? 

The Teacher. The junta (school board). 

Dr. Carroll. Does the board ever exercise it? 

The Teacher. However, I can not complain. The girls here are 
very good girls. 



635 

FAVORITISM. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cabo Rojo, P. R., January 27, 1899. 

Mr. Rodrigo Ramirez (a clerk in a business house). Education is 
completely abandoned here. Most of the teachers have no titles. 
We want titled school-teachers. 

Mr. Pagan. As a member of the board of instruction, I wish to rec- 
tify that statement. Two of the schools having become vacant, the 
board of education, by virtue of the powers conferred upon it, nomi- 
nated two persons whom they considered competent to fill the places 
until the minister of instruction should open the examination for two 
teachers to be sent from the capital. 

Mr. Ramirez. This gentleman [pointing to a person who was pres- 
ent at the hearing], who possesses a title, has tried to get a school for 
quite a long while, but without success. They have given it to a man 
who had no title. The gentleman to whom the school has been given 
is a relative of the alcalde, and that is the reason it was given to him. 
This gentleman has a title and is in a better position to fill the place. 

(The teacher who had been referred to said : ' ' For forty- two years 
I have had a title, and they won't give me a school.") 

Mr. Ramirez. Mr. Pagan is also a relative of the alcalde. 

Mr. Pagan. Although I am a relative of the alcalde, that does not 
prevent me from speaking the truth. I am a member of the board of 
education, and I have no knowledge that this gentleman (the teacher 
previously referred to in the hearing) ever applied for a school. The 
clerk just now informs me that his petition was put in a few days ago 
and immediately sent to the capital for action. 

The Teacher. I have here a receipt of a petition dated January 
4, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. When were these places filled by substitutes? 

Mr. Pagan. Three or four months ago. 

Dr. Carroll. When did this gentleman make application for a 
school? 

The Teacher. The 4th of January. 

A Second TeacHer present. I had a school temporarily, but they 
took it from me and put in a person who has no title at alb 

Dr. Carroll. What was the reason for the change? 

Mr. Pagan. The law exacts that a teacher shall have a knowledge 
of universal geography, and in spite of this gentleman's title we did 
not consider that he had a sufficient knowledge. The gentleman we 
put in his place has a title of "bachelor," though not a schoolmaster's 
title, and we considered him better fitted to fill the position. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the present teacher a native of this place? 

Mr. Pagan. Both gentlemen are. 

The Second Teacher. Although I may not have the capacity which 
this gentleman says I have not, I have opened a private school and 
have 57 pupils of the best families of the town. Having been so 
many years a school-teacher and possessing the proper title, to be 
removed from my position and replaced by a mere boy without titles 
of the profession is a proof that there has been favoritism and per- 
sonal considerations in the matter. 

Mr. Ramirez. I would like to take you around from house to house 
to prove that every position given here has been given by a clique. 



636 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask Mr. Pagan if these applications 
have been sent to the minister of instruction for approval? 

The Second Teacher. I asked for the position of schoolmaster, 
and the council gave it to me, but the board of education turned me 
down for personal reasons. The former teacher was a Spaniard, and 
I was put in as an interim instructor. 



EDUCATION FOR GIRLS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Fajardo, P. R., January 31, 1899. 

Mr. George Bird (ex-consul of the United States at Fajardo). I 
think that the schools in Porto Rico ought to educate the women. The 
reason Porto Rico is so far behind is that native women from the 
country have not been educated, and of course have not had impressed 
upon them the necessity of giving education to their children. I think 
the rural schools should be served by women instead of men. The 
people in the rural districts live scattered in the mountains, and there 
will have to be small schools at frequent intervals which will accommo- 
date the few children. You can get women to work for a smaller sum 
than men, and women can take both sexes, whereas parents will not 
send their girls to school and trust them to male teachers. 

Dr. Carroll. How much would they require? 

Mr. Bird. I think if you teach them only elementary subjects — arith- 
metic, geography, and grammar — you could get women in the island 
who would do it for $15 or $20 a month. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you pay male teachers? 

Mr. Bird. Twenty-five dollars. For that amount you can not get 
a competent man, and that is why the schools do not give any result. 
Not receiving much salary, the teachers could be allowed to live in the 
schoolhouses. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't you think that the first thing in order to put 
the schools on a proper foundation is to provide proper buildings for 
them? 

Mr. Bird. Yes, in the cities; but in the country it is not possible, 
because the rural population is scattered. 

Dr. Carroll. But you will have to have some place for the chil- 
dren, and while you won't have such a costly one as in the town, you 
ought to have public buildings for your public schools. I think that 
is a fundamental principle. 



A SCHOOL IN ARROYO. 

The commissioner attended a session of the Collegio de San Ber- 
nardo, a public school in Arroyo, February 3, 1899. The principal 
teacher of the school, Mr. Henry Huyke, conducted exercises in geogra- 
phy, grammar, and arithmetic. 

The first exercise was one in geography. He drew a rough outline 
of the northern coast of South America, and questioned the children, 
all of whom were boys ranging in age from 8 to 15, as to the geo- 
graphical features of the continent of South America. The questions, 
all of which were asked and answered in the English lano-ua^e, called 



637 • 

for the capes, rivers, political divisions, location of countries and cities 
relatively to each other, comparative sizes of the countries, etc. The 
teacher then extended the map, adding Cuba, Porto Rico, and a gen- 
eral outline of the United States. Questions were asked about Porto 
Rico, its capital, and principal productions, and then about Cuba in 
like manner. The names of the States of the Union were then given 
by groups, together with the names of their capitals and their loca- 
tions, the names of the principal cities, which were stated to be New 
York, Philadelphia, Chicago, St. Louis, Boston, and Buffalo, and their 
locations, respectively. Boundaries of various States were given 
rapidly, as called for, and one boy stepped to the blackboard on which 
was drawn the map used in the exercise, and, beginning with the 
capes on the coast of Maine, named all the capes on the coast line of 
the United States, indicating with a chalk mark the location of each 
and naming, at the same time, the State on whose coast the cape was 
located. The book used in teaching geography was prepared by Pro- 
fessor Huyke himself, in three parts, written in Spanish and English 
and used by the professor in manuscript. 

An exercise in arithmetic and grammar then followed. Professor 
Huyke wrote upon the blackboard the following: 

I has buy 37^ quintals of sugar in $149. What ist the price of 54| quintals? 

The professor asked if the sentence as written was correct gram- 
matically. He was promptly told by one of the boys that N it was 
incorrect. Another boy stepped to the board and changed "has" to 
' ' have " and stated the reason for the change ; another stated the 
principal parts of the verb "to have," told what kind of a verb it is, 
and explained the use of auxiliary verbs. It was then asked whether, 
with the change made, the sentence was correct. A chorus of voices 
said no, and the word "buy" was changed to "bought" and the rea- 
son for the correction stated. The word " at" was then substituted 
for "in" and the word "is" for "ist," and reasons given in like 
manner. The principal parts of a large number of verbs were then 
called for in rapid succession, and were correctly given. An exercise 
then followed showing that all the boys had been thoroughly trained 
in the use of nouns. Many nouns were named and parsed and gram- 
matical rules stated with facility. An exercise was given in the for- 
mation of plurals of nouns by means of the blackboard. General 
rules were called for as to various classes of nouns and illustrated by 
examples. Exceptions to the general rule for the formation of plurals 
were written by the professor on the blackboard in such a way as to 
make it appear that they followed the rule; these, such as "man," 
which was written "mans;" "goose," which was written "gooses;" 
"mouse," which was written "mouses;" and "penny," which was writ- 
ten "pennys," were promptly corrected and stated to be exceptions. 
An exercise followed in the use of the indefinite article, distinguish- 
ing between cases where the article "a" should be used, and when 
"an" should be used. Reasons were given for the use of " a " before 
"knife," "an" before "hour," "a" before "useful," and numerous 
other illustrations. 

The example in arithmetic was then solved by the boys in four dif- 
ferent ways on slates, and correct answers very promptly given. 

The entire exercise given before the commissioner was characterized 
by great eagerness on the part of the boys to answer questions, and 
when given an opportunity responded with evident pride and satis- 
faction in their knowledge of the subject at hand and their ability to 
tell about it, and all about it, in the English language. 



638 

MORE SCHOOLS NEEDED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

COAMO, P. R., February 6', 1899. 

Mr. Herminio Santella. The number of schools here is very insuf- 
ficient. This is not only true of Coamo, hut of the whole island. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to have you speak for Coamo only. 

Mr. Santella. In this district of from 12,000 to 14,000 people there 
is only one school for girls, and in the town only one for boys. I 
think mixed schools should be established, to be taught indiscrim- 
inately by male or female teachers. The town is too poor to attend 
to this matter and will not be able to charge its budget with the nec- 
essary amount to keep up the schools. I think, therefore, the gov- 
ernment should intervene in the matter. It would be advisable to 
have here a male and a female teacher for the teaching of English, 
in order that the language may be more widely spoken. Since the 
Americans took possession of this town, I and several friends have 
gotten together to try to bring here an English teacher, but have not 
been able to get one. The school where I teach I have an attendance 
of 80 pupils a day. We have only 10 square varas in which to seat 
the pupils. All of our buildings where we have schools are deficient 
in hygienic conditions. It would be advisable to have only one school 
building in the town at which two or three hundred children could 
attend, and have the classes taught by several professors or lady 
teachers, instead of having several small schools. 

Dr. Carroll. I think these school matters will very shortly be 
attended to. You won't be able to get all the reforms you want all 
at once, but they will come very soon and in a gradual way. 



EDUCATION AND MORALS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., February 9, 1899. 
Rev. A. J. McKim (agent of the American Bible Society). In meet- 
ing the difficuties which surround the education of the children and 
the moral education of the people, we are constantly met with denials 
of their immorality and assertions of a comparatively elevated con- 
dition in the capital. That is certainly true if reference is made 
only to the wealthy classes, but it was the poor to whom our Saviour 
preached the gospel, and our laws are made to protect and develop 
the resources of the poor, since the rich are well able to care for 
themselves. School facilities are scarcely adequate for a population 
so large as that of San Juan. The conveniences for education are 
extremely limited, no suitable houses having been provided, but only 
tenement houses being adapted to this purpose. Since the coming of 
General Eaton the schools have taken on a new life, and on the 6th of 
February, with American flags, they assembled in the principal square 
of the city to swear allegiance to our country. Let us hope that they 
may in due time be prepared to appreciate the value and dignity of 
American citizenship. 



639 

POOR PAY FOR TEACHERS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 3, 1899. 
Juan Cuevas Aboy (a school-teacher for eighteen years). School- 
masters are badly paid here. I earn $60 and house rent. This bad pay- 
ment of the schoolmasters causes them to be looked on as social infe- 
riors. The}^ do not hold the social position they should. Any other 
employment is thought more of than that of the schoolmaster. They 
have to teach from 50 to 60 children, which is too many for one man. 
We wish to have the number of pupils limited by law, as in the United 
States. It is also very necessary that education shall be gratuitous 
and obligatory. In short, we wish the status of the schoolmaster to 
be improved, and in that way the Government can improve the status 
of the citizen. We were not paid for month before last until the 14th 
of last month, and up to the present we have not been paid for the 
month of February. Out of the $60 I receive I have to pay an assist- 
ant 115 a month. 



RURAL SCHOOLS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 2, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose the schools are about equally divided 
between boys and girls? 

Mr. Rosich. They are very unequally divided. A great defect is 
that in all the rural districts there are no schools for girls. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there no girls that want to be educated? 

Mr. Rosich. That is where the great defect is. There are fourteen 
rural schools, but none for girls. This year we have started three 
girls' schools as against fourteen boys' schools. 

The Secretary. The difficulty is with' the teachers. The low 
salaries do not admit of a lady teacher going out, because if she is 
single she has to take her family and live out there, whereas a man 
can go alone. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the salarj^ paid a lady teacher in the country? 

Mr. Rosich. Twenty-five pesos a month, and 6 pesos for a house, 
and a peso or a peso and a half for office expenses. 

Dr. Carroll. That is very small, is it not? 

Mr. Rosich. It is hard to see how they can live at all on that amount. 
The rural teachers have not the same sources of income as the town 
teachers have. The town teachers get fees from rich people, but in 
the rural districts there are no rich people. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it against the law or custom for men to teach girls? 

Mr. Rosich. So much so that it would be very severely criticised. 
The law of public instruction contains a statement to the effect that 
it is not allowed ; but nothing is thought of a professor going to a 
house and giving private lessons. 

Dr. Carroll. You have only one school building, I believe, that 
the city owns. 

Mr. Rosich. One, and one being constructed. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the one you have a large one? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes. 



640 

Dr. Carroll. Is the whole of it occupied for school purposes 
exclusively? 

Mr. RosiCH. The teacher lives there. 

Dr. Carroll. How many superior schools have you? 

Mr. Rosich. One for each sex. 

Dr. Carroll. You have no normal school? 

Mr. Rosich. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any superior classes in some of the other 
schools? 

Mr. Rosich. Only in the private schools. The system of superior 
instruction has not given results here, and the press and the public 
are always crying out for its abolition. 

The Secretary. The poor people only want a mere elementary 
education for their children, and then want to send them to work. 
The rich people send their children to the institute. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the municipality encourage and support to any 
extent private schools? 

Mr. Rosich. Occasionally subventions have been given to private 
schools in order to enable them to give secondary instruction to some 
of the pupils. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you tell me how many scholars there are in the 
public schools of the district? 

Mr. Rosich. We get a report every three months, which I will 
send for. 

Dr. Carroll. What have you to say as to the capacity of the teach- 
ers? Are they generally good teachers? 

Mr. Rosich. In the rural schools they are quite poor, but you can 
not get any better teachers for the salary paid, which is the salary of 
workingmen only. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think it would be well that the city should 
entirely control the schools within its limits, that a larger amount of 
money should be appropriated to their support, and that the fee system 
should be abolished and suitable salaries given to teachers? 

Mr. Rosich. I have always been in favor of the proposition that 
when education is made obligatory it ought to be entirely gratuitous. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that there might be a larger appropri- 
ation made from the insular treasury to the public schools and that 
the hiring and dismissal of teachers, the hiring of houses, and that 
which pertains to the management of the schools should be in the 
hands of the municipality. 

Mr. Rosich. Yes; your idea is a very good one. 

Dr. Carroll. Of course there would be a general supervision on the 
part of the board of public instruction in the department of fomento. 
For example, the board ought to give certificates to teachers as to their 
qualifications, and after teachers get these certificates they ought to 
depend upon the municipalities for their employment and the terms 
of their employment. 

Mr. Rosich. Yes; if the municipality had certain limits imposed, 
upon them, such as not being allowed to name a teacher who had not 
a title and, when once employed, not allowed to remove the teacher 
without cause. 

Dr. Carroll. That is according to the rules which prevail in the 
United States. Teachers there are hired for the school year and can 
not be discharged before the end of the school year except for cause. 
They may be reengaged or not for another year. In other words, 
their contract is by the year. 



641 

Mr. Rosich. At the end of the year what happens? Are they with- 
out employment? 

Dr. Carroll. They are generally reengaged; hut if not efficient, 
they are not reappointed, and they go to other schools of less impor- 
tance, where perhaps the salary is less, so that they are seldom without 
employment. 

(The report on attendance sent for by Mr. Rosich was brought to 
the attention of the commissioner at this point.) 

Mr. Rosich. This is the December report, and shows a total of 2,543 
« pupils of both sexes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is this the average attendance or the number on the 
roll? 

Mr. Rosich. This is the number who are entered on the roll. The 
report shows an attendance of 1,646. There are schools where there 
are 60 on the rolls and only 20 attended. 



REFORMS SUGGESTED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 3, 1899. 

Mr. Edwardo Neumann. The municipalities here have large sums 
in their budgets for the purpose of renting schoolhouses. It would be 
wise for them to contract with building societies in the United States 
to construct a suitable schoolhouse in each district, and the sums set 
aside in the budgets for renting could be applied to the payment of 
the interest on these loans and could be reduced considerably. Sev- 
eral of the country schools are very badly conducted, owing to the fact 
that the teachers do not possess a sufficient degree of intelligence or 
morality to enable them to carry out their work as it should be done. 
These masters, as a rule, accept their positions as a means of liveli- 
hood, not as a vocation. They were the favorites of the Spanish Govern- 
ment, which gave the positions in exchange for votes and not because 
of fitness for the places. This point deserves the close attention of 
the Federal Government, because of the 900,000 inhabitants of Porto 
Rico, 600,000 live in the country and are scattered; and if they do not 
receive proper education, the work of civilization will be very much 
retarded. The scattered way in which the people live is one of the 
reasons why education is not as widespread as it should be. I think 
that the Government should construct extensive schools in all the dis- 
tricts in which to take a certain number of pupils as boarders, to pre- 
vent the children from being employed as they are at present; that 
is, the teachers send them out to get coffee and tobacco and make use 
of them as workers instead of attending to their education. If they 
could not take all the children in, they could take some in for a year 
and then let them give place to others ; they could all then get some 
of the benefit. In towns like San Juan, Mayaguez, and Ponce they 
should also add a department of trades and arts, teaching the chil- 
dren also the elements of agriculture — how to cure tobacco and how 
to cultivate coffee, giving them a knowledge which will be useful to 
them in the struggle for existence later on. 

As regards secondary education, the concentric system should also 
be employed, although, under the American system, the schools will 
take another form. It would also be convenient to extend night 
schools for adults, in which they could be taught subjects useful to 

1125 41 



642 

them in their daily life, such as drawing, geometry, and other tech- 
nical subjects. The present boards of education should be abolished. 
They are usually composed of storekeepers and men who know noth- 
ing about education. In their place boards should be constituted 
from teachers and professors, people who understand teaching, and 
all matters of education should be referred to them. The present 
boards are useless. There should also be an inspector-general .for the 
whole island, and under him department inspectors who would report 
to him. 

I have been teacher for more than twenty years. I understand the 
system of education in the United States, which is a mixed one, being 
derived from the French and German systems. I have also read the 
works of pedagogy of great masters, principally the works of Man- 
ning. What this country is suffering from to-day is the confusion in 
the plan of education, the want of uniformity. The different grades 
of education are not perfectly marked out. One of the disadvantages 
of the system is that there are too many pupils to a school ; there should 
not be more than 25 or 30. With, regard to the teaching of orphans, 
it has been in the hands of Sisters of Charity. I think, however pious 
and good and useful they may be in the hospitals, they do not possess 
the necessary educational faculties. I think it would be very wise to 
establish kindergarten schools here, in San Juan, and in Mayaguez for 
the present, these three being the chief towns. There should be a 
good school of this description in each of these cities. 

From that I will now pass on to elementary schools. Since the year 
1880, when General Despujols issued a decree, education in this town 
has improved somewhat, although it has not arrived at a satisfactory 
basis yet, notwithstanding that the teachers think it has. One of the 
greatest obstacles to proper educational service is the fact that from 
80 to 100 pupils are frequently crowded into one school, which is against 
all rules of pedagogy. The plan of the studies is more theoretical 
than practical, and the schools are not held in buildings adequate for 
their needs, and instruction up to the present has been based upon 
the Catholic religion, which should disappear entirely from the schools. 
These could be substituted by Sunday schools, under charge of the 
various fathers of families or of the priests connected with these 
churches. 

A limited number of schools, under the direction of competent 
teachers from the United States, should be established for the teach- 
ing of the English language, so that the pupils themselves in a few 
years would be able to give instruction in that language. 

The text-books used are quite deficient according to modern ideas 
and methods. They consist of questions and answers. The text-books 
now used in the United States could be translated into Spanish and 
brought here for general use. These books are written after the 
Comenius system or the concentric system, very much in vogue at 
present in Germany. The Comenius system is Austrian. 

Elementary instruction should be divided into three classes, and 
children should know how to read easily before being admitted into 
elementary schools. Children going into the elementary schools are 
classified wrongly here. They are made to take up the whole of the 
programme at once, whereas by classifying elementary instruction in 
three grades, they could be taught the simplest course first, a little 
higher course next, and the third still more amplified until they had 
gone over the entire elementary course. I am not going to make a 
programme for education now, but I think that only practical sub- 



643 

jects should be taught in elementary schools, and this opinion is in 
accord with what Mr. Spencer, the great sociologist, has written. 

Superior schools have given very poor results in this country. They 
are not really superior schools, but only amplifications of elementary 
schools. These schools should be replaced by the magnificent system 
employed in the city of Boston at present. High schools are also 
very deficient. It is the custom here to confer the bachelor's degree 
on a pupil who, when he leaves the schools, can hardly write a letter. 



MORAL EDUCATION. 
STATEMENT OF MR. P. SANTISTEBAN Y CHARIVARRI, SPANISH MERCHANT. 

San Juan, P. R., October- 28, 1898. 

Civil administration is a branch most difficult to deal with satis- 
factorily .in a country whose social customs have not yet arrived at 
the acquisition of a complete moral education. Nevertheless this 
can be taken in hand with some hope of success if it is possible 
to bring into communities people who are now living isolated in the 
mountains, following the immoralities induced by their uncivilized 
condition of living and the vices of vagabondage, gambling, etc. 

There should be established primary schools and workshops where 
the poor might learn a trade and acquire the habit of industry. 

For civil and judicial positions only the most industrious and honest 
citizens should be chosen. These, at the same time, should be in an 
independent position so as to be able to exercise their duties with a 
greater degree of independence. The civil government should have 
a confidential delegate whose duty should be to preside over the 
municipalities if these are to be granted universal suffrage as dis- 
tinguished from a limited suffrage. 

To conclude, this country, which has owned slaves, requires per- 
haps more than any other that its inhabitants should be given some 
sort of education to enable them to understand their duties to each 
other and to themselves. The principles of domestic economy and of 
moral public and private life should be taught. 



COMPULSOR Y ED UOA TION. 
STATEMENT OF CELESTINO MORALES. 

G-urabo, P. R., November 7, 1898. 
Education in this island is obligatory and free for the poor classes, 
who take advantage of it in relatively small numbers. The govern- 
ment? which to-day rules us would exercise a paternal role over the 
moral and intellectual progress of this people by applying the form 
and means used in the United States for the same object, justifying 
thus the granting to us of all the favors extended to its citizens there. 
Given the case here of a mother of a family who, having no means of 
support or method of gaining food for herself or her children, uses the 
labor of these for that purpose to the prejudice of their education, the 
doubt arises in the mind of the inspector, who should apply the law, 
whether the education be of greater importance than food. There is 
great need of workshops where those being educated may learn a 
trade, so as. to provide them with the means of earning a livelihood 
for themselves and their families. There are many schools conse- 
crated to the teaching of the Roman Catholic religion to the prejudice 
of other schools. This evil should be prevented by the establishment 
of free worship. 



644 

SECULAR EDUCATION. 
STATEMENT OF ANTONIO SANCHEZ RUIZ. 

Aguada, P. R., November 12, 1898. 

Worthy of consideration above all other points is that of schools, 
if it be considered that good habits and morals are synonymous with 
good education and social culture and that the absence of institu- 
tions of instruction would in a short time disrupt that society. There- 
fore I opine that schools should be instituted even in the most hidden 
corners of the province, dividing among the rich and poor the bread 
of intelligence so as to form worthy and illustrious citizens who one 
day would help to create the material happiness of the country. I 
think that to this end instruction should be entirely lay and desti- 
tute of all religious flavor; that the obligation of education shall 
not continue, as now, a pure formula, but that infractions by persons 
obliged by law to guard the moral and material well-being of child- 
hood be punished. Taking into account the delicate mission of the 
teacher, exemplary conduct, polite morals, and morals above sus- 
picion should be exacted from him, so as to fit him to instill his pupils 
with respect for law, authority, and their superiors and making 
them understand their reciprocal duties and rights. On the other 
hand, the charges bearing on the municipalities are so heavy that it 
would be well for the state to take care of institutes and superior and 
elementary schools, leaving to the municipalities the care of auxiliary 
and rural schools only. Owing to the lack of funds, these munici- 
palities frequently can not settle their accounts with the teachers, and 
this is a motive for the noncompliance of many of these function- 
aries with their duties. 

The system of education should be absolutely nonclerical and obli- 
gatory. Morality and good habits should be exacted from teachers. 



VILLAGE ORGANIZATION. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR CELESTINO D0MINGUEZ. 

Guayama, P. R., January, 1899. 
As 80 per cent of the people of Porto Rico do not know how to read 
or write, and as education does not seem to have got out of the towns, 
while the greatest number of inhabitants live disseminated in the 
mountains, making the teacher's task a difficult one, it seems to me 
that the government should form nuclei of villages in each precinct 
(barrio), assisting the peasants to remove their dwellings and group- 
ing them around a central building to be built on a chosen site. This 
building should have boys' and girls' schools and schools for adults after 
working hours. The same teachers can instruct both adults and chil- 
dren. Unless the government makes education free and obligatory and 
sees that attendance is strictly enforced, it is sure to fail, owing to the 
indifference of the peasantry. It must appoint inspectors to attend 
to these matters and establish fines for their noncompliance. The 
peasantry of Porto Rico is intelligent, sober, and will respond to the 
efforts of the government. If they have been called lazy, the accu- 
sation is an unjust one. A walk through the country will show them 
working on the cane fields, coffee plantations, and roads. Hardly an 
acre of land is to be seen uncultivated. Besides, a small island like this, 






645 

which has paid a budget of five millions, and perhaps double the 
amount, for municipal taxes, can not have other than an industrious 
population. The greater number of families living on the highlands 
eat no meat, but live exclusively on vegetable diet. This has pro- 
duced the disease called "anaemia," which is almost universal, and 
which makes them appear lazy — a title by no means deserved. As 
regards the town schools, the laws ruling in the United States should 
be applied, and attendance be made compulsory. 



SCHOOL REFORMS. 
STATEMENT OF JOSE M. OETIZ. 

Maunabo, P. R., February 24., 1899. 

(1) The contracting of loans by the island — if its resources permit — 
payable by sinking fund and for long periods, for the construction of 
schools, hospitals, and other public buildings in all the towns of the 
island, modern methods to be employed in their construction, form, 
distribution, and sanitary conditions. 

(2) Prohibiting teachers and their families from living in school 
buildings. Among other evils resulting from the practice is that of 
the families taking for their private use the best rooms set apart for 
teaching. 

(3) Gratuitous and compulsory system of education. More pains 
in its diffusion, especially in rural districts, and better attention to 
the needs of education of females, until now much neglected. The 
creation of schools of arts and trades, with teachers of intelligence at 
the head of each department. 

(4) Installation of a polytechnic school in the capital of the island. 

(5) Careful revision of the course for bachelor of arts, the suppres- 
sion of the Latin course, and in its place the introduction of three or 
four terms of some living language ; also a course in sociology. 



AMERICAN SCHOOLS. 
STATEMENT OF MANY CITIZENS. 

Isabbla, P. R., February 19, 1899. 
Public education is, in this country, expensive and deficient. If in 
some towns the schools are well served, in the majority they do not 
recompense the towns for the immense sacrifices they impose on the 
ratepayers. Education in Porto Rico is still submitted to the slavery 
of religious fanaticism, which makes it necessary to forbid religious 
teaching, substituting for it moral teaching and physical develop- 
ment — in a word, all the reforms called for by modern progress. It 
would be an act of justice to oblige the municipalities to pay the 
teachers' salaries, leaving them the right of naming or removing the 
teachers when not complying with their duties. As the lamentable 
financial state of the municipalities does not allow of their duly 
extending and attending to the schools, it would be well if the Gov- 
ernment would take under its charge all the elementary schools until 
the municipalities have got onto a satisfactory footing again. This 
would give the Government an opportunity to constitute the schools 



646 

on the basis of the American system, which has produced such bene- 
ficial, moral, and material results. Rural schools should disappear, as 
they have not given any results nor have they compensated the monej 7 
spent on them. Education should be declared free, and the munic- 
ipalities should offer premiums to the teachers who make the best 
showing at the year's end. 



Table I. — Schools of Porto Rico. 

[By the secretary of the interior.] 

Schools of the North district: 

Public 258 

Private. 25 

Total 283 

Schools of the South district: 

Public 252 

Private 16 

Total.... 268 

Total in the island 551 

Scholars attending schools of the North district: 

Boys . . 9,942 

Girls 4,657 

Total 14,599 

Scholars attending schools of the South district: 

Boys 9,132 

Girls 4,207 

Total r 13,339 

Total of the island. 27,937 

Annual expenditure for schools of North district $167, 347 

Annual expenditure for schools of South district 164, 020 

Total annual expenditure : 331, 367 

SCHOOL POPULATION OF THE ISLAND. 

North district: 

Boys 31.141 

Girls 29,649 

Total.. 60.790 

South district: 

Boys 34,224 

Girls 30,681 

Total 64.905 

Total of the island 125, 695 

Children of school age 125.695 

Attending school 27, 938 

Total not attending school _ 97, 757 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1S9S. 



647 






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Table III. — Additional summary. 

Number of primary schools - — 516 

Private schools in addition 26 

In the coming academic year there will be in this form: 

Principal 28 

First grade. 76 

Second grade 194 

Rural 317 

615 
Districts with schools (among which there are some with one school for girls 

and another for boys) 273 

Academies, seminaries, and other educational institutions: 

Seminary for the priesthood — 1 

Provincial institute of secondary education . . 1 

Provincial institute R. R. Escolapios (Reverend Escolapian Fathers) 1 

College of MM. del Corazon de Jesus (Mothers of the Heart of Jesus) . 1 

Infants' School - — 1 

College of San Ildefonse 1 

School of Arts and Industries 1 

Private Academy of Drawing 1 

Normal School of Girls 1 

(This is in the capital. In the other towns there are some infant 
schools. There is also a kindergarten in the capital and another in 
Ponce. In the capital there is a pedagogic museum which is now 
being formed. ) 

Number of children attending the schools 19,000 

Public-school teachers in active service , 516 

Teachers retired on pensions... 12 

Funds for education in the bank $5, 164. 29 

To be collected 40,000.00 

The Spaniards took away _ .. 34, 147. 30 

Sum of money for schools for the year 1899 213,630.00 

No school has modern supplies. The furniture is only medium, where the school 
is furnished, but there are some which are in want of everything. 

Number of schoolhouses. — Only four or six towns have schoolhouses. 
Graduate or collegiate teachers. — If this means teachers with titles, there are 800 
more or less. 

Technical schools. — There are none. 

Note. — To the funds for education, which are in the bank, should be added the 
sum received to-day from the municipality of San Juan ($340.87, American 
currency). 

Bureau of Education, 

Porto Rico, June 7, 1899. 



Private instruction. 



Municipal districts. 


First elemen- 
tary. 


Second ele- 
mentary. 


>> 

< 


Attendance. 


Official appro- 
priation for — 


Boys. Girls. 


Boys. 


Girls. 


Boys. 


Girls. 


Per- 
sonnel. 


Mate- 
rial. 






1 

1 






1 


7 

29 
20 


49 

58 


180 




1 






600 












1 












1 


37 












1 
1 
1 
1 




20 

105 

42 

16 
















28 


300 


168- 








i 






















l 




38 












1 
1 
4 




5 

103 
189 
79 
18 
64 












l 


1 














28 










1 










1 

o 


l 
l 




14 

21 


240 
300 




















Total 


1 


3 


13 


6 


3 


697 


273 


1,620 


168 













651 

SUMMARY. 

First elementary schools: 

For boys - - J 

For girls <* 

Second elementary schools: 

For boys - - - - 13 

For girls - - - - - ° 

Auxiliary schools: 

For boys -- - - --- j» 

For girls -- - - - 

Total schools - - 36 

Official appropriation: 

For personnel - - - * '?2q 

For materials - - - - 168 

Total , - — - 1,788 

Average attendance : 

Boys - - 697 

Girls. 373 

Total — - - - - 970 

Bureau of Education, San Juan, P. B., March 17, 1899. 

TEXT-BOOKS GENERALLY IN USE. 

Grammar: Real Academia Espanola. 

Arithmetic: Martinez Garcia, Monclova, Emiliano Diaz, Ollero, Comas. 

Geography: Paluzie (Universal), Corton, and Janer (Porto Rico). 

Reading: Juanito, Fabulas, Manuscrito. 

Christian doctrine: Gil Esteves. 

History: Fleury, Calonge. 

Geometry: Vallin and Bustillo. 

Agriculture, industry, and commerce: Regulez. 

History of Spain: Ibo Alfaro. 

Writing: Sistema Garnierd. 

Hygiene: Del Valle Atiles. 

Elements of physics: Julian Lopez Catalan. 

Elements of natural history: Julian Lopez Catalan. 

Bureau of Education, 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1899. 



THE CHURCH AND CHURCH PROPERTY. 

THE CHURCH AND THE STATE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 27, 1898. 
Father Juan Perpina e Pibernat, ecclesiastical governor and 
capitular vicar of Porto Rico. I begin by stating that the expenses of 
the church have been borne by the state and the people of this island 
since the discovery of the same. Part of these expenses were formerly 
met by tithes and the first fruits under the old Israelitish plan. What 
was further necessary in case these tithes did not meet the expenses 
of the church was supplied by the government. In addition to this, 
municipalities gave $25 a month to each priest in their immediate 
jurisdiction. This state of affairs continued until the royal cedula of 
1858, which decree, I think, though I am not sure, was given for the 
district of the Cathedral and San German, and was later extended to 
all the districts. By this royal order and subsequent dispensation 
gifts were created for the chapters and the parishes. This royal decree 
of 1858 abolished tithes and first fruits and made the government take 



652 

under its charge the entire pay of the clergy. When I came here in 
1860 the bishop was in receipt of either $18,000 or $20,000 per year, I am 
not sure which. The last bishop, who recently left the island, had a 
salary of about $10,000, that amount being arrived at by gradual 
diminution from the amount first mentioned. The ecclesiastical judge 
attached to the bishop's court is in possession of, or was in possession 
of, $2,500 per year, and the fiscal officer attached to the bishop's court 
was in receipt of $3,000 annually. The bishop's secretary has never 
received anything, but the bishop rewarded him by other means in his 
power, such as appointment as a prebend. This is in contradistinc- 
tion to the custom adopted in France, where these officers get salaries. 
In virtue of Article VIII of the royal decree previously referred to, the 
dean of the chapter is paid annually $3,000. The dignitaries of the 
church (a special class) have received $2,500 each annually. 

Dr. Carroll. Who are included in the class of dignitaries? 

Father Perpina. There are three cathedrals or bishoprics — one is 
in Cuba, one is in Santiago, and one is here. None of them are in 
possession of a full complement of dignitaries or members of the 
chapter. 

Dr. Carroll. Are Porto Rico and Cuba in the same ecclesiastical 
province? 

Father Perpina. No; Santiago de Cuba is a metropolis in church 
matters. 

Dr. Carroll. With what province is Porto Rico connected? 

Father Perpina. With none. 

Dr. Carroll. Is Santiago the metropolitan see of this ecclesiastical 
province? 

Father Perpina. Santiago is the headquarters to which all ecclesi- 
astical matters are referred as the metropolitan of this island. The 
number of church dignitaries here is three. I should add here that 
Santiago has an archbishopric. The three dignitaries are the dean, 
the archdean, and the canon (chantre) ; it is he who attends to the 
singing. Canons receive $2,000. There are five canons — two who are 
elected without competitive examination and three who are elected 
by competitive examination. The competitive canons are the peni- 
tentiary, who attends to punishments; the lectoral, whose duty is to 
explain the holy writings, and the magistrado, who has under his 
charge matters concerning preaching. The penitentiary has charge 
of confessions and all matters pertaining thereto, with special powers 
of confession conferred upon him by the bishopric and the Pope — that 
is, he has higher powers of absolution than any other priest. The 
examinations for these posts are very severe. 

The racioneros and half racioneros — that is to say, priests who have 
not canonical rights, but are only concerned in the administration of 
canonical matters — receive the salary of $1,500 a year each. There 
are four of them. The half racioneros get $1,200 each. 

The parishes are divided into entrado, which means "entrance;" 
ascenso, which means "ascendance," and termino. The parishes of 
termino are usually vicarages — that is to say, the priests in charge of 
them have charge over other priests in the vicinity. The termino 
vicars are all paid $125 a month in pesos. The ascenso parishes were 
paid 75 pesos a month and the entrado 50 pesos a month. 

Dr. Carroll. Did they have houses also? 

Father Perpina. I will speak of that later. 

There are a great many parishes which have their own parish houses, 
paid for by the people of the parish and which belong exclusively to 



653 

the parish, and I wish here to prefer a complaint to the representa- 
tive of the United States with reference to the town of Dorado. A 
rich man there by the name of Lopez built a church and a parish 
house and presented them to the parish, which facts can be proved 
and are generally known by everybody. The mayor placed there by 
the American forces has taken possession of the house and turned out 
the priest in charge. 

Dr. Carroll. Out of the church and house? 

Father Perpina. From the house alone ; but you will understand 
that this is private property and no one has the right to turn the priest 
out of it, and I protest against the same. My protest has already been 
made to the priest himself at Dorado, but not to the central power 
here. 

Dr. Carroll. I have no administrative powers here in the island 
whatever. I think it would be well for you to call the matter to the 
attention of General Brooke, who has full authority to attend to the 
matter. 

Father Perpina. The royal cedula referred to has become, by rea- 
son of existing circumstances, a fatal thing to the church — that is, the 
present occupation of the Americans has made the working of that 
cedula fatal, and I will give you the reason. As has been shown, this 
royal cedula deprives the clergy of their tithes and first fruits and 
other small means of income which they had from the mayors of the 
different towns, and also took away from them the right of collection 
of fees for the administration of sacraments, and they are now abso- 
lutely without means of income of any kind whatever. The fact of 
the United States absolutely not recognizing the clergy, and wishing 
to establish immediately the separation of the church and the state, 
has left the clergy without any means of support. The people of the 
different parishes all over the country, having been accustomed to 
regard the priests not as ministers of God but as employees of the 
Government, are not now disposed to make them payments for the 
administration of their office, and this state of affairs leaves them with- 
out bread. 

I, as head of the church, would have advised the United States to 
establish a separation between the church and state, because that is its 
Constitution, but not immediately and suddenly as it has done. The 
Catholic Church is destined to take care of the morals and the good 
conduct of the people of this island, and if their means of subsistence 
is taken away suddenly, I will have no clergy to look after the spirit- 
ual welfare of the people, and I consider that such a state of affairs 
will result in the moral degeneration of the people of the island. I, as 
head of the church, wish to beg of the commissioner that he recommend 
that the payment of the clergy be continued until such a time as a bishop 
could be brought here to the church and the church constituted under 
new auspices. This payment need not take the form of salary, but 
could be made as a sort of gratuity. I propose a plan under which that 
can be done, namely: That the municipalities take the place of the 
state and they pay out of their funds such salaries or gratuities as the 
Government may desire the clergy to receive ; that in case the munici- 
palities do not care to do this, the state can take it upon itself to do 
so — this measure being only temporary, as before stated. I am 
inclined to fear that if the municipalties are asked to contribute to 
the church they will refuse to do so. I respect the Constitution of 
the United States because Catholics have to respect the reigning 
power, but I think a plan might be arranged until a. permanent eccle- 



654 

siastical government could be introduced here. I, as head of the 
church, will not consent that the municipalities, if they should make 
donations to the clergy, make them in the form of salary. We will 
accept them only in the form of gratuities; the church does not want to 
be dependent upon the municipalities. I think it is unnecessary to 
say that church property, including the buildings and the land, will 
remain the property of the church. I take that as an understood thing. 
From time immemorial the propeily of the church has belonged to the 
church. In most cases the churches have been built by the x^eople, 
though now and then the state has helped in the erection of church 
buildings, but I understand that such property will be respected. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand from Father Sherman that the property 
is not held by the church, but is vested in the municipality, and that 
there is no way by which it can be confirmed to the church. 

Father Perpina. Father Sherman is mistaken ; such is not the case. 

Dr. Carroll. How then is the title to church and parochial houses 
held — by trustees or otherwise? 

Father Perpina. The church has no title in the sense of documents ; 
it has always been an understood thing that these properties belong 
to the church. 

Dr. Carroll. Was not the property bought of some one? 

Father Perpina. Most of the lands held by the church were gifts, 
and the people who gave them did not bother about giving written 
titles. Most of the churches in the island were built on ground granted 
by the government. The government would say to a church, on the 
establishment of a new town, " We will give you such and such a plot 
of ground in the middle of the town and you build a church." 

Dr. Carroll. Would not such a proposition, or decree, on the 
part of the governor be evidenced by some writing? 

Father Perpina. Much of this property has been held by the 
church for several hundred years, and a paper lasts a hundred years 
and is then dust. Moreover, everything in the way of gifts to the 
church has been done in good faith without documentation. 

Dr. Carroll. Then is not the title to some of the church property 
still in the original donors as a matter of record? 

Father Perpina. I do not know anything more about the question 
than this : A pious man would say, ' ' Here is a piece of land ; I make 
you a present of it; build a church." There may still exist some 
documents, but who knows where to find them? 

Dr. Carroll. I apprehend no difficulty in the confirmation to the 
church of the property given to it, unless some of the heirs of the 
donors should make a legal claim, in which case it would be a matter 
for the courts. It would seem to be advisable that the church should 
inquire into its title so far as possible with the view of having it con- 
firmed in a legal way. It will not be the purpose of the United States 
to confiscate, for an} 7 purpose, property which rightfully belongs to 
the church. 

Father Perpina. I will leave that matter for the bishop who comes 
here to attend to. I could not undertake it without launching myself 
into an overwhelming sea of perplexities; moreover, such a work 
would require the services of a secretary, and I have no money with 
which to pay one. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the municipalities likely to lay claim to these 
buildings as municipal property? 

Father Perpina. I have no fear of that at all, unless some persons 



655 

from wrong motives look for opportunity to open unjust suits against 
the church. I do not anticipate such troubles, however. 

Dr. Carroll. Why have the municipalities ceased to pay the 
amounts you have referred to to the clergy? 

Father Perpina. That was a payment made before the royal cedula 
was published. That decree wiped out all payments of that kind 
and salaries were then paid out of the custom-house receipts of each 
district. The island is divided into a certain number of districts and 
the clergy have been paid from the custom-house of the district. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the clergy receive fees, matrimonial and others? 

Father Perpina. They are not allowed to receive anyl)y law, but 
there have been abuses. Where these abuses have become known 
the clergy have been punished. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there no matrimonial fee? 

Father Perpina. Yes, but it is very small ; any report to the contrary 
is false. When people have come to ask the sacrament of marriage 
or baptism and said they were unable to pay for it, the same has been 
performed gratuitously, at least in my time, and as far as I know. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a considerable number of civil marriages 
here? 

Father Perpina. All marriages are solemnized by the church. 
We do not recognize anything as marriage which is performed in any 
other way. A person who is a Catholic is married always by the 
church; if not married by the church he is not married at all, as we 
view it. 

Dr. Carroll. Are many persons living here in the relation of mar- 
riage between whom the church ceremony has never taken place? 

Father Perpina. Many, many, many. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they generally negroes? 

Father Perpina. Yes ; they are generally negroes. There are also 
married people who have two wives and live together like Moors. 
This is a very immoral country. 

Dr. Carroll. Are those persons outside the pale of the church? 

Father Perpina. Yes ; the church would not bury such a person in 
consecrated ground. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the church have parochial schools? 

Father Perpina. No; previously in some small parishes where 
there were no schools the government allowed the clergy to establish 
parochial schools, but since the introduction of general education the 
schools have been taken out of their hands. They have only their 
system of schools for the education of young men for the priesthood. 

Dr. Carroll. Has it been the policy of the church to raise up a 
native priesthood? 

Father Perpina. The tendency of the bishop has always been to 
form the clergy from among the people themselves. 

Dr. Carroll. Are many of the present clergy natives of the island? 

Father Perpina. Before the coming of the Americans to the island 
the priests were nearly all from Spain, for the reason that the natives 
appear to have no desire to take up clerical matters. It would be 
greatly to the interest of the bishops if they should educate their priests 
from natives, because foreign priests are always desiring to go back 
to the Peninsula. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there colored priests? 

Father Perpina. That is forbidden. ' 

Dr. Carroll. Forbidden by whom? 

Father Perpina. By the clerical constitution of Spain. There are, 



656 

however, some persons who have colored blood in their veins who are 
in the priesthood, but they are persons who pass as white. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the colored people allowed the benefits of the 
sacraments on the same basis as the whites? 

Father Perpina. In that respect there is perfect equality. 

'Dr. Carroll. What was the reason for the discrimination against 
colored men in the priesthood? 

Father Perpina. I do not know the reason, but for myself I do not 
consider it desirable to see colored men with priestly robes adminis- 
tering the sacraments, and if I were a bishop I would never ordain a 
colored man. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a race prejudice that would prevent it? 

Father Perpina. There is none. There has always been, though, 
a breach between the colored and the whites since the emancipation 
of the slaves in the island. I think the colored people have been con- 
ceded many more liberties than they should have received, and what 
they have not been conceded they have taken. 

Dr. Carroll. How many services are held in the parish churches? 
Are they held only on Sundays, and if only on Sundays, how many 
services a day? 

Father Perpina. That is a question that can not be answered in the 
way it is asked. The church is open every day. On Sunday there is 
only one mass, but anyone desiring a special mass can have it cele- 
brated by paying for it. On week days there are two masses; the 
mass on Sunday, however, is a more solemn mass. The church is 
open all day. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there a sermon every day? 

Father Perpina. There is no rule about that ; sermons are not 
preached as a matter of course. The magistrado preaches the lenten 
sermon. Sometimes a man provides in his will for certain services 
for a particular church, and that money is invested to pay the priest 
for the purpose named. San Francisco Church has several such pro- 
visions for services, and consequently has more sermons than others. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the principal ecclesiastical days of the 
year? 

Father Perpina. Our ecclesiastical days are not peculiar to the 
island, but are the same as those indicated in Catholic books every- 
where. I think they are the same precisely as those observed in the 
United States. 

Dr. Carroll. I have been told that the women were very faithful 
to the church, but that the men seldom attended the sacraments or 
the confessionals. 

Father Perpina. As is generally the case in other places — for 
instance, in France and Spain, the woman is more generally religious 
than the man; but it is not true that the men of Porto Rico are 
entirely indifferent to religion or that the women do not try to 
influence the men in religious matters. There are men here who are 
extremely pious and good Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. What about the positions left vacant by those priests 
who have gone to Spain? 

Father Perpina. As soon as it may become known that the clergy 
will be supported I can fill the parishes. The Spanish Government 
took from the Dominican and Franciscan monks, who were established 
here, in the year 1837 the property which they then held, and instead 
of selling this property to private individuals they rented it and have 
been receiving the rental or interest from those who hold the property ► 



657 

I think that these rentals should no longer be paid to the Spanish 
Government, but should be paid to the church to which they belong. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the properties extensive? 

Father Perpina. Those sold outright were extensive, and as to them 
there is, of course, no remedy. I can not give the particulars of the 
property nor the amounts that have been paid; all I know is that 
they are the property of the church. You should inquire for a list of 
the property which paid censo, formerly belonging to the Dominican 
and Franciscan monks. 



The budget of worship for 1897-98, 

[Collated by order of the Vicario Capitular.] 

CATHEDRAL CLERGY. 

Pesos. 

1 bishop 9,000 

1 dean 1 . 3,000 

1 archdeacon . . - 1 - - - - 2, 500 

1 "chantre" (music) — -.- 2,500 

1 penitenciario (discipline) 2, 000 

1 secretary - 2, 000 

1 magistral - 2,000 

2 canons, at 2,000 pesos each 4,000 

2 racioneros, at 1,500 pesos each 3,000 

2 half racioneros, at 1,200 pesos each , 2, 400 

Assistant clergy j.„ 6,000 

For music 4,000 

42,400 

PAROCHIAL CLERGY. 

12 cures serving in parishes de termino, at 1,500 pesos each 18, 000 

21 coadjutors perpetual for the same parishes, at 600 pesos each _ . 12, 600 

12 sacristans for the same parishes, at 150 pesos each 1, 800 

17 cures for parishes de ascenso, at 1 ,000 pesos each 17, 000 

17 coadjutors perpetual for the same parishes, at 600 pesos each . . 10, 200 

17 sacristans for the same parishes, at 150 pesos each 2, 550 

59 curas de ingreso, at 700 pesos each. . . 41, 300 

13 coadjutors, at 600 pesos each - - - 7, 800 

59 sacristans for 59 parishes de ingreso, at 150 pesos each 8, 850 

1 priest in pharge of the church of Santo Domingo in San Juan 480 

1 coadjutor in San Juan ... 360 

1 priest in charge of Our Lady of Balbanera 500 

1 priest in charge of the Church of the Carmelite Mothers - - 600 

Maintenance of congregation of missioners - 6,000 

128, 040 

Note. — The foregoing estimates are not an exact statement of expenses, as some 
of the positions therein mentioned were always unoccupied, in which case the 
amounts not paid remained in the royal coffers. 

ECCLESIASTICAL JUDICIARY. 

Pesos . 

1 judge ..2,500 

1 fiscal - 1,700 



4,200 



Note. — When either of the two officers above mentioned are in enjoyment of 
other ecclesiastical salaries, they can only claim one-half of the salaries reserved 
as above. 

. 1125 42 



658 

The budget of worship for 1S97-9S— Continued. 

EXPENSE OF BULLS. 

Appropriation to the commissary of indulgences -.. 350 

Appropriation to the notary 270 

620 
Conciliar Seminary - - 3, 000 

CATHEDRAL AND PARISHES — MATERIAL. 

Appropriation for expense of material for the cathedral 3, 000 

Appropriation for 12 parishes ' ' de termino, " at 300 pesos each 3, 600 

Appropriation for 17 parishes ' ' de ascenso, " at 250 pesos each 4, 250 

Appropriation for 59 parishes " de ingreso," at 200 pesos each. 11. 800 

For expense for the church of Santo Domingo _ - . 500 

For expense for the church of Carmelite Mothers 200 

23, 350 

ECCLESIASTICAL JUDICIARY — MATERIAL. 

Expense of office: 

Secretary for judge - - 75 

Secretary for fiscal - - - -- 60 

135 

SUMMARY. 

Amount required to meet expenses of the clergy for one year, salaries and supplies: 

Pesos. 

Cathedral clergy 42,400 

Parochial clergy. ..-._. 128,040 

Ecclesiastical judiciary . . . - - - - - - 4. 200 

Expense of bulls -- -- 620 

Conciliar seminary -- . - . - — 3. 000 

Cathedral and parishes — material - 23. 350 

Ecclesiastical judiciary — material. 135 

201,745 



CLERICAL FEES. 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1S98. 

Pedro Piza, a Catholic priest, sought an interview with the com- 
missioner with the object of ascertaining how he could disclaim alle- 
giance to the Roman Catholic Church. He volunteered the following- 
statement : 

The Catholic Church has been much neglected on the part of the 
clergy. All the church property and buildings have been left in a 
state of poverty and disrepair. With respect to preaching, priests 
have not complied with their duties, and consequent indifference has 
resulted on the people's part. To show that the people are not inher- 
ently indifferent to religious teaching, I can state that when I took 
over the parish of Utuado a maximum attendance at the two daily 
masses was fifteen persons. When I left the parish, the minimum 
attendance was a hundred persons. 

In spite of the law of 1858 the clergy has continued to collect heavy 
fees for the celebration of sacraments, leading to their nonobservance 



659 

by the country people in general. The fees collected have averaged 
about as follows: 

Matrimony: 

Simple service , $10. 00 

More elaborate service ;. . .._ . 16.00 

Burial: 

Simple service 14. 00 

More elaborate service 22.00 

Masses 1 . 00 ' 

These rates have been further increased, according to the ability of 
the person interested to pay. 



SUBVENTIONS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 4, 1898. 
Senor Don Jose Lopez y Ortiz de Zarate, an official of the insti- 
tute and secretary of the board of health : 

Mr. Zarate. I have brought you a statement of what the state paid 
to the clergy of the island. As regards the fees charged by the clergy, 
it is impossible to give that. I paid a wedding fee of 16 pesos when I 
was married. 

Dr. ■ Carroll. The secretary of the treasury, Mr. Blanco, stated 
that these fees had been abolished by law and that the priests had no 
authority for making such charges. 

Mr. Zarate. The fees are illegal. All functions of the church were 
supposed to be administered free of every charge, but many abuses 
have been committed, which have produced numerous complaints, but 
these complaints have been pigeonholed. 

Dr. Carroll. To whom were the complaints made? 

Mr. Zarate. To the central ecclesiastical authorities. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you give us any information regarding the prop- 
erty of the church — that property particularly which the church may 
have acquired by will or otherwise in recent years? 

Mr. Zarate. The church is the owner of a large amount of prop- 
erty in this and other cities of the island. Several properties are still 
under obligation to pay what is called censo, which is a charge on the 
property usually contracted by the free will of its original owner, who 
would leave- the property to his heirs subject to this annual charge. 
The clergy continue collecting this. The church also owned several 
agricultural estates, notably in San German, where the church owned 
an estate called the Porto Coeli ; but when the state took over the 
responsibility of maintaining the clergy, the lands belonging to this 
estate were nearly all sold to private parties. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any idea of the income that the church 
receives from its investments and the annual dues you have referred to? 

Mr. Zarate. I have not; but I will see the ecclesiastical collector 
and try to get a statement of it. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you know what convents there are in the island? 

Mr. Zarate. There is only one to-day; it is under the charge of 
the Carmelite nuns and is situated in San Juan in front of the cathe- 
dral. 

Dr. Carroll. How is that supported; by charity? 

Mr. Zarate. They are very poor; we may say they have hardly 



660 

any funds. By an unforeseen accident the funds were carried off to 
Spain. 

(Dr. Carroll at this point directed the attention of Mr. Zarate to an 
item in the budget of the provincial deputation providing for the 
payment of certain Sisters of Charity, and asked him to state the 
purpose of it. ) 

Mr. Zarate. This is salary paid by the municipality to twenty- 
three Sisters of Charity, at 18 pesos a month each, for their services 
in the beneficencia and the insane asylum. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the seventh article of the first chapter of 
the third division of fomento in the estimates of the provincial depu- 
tation? 

Mr. Zarate. This is a pure business matter and a scandalous 
robbery. The amount of 12,940 pesos was paid to the Escolapian 
Fathers for the management of a college situated in the suburbs of 
San Juan, known as Santurce. In addition to this amount, each pupil 
paid 25 pesos a month to the priests for instruction. 

Dr. Carroll. Why are they called Escolapian Fathers? 

Mr. Zarate. Because they belong to the order of San Jose de 
Calasans, which founded this society of Escolapian Fathers. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the eighth item, called "Secret Heart of 
Jesus?" 

Mr. Zarate. It is an amount of 3,000 pesos paid by the municipality 
of San Juan to uncloistered nuns who manage a girls' school, in which 
each pupil pays from 35 to 40 pesos a month for instruction — also a 
piece of robbery. The municipality was obliged, in case the number 
of pupils did not come up to the regulation number, to pay out of its 
treasury such a sum as would complete the amount that they would 
otherwise have received. 

Dr. Carroll. Was this in pursuance of a contract that this amount 
of 3,000 pesos should be paid? 

Mr. Zarate. Yes; the Government pledged it. 



REAL ESTATE OF THE CHURCH. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 7, 1898. 

Mr. Manuel de Caneja (Canonigo Lectoral). I have been 
directed by the vicar-general, in view of my having been secretary of 
the bishopric for twenty-three years, to come here to answer questions 
relating to his office. 

Dr. Carroll. The information furnished by the vicar-general and 
this gentleman (Senor Zarate) has been so full that I have but few 
additional points to be covered. I asked Mr. Zarate the other day a 
question which he preferred some one else should answer, respecting 
what property the church has received by will and otherwise in the 
last few years. 

Mr. Caneja. Real estate is not possessed to-day by the church, with 
the exception of the church buildings and parish houses in the vari- 
ous parishes of the island. What real estate was possessed formerly 
by the church was taken possession of by the government, and prop- 
erty to-day owned by the church and dedicated to pay the interest on 
holy works, such as charities, alms, etc., is in the form of censos, or 
mortgages, on real estate. 






661 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any idea as to the amount of income from 
these sources annually for the entire island? 

Mr. Caneja. I wish it to be thoroughly understood that the amount 
collected from these mortgages is not, strictly speaking, income for 
the general use of the church, but is in the form of legacies willed by 
persons who have desired, for instance, to have certain masses cele- 
brated on anniversaries of their death, or sermons, or some form of 
religious celebration maintained. These amounts are collected sepa- 
rately by each clerical district ; for instance, "that of the cathedral, 
perhaps amounting to $3,000. To give you the total amount I should 
nave to refer to the documents of each clerical section, as most 
churches have their own income, although small, from these sources. 

Dr. Carroll. There is, then, no invested fund or property from 
which the church receives income? 

Mr. Caneja. No. As I said before, there are parish houses which 
in most cases belong to the parish church, but not in all cases. 
These are chiefly of stone, but sometimes of wood, and were built in 
most cases by subscription of their respective congregations, or by 
general donations, in which the municipalities sometimes lent a hand. 
The censo is the right of the church to collect a dividend on the 
income of certain houses. This, as I have said, has usually been 
acquired by will and is a right which is a permanent charge upon the 
property. The owner of the property subject to the censo, on the 
sale of the same, sells the property subject to that charge. This is 
perpetual unless the interested party wishes to redeem the same. 

Dr. Carroll. Which can be done, presumably, for a sum agreed 
upon? 

Mr. Caneja. It must be for the exact amount which was deeded. 
This censo, although perpetual with regard to the church, is not per- 
petual with regard to the owner of the property affected by it — that 
is to say, he can have it transferred from one property to another — 
and it is common for owners of houses subject to censo to apply to 
the bishop to have the tax removed from one property to another. 
Should the property proposed constitute a due guaranty the church 
never refuses to make the transfer. When the amount of the censo 
is accounted the church does not consider it is entitled to hold the 
sum realized for its own uses, but has to invest it again in some form, 
so that it will produce an income by which to respect the will of the 
testator. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask in whom the titles of churches 
and parochial houses is vested? 

Mr. Caneja. As the parish priests have lived continuously in the 
parish houses since their construction without title, the title thereto 
can be considered one of possession only and not of documentation. 
As regards the churches, the hypothecary law of Spain in one of its 
paragraphs expressly prohibits the inscription of churches; conse- 
quently the title of these is also one of possession only. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask what services are held regularly 
on Sunday? What are the usual services at the cathedral? 

Mr. Caneja. When the church was at its full enjoyment of powers 
here, with its various officials, the celebrations of the holy sacraments 
were conducted with full pomp and magnificence, and 12 masses were 
sung every Sunday. Owing to the reduced number of the clergy now 
officiating, most of them having gone away on account of lack of 
means of support, not more than three masses are celebrated, of 
which only one is sung. To-day the solemn mass is sung accom- 



662 

panied by the organ only. Formerly it was sung accompanied by 
musical instruments and a choir. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the people commune at the high mass or only at 
the two stated masses'? 

Mr. Caneja. They can partake of the sacraments at any of the 
masses they wish, but they usually prefer to do it at the early mass, 
as the sacrament has to be celebrated while fasting, and no one cares 
to fast longer than is necessary. We priests have to do it as a matter 
of duty, except on Holy Thursday, when eveiybody participates in 
the sacrament at the holy mass held at 10 o'clock. 

Dr. Carroll. About how many communicants are there under the 
present regime. 

Mr. Caneja. Communion is celebrated in various churches in San 
Juan, the churches of Santa Ana, San Jose, San Francisco, the 
church of the Carmelite Monks, the chapel of the San Franciscan 
Order, the chapel of the Beneficencia, the chapel of San Ildefonso, 
the chapel of the Orphanage, the chapel attached to the hospital used 
by the order called Siervas de Maria, the chapel of the arsenal, 
Christ Church, the Santa Rosa Chapel and Cemetery, the chapel of 
the cemetery, and the chapel of the prison. Those are the principal 
ones. It is impossible to give you an idea of the number of commu- 
nicants of all of them. 

Dr. Carroll. I simply was inquiring about the number at the 
cathedral. 

Mr. Caneja. There are from one to two hundred a month there, 
but a larger number in the churches of San Jose and Santa Ana, 
because of the larger number of priests attached to them. ' 

Dr. Carroll. How often are confirmation services held? 

Mr. Caneja. We don't have them, because the bishop is not here. 
When he was here he held confirmation services in a parish every 
Sunday, and as he paid his visits through the island, remaining four, 
five, or eight days in a town, he conducted those ceremonies. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask about baptism. I suppose it is 
universal in the island? 

Mr. Caneja. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it performed at the house where the child is born 
or in the parochial houses? 

Mr. Caneja. In the churches. Under very strict laws it is com- 
pulsory for baptisms to be performed in the churches, the exceptions 
being those of utmost necessity or the approach of death. 



MARRIAGE FEES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aguadilla, P. R., January 21, 1809. 

Dr. Carroll. According to the returns I have received from the 
municipalities, the number of illegitimate births is almost equal to 
that of legitimate births. How do you explain that? 

Mr. Torregrosa (a lawyer). That is of very remote origin. It 
dates from the time of slavery. It is owing a great deal to the per- 
nicious influence and example given by the slaveowners, who, when 
they saw a good-looking colored girl, would take her for their own 
purposes and the people gradually imitated that. In the country 
districts you will find that condition very general. Another reason 



663 

is the apathy of £he clergy, who never take journeys into the country, 
who never preach moral precepts to the people, and who never take 
any interest in the home life of the people. The people could easily 
have been taught, as they are docile. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they ever hesitate to get married because of the 
fees? 

Mr. Torregrosa. That was also one of the reasons. 

Dr. Carroll. What are those fees? I understand that they are all 
illegal, but that the clergy have been accustomed to charge them in 
spite of that fact. 

Mr. Torregrosa. They used to create difficulties on purpose to be 
in a position to smooth over difficulties afterwards aud collect more 
for the marriage. 

Dr. Carroll. In Utuado they told me the fees generally charged 
were about $6 ; seldom less than that. 

Mr. Torregrosa. Here they charge as high as $16. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose it is almost impossible for the poor to raise 
that amount? 

Mr. Torregrosa. Yes; quite impossible. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the people here generally interested in the church ; 
are they quite faithful to their church duties? 

Mr. Torregrosa. Among the men of the country generally there is 
a state of almost complete indifference. The women, however, are 
more pious. In this city, especially, the women are noted for their 
piety. 



CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Mayaguez, P. R., January 24, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Under whose control is the cemetery as to sepultures ; 
to whom is application made? 

Don Cartagena (president of board of public works). To the 
municipal judge. If any person not a Catholic is buried there, the 
cure opposes it. 

Dr. Carroll. Where does the priest want people who die outside 
of the Catholic Church to be buried? 

Don Cartagena. There is a separate part for Freemasons and 
Protestants. It is a part of the cemetery, but it is not consecrated. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the priest oppose the burial of persons in ground 
not consecrated? 

Don Cartagena. No. The part where the Protestants are buried 
is in a very bad condition. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the municipality taken any steps looking to the 
secularization of the cemetery? 

Don Cartagena. Not yet. They have not allowed Freemasons to 
be buried there, but in the cases of Masons who have left money, their 
friends have had them buried in the Catholic portion. Anything of 
that kind can be arranged with money. 

Dr. Carroll. How many churches are there in this city? 

Don Cartagena. One here, and another being built by private per- 
sons. 

Dr. Carroll. How many cures are there? 

Don Cartagena. Four. 

Dr. Carroll. How are they supported now? 



6G4 

Don Cartagena. I don't know. 

Dr. Carroll. Probably by voluntary support, as they get nothing 
from the municipal budget. 

Don Cartagena. Absolutely nothing. 

Dr. Carroll. What fees do they have? 

Don Cartagena. They ask fees for marriage, burial, and other 
offices. 

Dr. Carroll. When the cure gives a license for sepulture, does he 
charge for it? 

Don Cartagena. He does not give the permission. The municipal 
judge does that. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the license for burial cost anything? 

Don Cartagena. Nothing. 



CHURCH PROPERTY IN HUMACAO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Humacao, P. R., February 1, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. How does the title of municipal property appear? 

Mr. Masperrer (mayor). It is registered as the property of the 
municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. What appears as property of the municipality besides 
the alcaldia? 

Mr. Masferrer. The city hall, valued at $25,000. The church was 
built by the people, but was taken by the Spanish Government accord- 
ing to its custom. It is not registered, but belongs to the municipality. 
The same is true of the custom-house. It was built by private par- 
ties — merchants and others — and taken by the Government. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any record of that? 

(No one present could answer the question.) 

Mr. Masperrer. The church is valued at 145,000. The municipal- 
ity also owns the plaza principal, which cost $10,000; another build- 
ing, used as a meat market, valued at $8,000; another building, used 
to-day as barracks for the American soldiers, valued at $20,000; also 
a building used as a slaughterhouse, valued at $3,000; a building- 
used as a smallpox hospital, valued at $3,000; the cemetery, which 
has a wall around it and a deadhouse, valued at $5,000 (not regis- 
tered) ; a building lot worth $300. That is all of the municipal prop- 
erty. 

Dr. Carroll. How was the church built? 

Mr. Masferrer. The municipality in its annual budget would assign 
a sum in the nature of a special municipal tax, and all were required 
to pay it. 

Dr. Carroll. Who owned the site of the church? 

Mr. Masferrer. It was municipal property. The whole of the city 
district was the gift of a lady, according to tradition, for the forma- 
tion of the city. We have no documents to substantiate the tradi- 
tion, but it has never been disputed. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the courts recognized that tradition in cases 
involving questions of title? 

Mr. Masperrer. Yes ; for more than sixty years it has been an 
accepted fact. 

Dr. Carroll. How long ago was the church built? 

Mr. Masferrer. About the year 1870. 



665 

Dr. Carroll. Would there be any objection on the part of the peo- 
ple of this town to having the title of this property made over to the 
church? 

Mr. Miguel Argueso. I think not. The building was erected for 
use as a Catholic church and should be used for that purpose. 

Mr. Antonio Roig. As the Catholic church in the island is rich 
and the city of Humacao poor, I think the church should be sold to 
the ecclesiastical authorities. 

Mr. Argueso. If the ecclesiastical authorities should refuse to pur- 
chase, we would be left with a church building on our hands with 
nobody to attend to it, and so would lose the benefit of worship here. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think it would be fair to the church to com- 
pel it to pay for a building constructed for its purposes exclusively 
and which it has used without payment of rent for many years? I 
would like to have the general opinion here in regard to that. 

Judge Fulladosa. The church here was built by the people and 
for the people, as Catholics, when there were no other religions here. 
It is not possible to transfer it, nor can it be used for any other 
purpose. 

Dr. Carroll. I think a legal way can be found by the United 
States to settle this matter. It may be a cause of trouble. This 
church building seems to be neither church property nor municipal 
property. The control of it seems to be somewhat vague. It would 
seem to me that all this class of cases should be settled. I am not a 
Roman Catholic myself, but it is my opinion that the churches should 
be confirmed to the church, because they were built for the Catholic 
Church and for Catholic worship, and unless the title rests exclu- 
sively in the municipality it ought to be confirmed to the church. 
That is my opinion in regard to the question. 

Mr. Roig. Who will attend to the repair of the church if it is trans- 
ferred? 

Dr. Carroll. That would be a matter for the church; if not repaired 
it will fall down and the people can not use it. Of course, if the title 
of the property is conceded to be in the municipality and it is not trans- 
ferred to the Catholic Church, the city ought to exact some responsi- 
bility about its being kept in repair. - 

A Gentleman. The municipal council has no power in the premises ; 
it can neither sell the property nor give it away. 

Judge Fulladosa. The church was built for the Catholics, for their 
use, and I think they should attend to its repairs. After a while the 
council may change and a Protestant become a member of it, who might 
object to the municipality contributing to pay for repairs to the church. 
As to transferring the title, I do not think it could be transferred to 
any society or corporate body. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you think ought to be done? 

Judge Fulladosa. I think that Catholics ought to pay for the repairs 
of the church, as I have said, and if they fail to do so the property will 
have to fall. 

Dr. Carroll. But the title of the property ought to be vested some- 
where. 

Judge Fulladosa. The building does not belong to the municipality 
as a municipality, but to the municipality as a Catholic body, because 
it was built under Catholic laws for Catholics. 

Mr. Thomas Ortero. The church belongs to the 15,000 people of 
the district and they only can resolve the question. 

Dr. Carroll. If the municipality bought it and paid for it by tax*es, 



666 

I should say it belonged to the municipality. You can not distinguish 
between a Catholic and a non-Catholic municipality. 

A Gentleman. Those who helped to build the church did not do so 
because they wanted to; the object of providing for Catholic worship 
did not enter into it at all. A tax was levied and all had to pay it. 

Judge Fulladosa. My point is That when the church was built the 
people paid their assessments without protest; consequently they 
acceded to the levy. 

A Gentleman. With respect to the fact that there was no protest, 
it would have been regarded little less than treasonable for anyone 
to have protested. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any casa parochial? 

Mr. Masferrer. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the title to the cemetery registered? 

Mr. Masferrer. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Who administers it? 

Mr. Masferrer. The municipality in conjunction with the priest. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you taken any measures to provide for the 
burial of non-Catholics? 

Mr. Masferrer. The municipality has asked the authorities at San 
Juan for the secularization of the cemetery. At present we have a 
little ground apart from the cemetery in which we bury persons who 
are not Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the consent of the cure necessary in order to bury 
a person in the cemetery proper? 

Mr. Masferrer. Yes; his permission is necessary. 



CHURCH PROPERTY IN YABUCOA. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yabtjcoa, February 2, 1899. 
. Mr. Martorell, mayor of Yabucoa : The title of the church prop- 
erty in Yabucoa is not vested in the municipality , but in the state. 
The property has always been used for public worship, and the church 
should be given the title of it, if possible. This can not be done by 
the municipality, but may be done by the state. 



CHURCH PROPERTY IN GUAYAMA. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Guayama, P. R., February 3, 1899. 
Father Baldomero Montanes (the parish priest of Guayama) : 

Dr. Carroll. As the special commissioner of the President of the 
United States, it is important for me to inquire into the church ques- 
tion, as into all other questions relating to the condition of the island, 
because the church question, at present, is more or less complicated 
with the state question. Under the American idea church and state 
are separate, but there is a property question involved here which is 
a very important one, and in every municipality to which I go I am 
taking testimony with reference to it. Have you been rector here a 
number of years? 



667 

Father Montanes. For twenty-one years I have been parish priest; 
five years parish priest here, and then I was transferred to another 
district, and this last time have been here four years. I have been 
in Mayaguez, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, and Aguadilla. 

Dr. Carroll. You are familiar with the history of this building, I 
suppose? 

Father Montanes. No ; because there is a great deficiency of data. 
This church dates its first construction back to the last century. 
After that it was destiwed and was replaced by a provisional chapel 
built of wood. In the year 1872 this building was finished and dedi- 
cated to public worship. The building is menaced with deterioration 
owing to a leak in the roof, which should be repaired. I gave the 
apostolic delegate this information, which I sent him on request. 

Dr. Carroll. They told us at the city hall that money from the 
city treasury built the church and therefore they felt that the build- 
ing belonged to the municipality and not to the church. 

Father Montanes. I do not claim that it belongs to us as a body, 
because under the Spanish law church property belongs to nobody, 
but to religion. Under that law, even if a private man builds a 
church, from the moment it is built and consecrated to Catholic wor- 
ship, he loses his ownership over it. 

Dr. Carroll. In what code is that found? 

Father Montanes. I can not inform you where that law is found. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it in one of the codes, or is it part of the Spanish 
religious constitution? 

Father Montanes : It will be found in the canonical law, but in 
Spain that law forms a part of the State law. A short time ago an 
official in the capital gave certain instructions about the cemetery, 
and he quoted the same law that I am speaking about as upholding 
the position. He even quotes foreign law and United States law to 
make good this principle. The capitular vicar, who is our chief to-day, 
gave those instructions. 

Dr. Carroll. They didn't claim at the city hall that they wanted 
to use the church for any other purpose, but that if they are to turn it 
over to the church, while they would not want back all that they had 
put into it, they would ask a portion of it. 

Father Montanes. What is the municipality? It is a body repre- 
senting the people, and if the people are Catholics it represents 
Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. Under the Spanish law, but not under the law of the 
United States. 

Father Montanes. In the municipality are two or three enemies 
of the church, beginning with the alcalde, who call themselves 
Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the mayor's reason for enmity toward the 
church? 

Father Montanes. He is a freethinker. He likes liberty of thought 
and boasts of it. 

Dr. Carroll. Is he in the communion of the church? 

Father Montanes. He is considered a communicant of the church 
until the church formally expels him, but as to his ideas he is not 
really a communicant. He and two or three other councillors origi- 
nated the idea of renting the church and the cemetery. This town 
is in exceptional circumstances, owing to the war. In this town more 
soldiers died than in any other, and per force of circumstances they 
had to bury them here, and the mayor was the person who gave the 
authority to bury them. If the Catholics of Guayama were what they 



668 

ought to be, they would already have taken other steps than they 
have taken. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you hold that the repairs of the church should 
be made by the municipalit}-? 

Father Montanes. It should be paid for by the Catholics, and as 
the ayuntamiento represents Catholics, it should pay for the repairs. 

Dr. Carroll. No; the municipalities are now under the control 
of the American Government, and the American idea with regard to 
state and church is now in force in this island. 

Father Montanes. Haven't the ayuntamientos been elected by the 
people? 

Dr. Carroll. But what the people might do as Catholics and what 
they might do as municipalities are separate things under the present 
government. 

Father Montanes. Suppose we, as Catholics, to-day got together to 
elect a Catholic ayuntamiento. Whatever may happen from now on, 
at least up to now everything has been Catholic. We can only guide 
ourselves by what has been. In that light we can only look upon the 
property of the church as being Catholic. 

Dr. Carroll. But if the property belongs to the church — and I am 
not in a position to discuss that — it seems to me to be the duty of the 
church to keep it in repair, and not the duty of the municipality. 

Father Montanes. Yes; as soon as it is formally declared to be the 
property of the church. 

Dr. Carroll. But in the meantime you are occupying it, and it is 
to your interest to keep it in habitable condition. 

Father Montanes. Are the ayuntamientos not able to subvention 
the church for repairs? 

Dr. Carroll. If they keep a church in repair, they would expect 
to charge rent for it. It seems to me important that this church prop- 
erty question should be settled now. In course of time there will be 
an influx of Americans here; some Americans are Protestants and 
some are Catholics, and the population of this town will be a mixed 
population, and if this question is not settled there will be heard voices 
of objection to allowing the Catholics to occupy the church. You 
stated, when we were in the church, that the average number of persons 
at masses was 32. That, of course, is a very small number in a munici- 
pal district that embraces 15,000 people. How do you account for it? 

Father Montanes. Although there is laxity, the fact that every 
Catholic in the country, when he comes to die, wishes to receive the 
Catholic sacrament, proves that they are not apostates. There is an 
immense amount of indifference and coolness, but, as I say, when it 
comes to the deathbed they always want the rites of the church. 
Even the free thinkers themselves, when they are going to die, call 
for the priest. 

At the Alcaldia: 

Dr. Carroll. You speak of appropriating $50 for repairs to the 
church. Is the church property in the name of the municipality? 

Mr. Dominguez (mayor). It is municipal property and is in the 
inventory, but it is not registered, because it has not been customary 
to register public property. The church was built in 1873. 

Dr. Carroll. Was it built by funds from the municipal treasury, 
raised by assessment? 

Mr. Dominguez. The church was built by the surplus of the 
municipal budget every year and the collection of old taxes which had 
been considered uncollectible. The people were asked whether the 



669 

surplus should be used for church purposes and they agreed to use it. 
in that way. 

Dr. Carroll. What is proposed now as to the settlement of the 
title of church property? Are the people willing that the title should 
be made over to the Catholics? 

Mr. Dominguez. We have not taken that matter up yet, and I can 
not tell you what the feeling will be. I think when the matter is 
treated of in the council they will not consent to make a present of 
the church to the ecclesiastical body. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you regard this as distinctly municipal property, 
or was it not turned over to the state, the state making appropria- 
tions for the support of the church? 

Mr. Dominguez. I consider that the church belongs to the munici- 
X>ality as long as we have it in our inventory. The clergy have never 
registered it, and the hypothecary law says that until a better title is 
shown, it is the property of the party having some form of title. 

Dr. Carroll. This church question will be an important one when 
Porto Rico passes completely under the control of the United States, 
which makes separation of church and state necessary, and I have 
been inquiring as to what is the best way in which this question of 
church property should be settled. As the churches were built, in all 
instances, for the Catholics and Catholic worship, and were intended 
for people who worship that way, it would seem that the buildings 
should belong to them. If the property is retained as municipal prop- 
erty or under municipal management, as non-Catholics increase the 
question may arise as to whether the church should be allowed to use 
the property, and it seems to me that the question should be settled 
as soon as the new government is established. 

Mr. Dominguez. In that case, we will have to take the voice of the 
meeting and the vote of the council, and inscribe the property. 

Dr. Carroll. There is no question as to your right to hold the 
building or whatever belongs to you. The question might arise in the 
future as to the use of the building or the amount of rental that should 
be charged, and non-Catholics might say that they have as good a 
right to it, a part of the time, as the Catholics, and so a great deal of 
contention might arise. 

Mr. Dominguez. This is a Catholic country, and the municipality 
does not wish to interfere, for the present, with the functions of the 
Catholic priest; but we mean to assert our right to the property, and 
we want the right to mortgage it, if we so desire. 

Dr. Carroll. You make a very small appropriation for the church. 
I suppose that is because it is a municipal building and you feel that 
you ought to do something for it ; but would it not be well, in carry- 
ing out the spirit of separation between church and state, to compel 
the occupants to pay that amount by way of rental? 

Mr. Dominguez. This budget was made while the Spaniards were 
in possession, and next year there will be no amount. They will have 
to attend to it next year. 

Dr. Carroll. How much would the municipality require to be will- 
ing to transfer the property to the Catholic Church? Would they 
require all thej^ had put in it, or a nominal amount which would rep- 
resent the interest of the city? 

Mr. Dominguez. I think they would dispose of it at a large reduc- 
tion to settle the question. Thirty thousand dollars, I think, would 
be acceptable. It would be $30,000 we never reckoned on, and we 
could use it. 



670 

CHURCH PROPERTY IN ARROYO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arroyo, P. R., February 3, 1899. 
Father Montaner, Mr. Virella, and others: 

Dr. Carroll. How is church property held in Arroyo? 

Mr. Virella. It was constructed by the people. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the title to it inscribed in the records? 

Mr. Virella. No; these buildings were all turned over to the state, 
and the state has them under its charge. 

Dr. Carroll. Was it built by taxation? 

Mr. Virella. No; by popular subscription. 

(The cure of Arroyo was present at the hearing, and Dr. Carroll 
questioned him as follows:) 

Dr. Carroll. With your permission, I would like to ask you a few 
questions. When was the church built? 

Father Montaner. It was begun in 1852 and finished in 1856. 

Dr. Carroll. Who owned the lot on which it was built? 

Father Montaner. Don Rafael Cintron. 

Dr. Carroll. Did he make it over to the municipality, or to the 
state, or to the church? 

Father Montaner. He made the donation for church purposes. 
The whole history of it is in the archives. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you been asked by Archbishop La Chapelle for 
information regarding the title of the church property? 

Father Montaner. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. You say the property was transferred to the state. 
Was that about the time of the royal decree abolishing tithes and 
providing for the support of the church from the state treasury? 

Father Montaner. Yes ; the church passed to the state as a result 
of that order. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the church really holds the title to the property? 

Father Montaner. There is no title in the sense of a written title. 

Dr. Carroll. What has been the tradition with regard to the 
ownership of the church property? Was it regarded as belonging to 
the state, to be administered for the church, or was it otherwise? 

Father Montaner. The tradition is that the lot was given to the 
people to build a church for Catholic worship for Catholic people in 
the island. The fact that the state took possession of it does not 
make any difference, as, when the state took possession, it bound 
itself over to take the responsibility of sustaining the cult for which 
the church was built. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you understand it to be the general desire of the 
people of Arroyo that this property should be confirmed to the Catholic 
Church for its own purposes and uses? 

Mr. Virella. The wish of the people is that the church should be 
confirmed to the church for the purposes of Catholic worship. 

Dr. Carroll. If you leave it an open question, it will cause a great 
deal of difficult}'' in j^ears to come, when Protestants may settle here, 
and, perhaps, become members of your city council. It seems to me 
better that this church question should be settled at the same time that 
the new government is instituted. If it was intended for the Catholic 
Church, let it be confirmed to the Catholic Church. What I desire to 
know is whether there would be any very great objection among the 
people of this municipality to this course? 



671 

A Gentleman present. I think that the church should be con- 
firmed to the Catholic people, not to the municipality, for the reason 
you have stated. 

Another Gentleman. What about repairs to the church property? 

Dr. Carroll. I think, if confirmed to the Catholic Church, it, the 
church, will have to take care of repairs. If it does not, it will fall. 
I don't think the municipality can assume any responsibility with 
regard to the repairs of the church. 

Father Montaner. If the people let it go to ruin, let it go to ruin. 

Secretary op the Ayuntamiento. I wish to remark that the 
clock in the church tower was bought by the municipality and not 
by the church. 

Dr. Carroll. Then I would suggest that the church return it to 
the municipality, and let the church run on its own time and not on 
the time of the municipality. Have you two cemeteries here? 

Secretary. We have only one, but it is divided into two parts — 
one part for Catholics and the other for persons who are not Catholics. 
The cemetery was built by the municipality, and we wish it to be 
common property for the burial of anybody and everybody, without 
regard to religious matters. 

Dr. Carroll. But that would conflict with the Catholic idea con- 
cerning the burial of people in consecrated ground, would it not? 

Secretary. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Then they would consider it a desecration to have 
non-Catholics buried in consecrated ground. 

Father Montaner. The cemetery has a great number of private 
tombs; and if non- Catholics are buried there, these tombs will be ren- 
dered useless, because, according to the idea of Catholics, to do that 
would be a desecration. The municipality has recently set apart a 
portion of ground for non-Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that portion as desirable as the Catholic part? 

Mr. Virella. It is about the size of this room. It is too small; and 
if they put up another mausoleum there, it will fill up the whole space. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose the municipality can add to it? 

Mr. Virella. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the Catholic portion have a great deal of unused 
space now? 

Mr. Virella. No; it is all full. 



CHURCH PROPERTY IN COAMO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Coamo, P. L, February 6, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the church also public property? 

Mr. Segundo Bernier. The church belongs to the state. 

Dr. Carroll. How was the church built? 

A Gentleman present. The money was obtained from the city 
estimates, but was raised by a levy, the same as any tax. Some of it 
was obtained by diverting money raised for the purpose of an 
aqueduct. 

Dr. Carroll. To whom did the land belong on which the church 
was built? 

Mr. Bernier. To the town. 

Dr. Carroll. How long has the church stood there? 

A Gentleman present. Some years ago all the municipal docu- 
ments were destroyed, and we have no records now. 



672 

Dr. Carroll. Is the municipal property registered? 

Mr. Bernier. No. 

Colonel Santiago. When I was mayor we prepared a document 
for the purpose of registering the municipal property, but the city 
hall was burned and that document was burned with it. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, there is no title to the church property? 

A Gentleman present. It was a legacy. The land was a legacy 
for the purpose of founding a city. The city has some documents on 
which to found its title. The city has been owner of the land for two 
hundred years and more. It was founded in 1616. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the city charge the occupants of the land rental? 

A Gentleman present. The land is divided into three classes and 
the lots are put up at auction. Those who bid the highest rent them. 
Where houses are built on the lots the city charges no rental. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, those who have the houses and have title to 
the houses may hold the land forever? 

A Gentleman present. Yes; but the municipality reserves the 
right of taxing the land if it wishes. 

Dr. Carroll. The municipality would have the right to do that, 
as a municipal corporation, whether it owned the land or not. 

The Mayor. That right never has been taken advantage of. 

Dr. Suarez. I do not think the facts regarding the legacy have 
been accurately stated. Fifty acres comprise the legacy, and the 
remaining 150 acres were purchased. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it the general desire of the people of this town 
that church property shall be confirmed to the church by the United 
States Government? 

A Gentleman present. No; let it remain the property of the town. 

Dr. Carroll. There is a difficulty about that. Under the policy of 
the United States there is entire separation between church and state, 
and while the people of Coamo are all of one way of thinking, per- 
haps, with regard to religion, it seems to me the question should be 
settled. 

A Gentleman present. It being the property of the people, I don't 
think it should be given to the church, but should be reserved for 
the Catholics of this district. 

Colonel Santiago. That is a good idea. 

Dr. Carroll. How can the municipality hold church property? 
If it is the property of the municipality it is secularized, and you 
must be prepared to lend it not only to the Catholics but to anybody 
else who comes in, just as you do your theater. 

Mr. Manuel Betances. The church can belong to the municipality 
the same as any of its other buildings, with a right to lend it to the 
priests for Catholic worship, charging a rent or not, as it sees fit. At 
all events, the church belongs to the people and should remain the 
propertj 7 of the people. 

Mr. Dassalacque. The great majority of people here would view 
with pleasure an income from the church property in the way of 
rental or otherwise. 

Colonel Santiago. The church was built by the Catholics, and I 
think that constitutes a very good reason why it should belong to the 
Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. That is my own idea, but I think you will have to 
settle it now; otherwise it will become a bone of strife and contention 
here when your town comes to be settled by those of different faith or 
of no faith. If the town continues to hold church propertj 7 , or the 






673 

church continues to he the property of the people, who will pay for 
the repairs made upon it? 

A Gentleman present. In case it belongs to the municipality, the 
municipality will pay for the repairs. 

Dr. Carroll. In case, the municipality does not get any rent for it, 
what then? 

Colonel Santiago. I think the church should be vested in a society 
or trustees, as they have in Europe. This society in Europe is called 
succession of such and such a church. . 

Dr. Carroll. In other words, it takes a private and voluntary basis? 

Colonel Santiago. Yes ; and such a society has always been formed 
here to look after the interests of the Catholic religion. 

Dr. Carroll. What object is to be obtained by reserving the title 
of the property to the municipality? 

A Gentleman present. None at all; and my opinion is that the 
municipality should sell the church to the Catholic succession. 

Dr. Carroll. You would not expect in that case to get the full 
value you have expended on it, would you? 

A Gentleman present. We would try to get the most we could out 
of the succession. 

Dr. Suarez. I don't think the municipality can remain owner of the 
church, for in that case it would have to repair the church, and in 
spending the public money it might be spending the money of some 
one who might not agree to such a use of the church. 

A. Gentleman present. I think that as the church was built for 
and has belonged to the Catholics for more than one hundred years, 
it should be turned over to the church. By that I don't mean that it 
should be turned over to the Catholic priests. They have spent no 
money on it, and done nothing for it. A priest may come to-day and 
go to-morrow, but the people remain, and the people should have the 
title to the property. Moreover, I think it would be a profanation to 
church property to make it a part of municipal property and charge 
rental for it. 

Dr. Carroll. For the church to hold it as such it would be neces- 
sary, of course, under your laws, for it to be incorporated. 

Colonel Santiago. The society I referred to is not legally consti- 
tuted yet. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that; but I understand that for a num- 
ber of people to hold property it is legally necessary for them to be 
formed into a corporation. 

A Gentleman present. The members of such a society would have 
to draw up their rules and regulations, and have them approved by 
the government. 



CHURCH PROPERTY IN AIBONITO. 

[Hearing at the alcaldia before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aibonito, P. R., February 6, 1899. 

Mr. , municipal judge, and Mr. Manuel Caballer, mayor 

of Aibonito : 

Dr. Carroll. By whom is the church property held? 

The Municipal Judge. In 1887 the Spanish captain-general 
started a subscription here to which the town gave $15,000, and per- 
sons from other districts also subscribed ; the state made up the dif- 
ference, and the church was finished two years ago. 
1125 43 



674 

Dr. Carroll. Was the quota of the town raised by subscription or 
by taxation? 

Mr. Caballer. The church cost $34,000, of which the state gave 
$12,000 from the state treasury. The rest was raised by subscription. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the title to the property inscribed? 

The Municipal Judge. No; it is not. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it the general wish of the people of Aibouito that 
the property should be made over to the church? 

Mr. Caballer. I think it is, as the people have been brought up 
Catholics, and are fervent Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any dissent to that expression of view of 
your alcalde? 

(There was no one present who dissented, and all appeared to be in 
accord with the alcalde in that view.) 

Dr. Carroll. I think that ought to be done. 



CHURCH PROPERTY IN PORTO RICO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., February 10, 1899. 
The Very Rev. Father Juan Perpina e Pibernat, capitular vicar 
of the diocese of Porto Rico : 

Dr. Carroll. After having seen you before, I went to the United 
States and made a preliminary report to the President, in which I 
touched upon the question of church property here and recommended 
that unless a title of record was shown by municipal or other corpora- 
tions, the church property of the island should be confirmed to the 
Roman Catholic Church. I have, since my return, visited the leading 
municipalities of the island, and in most cases I have inquired into 
the matter of church property. 

Father Perpina. We have had from time immemorial the right of 
possession — that is, we have owned the church by possession, and that 
is sufficient alone to confirm our claim. 

Dr. Carroll. I found that the claim of the municipalities to this 
property rests on the money of the city that was put into its erection 
and info the repairs of the church buildings. It was claimed in every 
case that the people of the town had built the church. It was admitted 
that it had been built for Catholic worship, and, as nearly as I could 
understand the matter, when churches were built and dedicated they 
were turned over to the state, and the state allowed the church to use 
them for church purposes. 

Father Perpina. Not to the state, but to the Catholic Church. 

Dr. Carroll. I did not understand that the title was made over to 
the state, but that the state and church being combined and the state 
providing for the care of the priests, the state exercised in that way a 
certain control over this church property. 

Father Perpina. I have finished here, and I won't go into this mat- 
ter; you must go into it with the delegate. They have deceived you 
completely. In one word, this is a matter for the delegate, and I wish 
you to argue it with him or to place it before him. My argument is 
the following: The churches were turned over to the Catholic Church; 
they have used them from time immemorial, and therefore they belong 
to the church. I wouldn't credit the information of certain persons, 



7 



675 

because they have probably misinformed you, especially as the pres- 
ent ayuntamientos are bad. A Catholic Church from the moment it 
is consecrated and blessed by the Catholic clergy belongs by that fact 
alone to the church. 

Dr. Carroll. I told the alcaldes that I had recommended that the 
property should be transferred, and asked them if they were willing 
to have it transferred, and they said they were. 

Father Perpina. It does not matter to me whether the ayuntamien- 
tos are willing or not to turn over the churches. The moment the 
churches were blessed, that moment they became ours without the 
right of anybody to intervene. The same is true of the cemeteries. 
General Henry recognizes the fact that the blessing of the cemeteries 
made them church property, and has turned them over to the church. 

Dr. Carroll. If the municipalities, which are the only corpora- 
tions which claim the churches, are willing that they should be turned 
over to the Catholic Church, it makes the way of the United States to 
the solution of this property question easier than it otherwise would be. 

Father Perpina. There might be some bad municipalities that would 
not want to do that, and they have no claim whatever to assume 
authority to say yes or no. Why open this question at all? The 
treaty of peace confirms to the church all their property. From the 
moment the treatj^ was signed, we are by that fact owners of the 
church property. 

Dr. Carroll. There are two views of that. There are those who 
hold that what was the property of the state could not be the property 
of the church at the same time, and that this is state property and not 
church property. 

Father Perpina. I advance two arguments. One is that the moment 
a building is consecrated bj^ a Catholic priest the building belongs to 
the church. Otherwise we would never want to have it consecrated. 
We have another argument, which is the law of possession. Who 
will take away our property, which we have held from time imme- 
morial? The titles of the cemeteries and churches are not registered 
because the hypothecary law prohibits the registering of titles of any 
church property and that with a view of exempting church property 
from all classes of taxation. How could we register titles if it were 
contrary to law — if the law prevented it? 

Dr. Carroll. Have you had no registration in the case of any 
church property? 

Father Perpina. No; no class. The mortgages on church prop- 
erty — the censos — were registered because they were in the form of 
mortgages on property. The law directed them to be registered. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that a provision of the civil law? 

Father Perpina. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Under the head of registration of property? 

Father Perpina. Yes. 



CHURCH PROPERTY IN CAGUAS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Caguas, P. R., February 28, 1899. 
Dr. Carroll. Why do you include the church among the parcels 
of municipal property? 

Mr. Sola. Because it was built by municipal funds. 
Dr. Carroll. When was the church built? 



676 

Mr. Sola. In the year 1830. 

Dr. Carroll. Has it always been considered as municipal properly? 

Mr. Sola. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you always paid for the expense of repairing-? 

Mr. Sola. Always. 

Dr. Carroll. When the concordat between the Pope and Spain 
went into effect, was this property not transferred to the state for 
church purposes? 

Mr. Sola. I can not answer that. 

Dr. Carroll. I have understood that the church property gener- 
ally was regarded as belonging to the insular government, and that 
the church was allowed to use it for the purpose of public worship. 

Dr. Cruz. There is a provision of law by which the governments of 
the municipalities were ordered to take possession of the property out 
of the hands of the priests. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it the desire of the people of this municipality to 
control the church property, or would you fall in with a proposition 
to transfer to the Catholic Church all churches of the island? 

Dr. Cruz. No. The municipality should control it as municipal 
property. That is the sentiment here. 

Dr. Carroll. Under the laws of the United States church and 
state are entirely separate, and it would hardly be proper for a munici- 
pality to control the church. It might rent it or it might sell it, but 
in our country the church and state are kept entirely separate, and it 
seems to me that as all these churches were built for Catholic worship 
it would be well to transfer the property to the church, so as to separate 
between church and state. 

Dr. Cruz. It could be rented. 

A Gentleman present. I think it ought to be ceded, but we don't 
want the church to belong to the priests. 

Dr. Carroll. Would you be willing to have the church transferred 
to a board of trustees to hold the church in this place for the purpose 
of Catholic worship exclusively? 

(This suggestion of the commissioner seemed to be' received with 
general approval. ) 

Dr. Cruz. We don't want Rome to have a hand in it. 

Dr. Carroll. You see there is a difficulty about having a munici- 
pality continue to own and manage church property. The time may 
come when there may be people in the municipality opposed to Catho- 
lic worship, and then a strife might arise as to the possession of the 
church. 

Dr. Cruz. We are satisfied with your plan, but they have been try- 
ing to make the people believe that the treaty of peace will turn the 
churches over to Rome ; that is, Rome as represented by the priests. 
But we want it understood that the people built the churches and 
they should have the title to them. The same thing can be said with 
regard to the cemeteries which have not been secularized, and con- 
flicts are arising every day. They were built by the people and 
ought to belong to the people. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a cemetery for non-Catholics? 

Dr. Cruz. No. The municipality should, establish one. 

Dr. Carroll. The cemetery ought to be secularized, in your 
judgment? 

Dr. CRUZ. We want to invite your action in this direction. 

Dr. Carroll. I understood that General Henry has issued an order 
that none but Catholics shall be buried in consecrated ground, and I 



677 

understand that all the ground within the walls of your eemeteiy is 
consecrated ground. Is that so? 

Dr. Cruz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, if the cemetery were secularized, how would 
you satisfy the Catholic conscience, which would regard it as a dese- 
cration to bury anyone in consecrated ground who did not die in the 
Catholic faith? 

Dr. Cruz. The municipality should prepare another plot of land 
and dedicate it for that purpose. 

Dr. Carroll. In the cemetery at San Juan they bury both Catho- 
lics and Protestants in the same ground. 

Dr. Cruz. That should not be, because that gives rise to conflict. 

Dr. Carroll. How would it do to allow the Catholics to consecrate 
the grave of everyone who dies in the Catholic faith, and leaving the 
rest as unconsecrated ground? That would meet the difficulty, would 
it not? 

Dr. Cruz. If it would not give rise to conflict. 

Dr. Carroll. That is the rule in Mexico. 

A Gentleman present. They can take a cemetery and divide it, 
putting a door between the two parts. 

Dr. Carroll. The complaint is made in San Juan and other places 
that the provision made for non-Catholics is not at all satisfactory. 
In San Juan it is outside of the walls, and in a place where, it was 
stated to me the other day, it was '"'not fit to bury a dog." If this 
cemetery were secularized, how would you administer it? Would you 
require that a certificate from the priest, for example, be furnished in 
the case of persons who die in the Catholic faith, or how would you 
proceed? How are you going to distinguish between the bodies? The 
present method is, as I understand it, for the municipal judge to give 
a certificate of burial, which is indorsed on the back "Ecclesiastical 
burial" by the parish priest, if the deceased is a Catholic. Would 
you want to proceed in that way? 

Dr. Cruz. I do not think that would be necessary. 

Dr. Carroll. How, then, would you distinguish between Catholics 
and non-Catholics? 

Dr. Cruz. I think the statement of the family would be sufficient. 
Then if tluyy wanted to ask the priest to perform the ceremony, they 
could do so. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you would not inquire particularly whether a 
man was a Catholic or not? 

Dr. Cruz. We are not fanatical, and while we are Catholics, we 
don't want to be controlled b}^ priests. The priests, instead of facili- 
tating things, put every difficulty in the way of everything they can. 



CHURCH PROPERTY IN CAYEY. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cayey, P. R., February 28, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Who owns the church property? 

Mr. Munoz. The church was constructed by the municipality a 
great many years ago. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it held by the church or the municipality, or by 
neither? 

Mr. Munoz. It belongs to the religion. 



678 

Dr. Carroll. Then the city does not claim it? 

Mr. Munoz. Yes; everybody is claiming it, but the parish priest 
has taken it. 

Dr. Carroll. Has he the title to it? 

Mr. Munoz. No; lie has no title. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it appear at all in the office of the register? 

Mr. Munoz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the municipality been in the habit of appropri- 
ating money for the repairs of the church? 

Mr. Munoz. Yes; as can be proved by the minutes of the munici- 
pality. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the people of this municipality desire that this 
property should be confirmed to the church, under the laws of the 
United States? 

(Several answered in chorus : ' ' No ; it should be held by the people. ") 

A voice. The cemetery, too. 

Dr. Carroll. You know that under the Constitution and laws of 
the United States church and state are entirely separate; and if the 
municipality were to continue to hold and manage church property, it 
might give rise to dissension. I presume you are all of one faith now, 
but in course of time it may be that there may be among you those 
who are not Catholics, and there might arise, therefore, strife and con- 
tention between the Catholics on the one hand and the non-Catholics 
on the other; and the non-Catholics might say, "If it is public prop- 
erty, we have a right to enjoy our share of it. 1 ' Wouldn't it be better 
to have this question settled at once and have this property made over 
to the church, if you like? 

A Gentleman present. There are many here who are not Catho- 
lics, and they have contributed the same as others to build the church. 

Another Gentleman. This question can not be settled in such an 
offhand way; the. comparatively small number of persons at this hear- 
ing can not be presumed to represent the majority opinion in the town. 

Dr. Carroll. That is true; but I want to get an idea of the public 
opinion, and I am asking these questions in every place I go. Inmost 
places they say they are willing to have the property transferred to 
the church. It maj^ be, in some cases, that the people would like to 
have something paid by the, church for the church property. 

A Gentleman present. At present the great majority of the people 
are Catholics. 

Another Gentleman. You have to take into account that the 
Catholic religion was a religion by force. It was not permitted not to 
be a Catholic, and there were a great many people who were Catholics 
who are now freethinkers; there are a great many freethinkers here 
and a great many Free Masons also. 

Mr. Planellas. This is a matter in which there has been a mis- 
taken view taken; the subject is not one of belief, but one of right. 
The church was built for Catholic rites, and it must belong to the 
priests. 

Mr. Luis Munoz Morales. I agree with Mr. Planellas that the 
church was built for the Catholic clergy and should be turned over to 
the clergy, but I think that hereafter onty Catholics should be taxed 
for its repairs; to-day all are taxed. 

Dr. Carroll. I am clearly of the opinion that the municipality 
ought not to pay for repairs to the church unless it charges rental for 
the church. If church property is to be enjoyed exclusively by the 
church, then let the church pay for repairs. I find in nearly all the 



679 

municipalities which I have visited that they have stopped that 
appropriation ; they no longer make an appropriation for the repairs 
of the church. 

Mayor Munoz. The same is true here. 

Dr. Carroll. How is it about the cemetery? 

Mayor Munoz. We have made a claim that the cemetery should be 
continued as municipal property. 

Dr. Carroll. In other words, you desire to have the cemetery 
secularized, so that everybody can be buried in it without regard to 
what religion he ma}^ have professed? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes. 

A Gentleman present. With the cemetery the question is differ- 
ent. It was built with municipal funds, representing the people, 
whereas the church was built by funds representing the Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. Are persons of different faiths buried in the ceme- 
tery at present? 

May or Munoz. Yes; we have a small plot in the cemeterj^ for 
people who die out of the Catholic faith. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it within the walls of the cemetery? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. In San Juan, it is said, a great deal of complaint has 
been made because non- Catholics are buried outside the walls of the 
cemetery. 

A Gentleman present. How about the tower, if the church is 
turned over to the church? 

Dr. Carroll. Was it dedicated with the church? 

A Gentleman present. As the priests bless everything, I don't 
know. 

Mayor Munoz. I wish to call attention to the fact that we had a 
shutter made to keep the rains from injuring the clock, and the 
parish priest has refused to let us put it up. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, evidently the parish priest considers that the 
tower belongs to the building and the building to the church, and 
not to the city. 

Mayor Munoz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Well, I rather think the claim of the priest is good; 
that is, at common law. I don't know how it would be under Spanish 
law. 

A Lawyer present. It i^ the same under the Spanish law. 

Dr. Carroll. How about the parish house? 

Mayor Munoz. The priests also claim that that is theirs. 

Dr. Carroll. How was it built? 

Mayor Munoz. With municipal funds. 

Dr. Carroll. Not by voluntary contribution? 

Mayor Munoz. No ; we have a document here which shows that it 
was bought outright with municipal funds. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you charging any rent for it? 

Mayor Munoz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Who keeps it in repair? 

Mayor Munoz. I don't think it has ever needed any repairs ; the 
priests have never asked for any. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the property inscribed in the records? 

Mayor Munoz. The municipality has no property inscribed. 

Dr. Carroll. What disposition is it proposed to make of that 
property — to sell it to the church? 

Mayor Munoz. The town generally wishes a school to be constructed 
there. 



680 

Dr. Carroll. Was that building ever consecrated? 

Mayor Munoz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. I think, without doubt, it is the property of the 
municipality. 

A Gentleman present. There exists a note in the minutes thai, 
the municipality acquired the house for the purpose of allowing the 
priest to live there, and the house has always been known as the 
parochial house. 

Another Gentleman. You must also consider that the town has 
been a Catholic town by force. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like an explanation of just how the funds 
were raised for the church? 

Mr. Luis Munoz (a lawyer and notary) . Toward the end of the last 
century the church was constructed with funds raised by public sub- 
scription and gifts of materials. The tower was built in the same 
way — not by municipal funds. I think, as I said before, the church 
property should be turned over to the church, and the tower, as form- 
ing a part of the church, should go, too, with the building itself. The 
parish house was also built by subscription. Once there was some 
question about it, and the city tried to obtain rent for it from the 
priest, but private influence intervened and the rent was not paid. 

Dr. Carroll. It was stated here that the house was bought out- 
right with funds from the municipal treasury, and not by subscription. 

Mayor Manuel Munoz. The house was bought with municipal 
funds. 

Dr. Carroll (to Mr. Luis Munoz). Do you agree with the mayor? 

Mr. Luis Munoz. Yes; I accept the correction. In that case the 
municipality can retain the property as its property and resolve later 
what it will do with it. 






CHURCH PROPERTY IN PONCE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March .2, 1899. 
Mr. Luis Porrata Doria, mayor of Ponce: 

Dr. Carroll. One important question that must arise here under 
the Constitution of the United States, which requires separation of 
church and state, is that of church property. I want to get all the 
light I can on that subject, so as to be able to solve the question. 
These churches were doubtless built for Catholic worship. This is 
the only place in the island, I find, where church property is registered 
as municipal property. I had supposed that the best way to solve 
this question was to have the church property turned over to the 
Catholics for occupancy and use. Would that, in your judgment, be 
the best method in order to prevent strife in the future, when the 
municipalities come to have bodies divided in faith, between Catholic 
and non-Catholic, and when the non-Catholics may say they have as 
good right to use the churches as the Catholics? Would it or would 
it not be well to remove all contention and strife in the future by 
turning over to the Catholic Church the churches in the island, thus 
making the property Catholic property? 

Mr. Doria. I will say in the first place that I favor the absolute sep- 
aration of church and state. The actual building is the exclusive 
property of the city of Ponce, and it has absolute right to require that 
it be handed over to the municipality to do with it as it likes. For 



681 

that reason the municipality has had it inscribed ; but to-da*y we have 
to meet the tenth clause of the treatj^ of peace, in which the United 
States binds itself to recognize the church and church property, and 
the Catholics to-day advance the theory that everything that has been 
consecrated by the church is church property. Certain members of 
the council have already tried to bring the matter up, but I have put 
it aside so as not to give rise to dispute and trouble at present. If it 
had not been for the treaty, my first desire and wish would have been 
to remove the church from where it is and with its materials pave the 
streets of Ponce, and that Catholics who desire to have a church of 
their own should build one for that purpose. The municipality might 
give them a site on which to build it, or the3 r could find their own site. 
I, as alcalde and president of the council, finding the church registered 
as municipal property, will not hand it over to anybody. 

Dr. Carroll. Perhaps the council might vote to transfer it. 

Mr. Doria. That is a matter for them. As regards the cemetery, 
we are in the same situation. I have found the solution to that ques- 
tion. I have charged the architect to find a site for a new cemetery, 
and will close the old one as being unhealthy. 

Dr. Carroll. The municipality has the right to engage in the cem- 
etery business, but not in the church business. 

Mr. Doria. The church is claiming that the cemetery is theirs 
because they threw a little holy water on it. Thej^ have no right to 
the one or the other. 

Dr. Carroll. If you construct a new cemetery, then, I suppose 
you would not have it consecrated? 

Mr. Doria. No; for if they threw holy water on it they would claim 
that, too. 

Dr. Carroll. They might consecrate Catholic graves; that would 
be all right. 

Mr. Doria. If anybody wants a grave consecrated, let him have it 
consecrated. If I have to give the church up, the land on which it 
stands belongs to the municipality and the church will have to take 
the building somewhere else. I am not hostile to the church, because 
it baptized me — not with my permission, it is true, but it did baptize 
me nevertheless. The church is an eyesore to the town. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there more than one church here? 

Mr. Rosich. There is one Catholic and one Protestant church. 
There are two chapels, one in the beggars' asylum and one in the 
Tricoche Hospital, in both of which they have a daily mass. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the church dispute the title of the municipality 
to the church? 

Mr. Rosich. Not at present, because it is registered. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the purpose of the municipality with refer- 
ence to that church? Is it to continue to own it? 

Mr. Rosich'. We have not taken any action on that. We allow the 
church to use it free of rent. 

Dr. Carroll. Who pays for the repairs? 

Mr. Rosich. Before the municipality paid half and the state paid 
half, but to-day nobody pays for it. I think the municipality has a 
perfect right to say that the church must get out or pay rent: 

Dr. Carroll. I have understood from lawyers in San Juan that 
under the concordat of the Pope with Spain church property could not 
be inscribed. 

Mr. Rosich. The property of the municipality in this instance is 
clearly founded, and not like that in other towns where there w r ere 
donations. 



682 
• 

Dr. Carroll. Was it built with funds of the municipality? 

Mr. ROSICH. I don't know. 

The Secretary. The church is not registered. They have a docu- 
ment in the registrar's office awaiting registry, and they have sent us 
these bills for the cost of the registration. We sent these bills to the 
central government, and the authorities there relieved the munici- 
pality from the necessity of paying the registration fee. The regis- 
trar has never refused to register the property. These six amounts 
stated here are for the Catholic cemetery in the playa, the Catholic 
Church, the Trieoche Hospital, the civil hospital, and the Protestant 
cemetery. The amounts are 1379, $598, $156, §81, §1.3, and §4. 

Mr. Rosich. The order came from General Henry allowing us to 
have this property registered without paying for the registration. 

Dr. Carroll. When was the church built? 

Mr. Rosich. It is a little difficult to say, because the church is a 
very old one, and here in Porto Rico they used to build the church 
first and the town afterwards. I think it was built about; the first of 
this century. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose vou have an expediente stating how it was 
built? 

Mr. Rosich. Xo ; there is none. 

Dr. Carroll. It is a matter, then, simply of tradition how it was 
built? 

Mr. Rosich. Yes. 

(The secretary produced a paper, which the commissioner examined. 
It proved to be an order from the secretary of government stating 
that according to General Henry's order the municipality need not 
pay the registration fee.) 

Mr. Rosich. According to -this the property must have been regis- 
tered already, as I had supposed it was. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the cemetery controlled entirely by the city? 

Mr. Rosich. In secular matters it is, but not in spiritual matters. 
That is to say, the priest can say who is to be buried there, and the 
municipality digs the graves and rents niches; but the priest has the 
right to refuse burial in the cemeterj^. If the priest does not turn up 
to object, however, they bury them there anyway. In the playa there 
is no priest, and they bury anyone in the cemetery there. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that non-Catholics have been buried in 
the consecrated cemetery. Several years ago there was an English- 
man buried here under the auspices of the British consul, in accord- 
ance with an order from the Governor-General. 

Mr. Rosich. Yes; he was an English doctor. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the wish of the people here regarding the 
cemetery? Do they wish to have it secularized or are they satisfied to 
have a division between Protestants and Catholics in burial matters? 

Mr. Rosich. I don't presume to interpret the opinion of the town, 
but the present burial ground has been denounced by the health 
department, the military and the civil, and I think the proper thing 
would be to build a necropolis outside of the town and bury persons 
there without respect to religion. 

Dr. Carroll. And let the Catholics have their graves consecrated, 
instead of the whole cemetery? 

Mr. Rosich. Even separatinc; a portion of ground for them, if they 
like. 

Dr. Carroll. The dead would not fight over it, whatever you do. 

Mr. Rosich. Mentally balanced men don't believe that the quarrels 
of life co bevond the grave. 



683 

CHURCH AND STATE. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 4, 1899. 

Dr. Vidal. I understand that at present with regard to religion we 
are under the American law, permitting' everybody to worship as he 
likes, but not giving to anybody the right to give public evidence of 
his religion. Nevertheless, religious processions are held in the city, 
and soon we will be at the end of Lent and i.he plaza will be crowded 
with people. It makes a tremendous propaganda for a certian reli- 
gion at the expense of others. The public plaza is reserved exclu- 
sively for the use of the clergy on that occasion, and no carriages are 
allowed to pass. 

Dr. Carroll. What do they do there? 

Mr. Cortado. They conduct services in their church and require 
the greatest- silence, and the whole object of this is to be able to col- 
lect charities for the Catholic Church. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you mean on Good Friday and Easter? 

Dr. Vidal. The whole of holy week. Many times during feast 
days the troops occupied the plaza to allow the free passage of the 
religious processions. I am neither one thing nor the other. I am a 
freethinker. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask, for my own information, what a 
freethinker is? 

Dr. Vidal. I believe only in the religion of science, the religion 
which explains scientifically the creation of man. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you believe in the existence of God? 

Dr. Vidal. According to what you call God. If by God you mean 
the universe, yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you believe in the Scriptures as a revelation? 

Dr. Vidal. . Absolutely not. 

Dr. Carroll. Then a freethinker in Porto Rico means about the 
same as a freethinker in the United States. Are there many free- 
thinkers in Porto Rico? 

Dr. Vidal. All men that have studied at all are freethinkers, and 
most of the doctors studied in France and sot their ideas there. 



CHURCH PROPERTY IN YAUCO. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yauco, P. R., March 6, 1899. 
Mr. Torres and others: 

Dr. Carroll. Is the church looked upon as belonging to the 
municipality or to the church? 

Mr. Torres. As belonging to the city; but we do not know what is 
*oing to be done about it. 

Dr. Carroll. When was it built? 

Mr. Torres. In the year 1851. 

,Dr. Carroll. From what funds? 

Mr. Torres. The old church had $6,000, and the balance of $3,000 
ivas obtained by a special tax imposed through the municipality. 

Dr. Carroll. Was that in the nature of a tax or of a public sub- 
scription? 



G84 

Mr. Torres. It was an enforced contribution. The people were 
taxed and compelled to pay their proportion of the $3,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Then the municipality has an interest of about 83,000 
in the present property. Would the town probably be willing to 
transfer the church properly to the church, to be held and used by the 
church exclusively? 

Mr. Torres. The people would not mind doing so if they were given 
some recompense. 

Dr. Carroll. Would you expect to have the $3,000 returned to 
you? 

Mr. Torres. I think it would be necessary to consult everybody 
first. 

Mr. Cianchini. I believe the town would grant it for nothing. The 
neighborhood is Catholic, and I think there would be no opposition. 

Mr. Torres. That is not my opinion in the matter. 

Dr. Carroll. What about the cemetery? Is that also claimed by 
the church? 

Mr. Torres. There are two cemeteries here — one exclusively for the 
burial of Catholics and the civil cemetety for other persons. They 
both belong to the municipality; the people paid for them. 

Dr. Carroll. Where is the civil cemetery situated? Is it apart of 
the other cemetery, or is it distinct from it? 

Mr. Torres. They are divided by a wall. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it equally eligible with the Catholic cemetery? 

Mr. Torres. The Catholic cemetery is larger. Each has a separate 
entrance. 

Dr. Carroll. At San Juan a great deal of complaint has been 
made because of the provision made there for the burial of non-Cath- 
olics. The non-Catholic part is outside of the wall, next to the sea, 
and is not a nice place for burial at all. 

Mr. Francis Mejia (ex-mayor of Yanco). A great many of the 
municipalities have asked for the secularization of the cemeteries, 
and a general order was issued saying that the clergy had to intervene. 
This municipality has written to the government, asking to be 
relieved of the necessity of attending to the repairs and cleansing of 
the cemetery. 

Dr. Carroll. Have j^ou had any answer to that? 

Mr. Mejia. Not yet. 

Dr. Carroll. The usual procedure, I believe, is for the munici- 
pality to issue the permit of burial, and then, in the case of a Catholic 
burial, that is indorsed on the back by the cure. 

Mr. Mejia. That is the procedure here. 



INSCRIPTION OF CHURCH PROPERTY. 

[Correspondence between the registrar of Ponce and the secretary of justice.] 

To the Secretary of Justice. 

Honored Sir: I beg to submit to you the following matter in con- 
sultation. Your decision, to a certain extent, will be equivalent to an 
alteration of the existing law, which, apparently, should have no 
place in current procedure. 

The ayuntamiento of this city asks for the inscription of the parish 
churches and cemeteries of the town and playa (port), as being their 
property. 



I 



685 

Paragraph 2 of article 25 of Hypothecary Procedure (Reglainento 
Hipotecario) prohibits the inscription of Catholic churches. 

I am thereby placed in a difficult position. The aforesaid prohi- 
bition was originated by the constitutional rights granted by Spain to 
the Catholic religion. That right being now abrogated and replaced 
implicitly in this island by the constitutional rights of the Republic, 
which grants freedom of worship, I, as registrar, am of the opinion 
that the Catholic churches, in merely civil relations, have been divested 
of their special character and can be granted inscription in the reg- 
istry, as can the cemeteries. I do not, however, feel authorized to 
put my opinion into practice without first submitting the matter to 
your superior knowledge. 

Jose Sastrano Belaval, 

Registrar of Property. 

POXCE, P. R., April 8, 1899. 



The Registrar of Property, Ponce: 

Sir: I am of the same opinion as yourself respecting the matter 
referred to above. 

There is no doubt that churches dedicated to Catholic worship are 
subject to inscription, such as article 2 of the hypothecary law deter- 
mines, notwithstanding the prohibition established in article 25, j>ara- 
graph 2, of the rules of procedure you mention. 

Where a state religion (such as existed in Rome and which gave 
rise to the precept in question) exists, churches dedicated to the offi- 
cial creed (res sacrae) can not be made the subject of a contract, being- 
understood to be "extra comercium." Therefore, not being subject 
to contract, they are not subject to registry. 

Spanish legislation accepted the principle of Romanism and its nec- 
essary consequences, excluding Catholic churches from things subject 
to registry. The paragraph quoted is a logical confirmation of Arti- 
cle II of the Spanish constitution, which declares the Roman Catho- 
lic to be the religion of the State. 

But the Constitution of the United States forbids the establishment 
of any state religion, causing, therefore, those churches to lose their 
legal condition of " res divini juris," and allowing of their inscription, 
as well as that of churches of any other denomination. You can there- 
fore proceed to inscribe them, following the procedure prescribed in 
article 26 of the aforementioned regulations. 

H. Diaz Navarro, 
Secretary of Justice. 

Porto Rico, May 12, 1899. 



CHURCH AND STATE UNDER A3IERICAN RULE. 
OPINION OF THE SECRETARY OF JUSTICE. 

Honorable Brigadier-General, 

Commander in Chief of the Department. 

Sir: I have the honor of reporting on the petition of Sehor Perpiha, 
capitulary vicar and head of the Catholic Church in this island. 

This gentleman bases his request on General Orders, No. 1, series 
1898, which says: "Provincial and municipal laws in so far as affect. 



686 

ing.the determination of private rights of individuals or property, 
shall be maintained in force when not incompatible with the change 
of conditions brought about in Porto Rico, in winch case they can be 
suspended by the governor of the department;" and, on Article VIII 
of the Paris treaty of peace, which declares that the cession of Porto 
Rico by Spain to the United States shall in no way prejudice the 
title or rights attributed b} r custom or law to the peaceful possess- 
ors of eveiy class of property in the provinces, cities, public and 
private establishments, civil or ecclesiastical corporations, or any 
other corporate body which had the legal standing necessaiy to acquire 
such property or rights. 

Both these dispositions are founded on a principle of international 
law subscribed to by all nations, accepted by the English and Ameri- 
can courts, and explained and sustained by the famous author, 
Marshall, with remarkable clearness. 

The principle is the following: When a territory is occupied by 
virtue of cession or conquest, the laws governing private interests 
shall continue in force, but, on the substitution of the sovereignty of 
the conquered nation by that of the conqueror, the political laws gov- 
erning the sovereignty of the former shall ipse facto give place to 
the laws governing the sovereignty of the latter. 

In Porto Rico the official character and remuneration of the func- 
tionaries of the Catholic religion as employees of the states is founded 
on article 11 of the Spanish political constitution, declaring that faith 
to be the religion of the Kingdom. 

This principle gave rise to the concordat between the Spanish Gov- 
ernment and Rome, and necessarily made provision for the salaries 
of the clergy through the budget law, itself a law of public or political 
character. 

By virtue of that principle of international law previously quoted, 
and as the Constitution of the United States does not admit of 
e'mploj'ees for purposes of religion, those dispositions were all virtually 
derogated from the moment that the American flag floated over this 
island. 

It is quite evident, therefore, that General Brooke, on issuing Gen- 
eral Orders, No. 1, and the Paris Commission, on drawing up Article 
VIII of the peace treaty, in no wise intended to give them the scope 
which Senor Perpina's interpretation of them supposes. 

Neither General Brooke nor the Peace Commissioners could have 
had the intention of establishing principles contrary to the American 
Constitution. Their declarations that vested interests should be 
respected can only refer to purely civil or private interests. 

Perhaps the argument might be advanced that as the United States 
Government has collected the income, the expenditure thereof should 
be for the object set forth in the budget. 

This does not hold, as owing to the change of sovereignty the 
expenses of administration have been considerably reduced, the 
amount originally appropriated by the budget for the payment of the 
clergy having, together with the rest, suffered considerable reduction. 

It must also be taken into consideration that as soon as the clergy 
were divested of their character of state officials, they were released 
from the obligations which they formerly were under to the state, 
which no longer exercises intervention in matters of clerical organiza- 
tion, discipline, or service. 

The suppression of obligations carries with it the suppression of 
corresponding rights. 



687 

It is my opinion that the Catholic clergy are not entitled to receive 
official salary or emolument from the moment that the United States 
assumed sovereignty over the island. 

Very respectfully, Herminio Diaz, 

Secretary of Justice. 
Porto Rico, June 1, 1899. 



CONDITION OF THE CHURCH. 
STATEMENT OF MR. P. SANTISTEBAN Y CHARIVARRI, SPANISH MERCHANT. 

San Juan, P. R., October 28, 1898. 

In this country the Roman Catholic religion predominates. For- 
merly the Catholic Church here was the owner of great wealth, which 
produced sufficient income to sustain its cult, to build religious edi- 
fices, endow charitable asylums, establish schools of instruction in the 
arts, establish gymnasiums, etc. , for the poorest class of people. Since 
the Spanish Government took over all its wealth and in exchange paid 
the expenses of worship and the clergy, Catholic institutions have 
diminished and indifference and atheism have increased in propor- 
tion. This is prejudicial to healthy principles of morality, industry, 
and other qualities which should be the basis of the culture of the 
people. 

The Spanish Government on relinquishing sovereignty over this 
island has left the church. throughout the island without means of 
support and as the clergy to-day own no property which produces 
income, as they previously did, the greater portion of the interior 
towns will remain without priests and their inhabitants be exposed to 
the consequences of a country without religion to hold their con- 
sciences in check. Subscriptions and charity for the maintenance of 
religion in this country would not reach a sufficient amount during 
the first ten years to support the clergy, as want of habit of giving 
alms to God's temples makes this source of income a doubtful one. 



RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR EUSTOQUIO TORRES. 

Guayanilla, P. R., November 7, 1898. 

It is evident that the Porto Riean people, perhaps in name, or per- 
haps as a consequence of Spanish dominion during which the church 
was part of the state, is essentially Catholic. For many it will per- 
haps be a matter of grave import that the new Government differs 
from the previous one on that point, and it may be the work of several 
years and much hard labor for missionaries of other faiths to uproot 
beliefs so long rooted and sustained by habit and tradition. 

Nevertheless, I venture to assume that persons of the highest cul- 
ture in the island — generally Free Thinkers — will receive with good- 
will the principle of religious liberty which separation of church and 
state brings about. But to conciliate all opinions it would be well to 
allow those municipalities in which the majority of the parishioners 
vote to sustain the church from its municipal funds to do so, provided 
the majority of the governing body so votes also. 



688 

LIBERTY OF WORSHIP. 
STATEMENT OF ESCOLASTICO PEREZ. 

Cidra, P. R., November 10, 1898. 
As in the United Stales, so in Porto Rico, liberty of worship and 
for everyone to search for and contribute to religion according to the 
dictates of his conscience. 



SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. 
STATEMENT OF ANTONIO SANCHEZ RUIZ. 

Aguada, P. R., November 12, 1898. 
Absolute separation of the church from the state. The Catholic 
religion may be conserved without failing in the respect, owing to other 
religions compatible with true Christianity, and which may guarantee 
liberty, equality, fraternity, work, and progress as symbolized by the 
stars of the American flag. 



SELF-SUPPORT FOR THE CHURCH. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR CELESTINO DOMENGTJEZ. 

Guayama, P. R., January, 1899. 
No person of any degree of education in this country, if asked his 
opinion on the matter, would den}* the great advantages of a separation 
of church and state. The clerical power in every country in the world 
has been a drag on progress, and nobody ignores the fact that Spain 
owes her decadence to this. The nations at the head of civilization 
and progress to-day are those where liberty of conscience is permitted. 
In this island the clerical influence has been so powerful, so strong, 
and so oppressive that when the American troops arrived everyone 
thought that their influence would be destroyed, and rejoiced accord- 
ingly. The hunger for liberty was so great that the country has seen 
and will see with pleasure the disappearance of clerical influence, 
which has weighed on our intelligence and our feelings like a sheet of 
lead. It is necessary that the clergy be relegated to their churches if 
they have them, and that they live on what their congregations care 
to give them. They must not have any interference in cemeteries or 
marriages, and although we do not ask that they disappear from the 
country, which is Catholic, we do require that they play no other part 
than that filled by them in the United States. 



SUPPORT OF CHURCH BY MUNICIPALITIES. 
STATEMENT OF JOSE M. ORTIZ. 

Maunabo, P. R., February 24, 1899. 
(1) Absolute separation of church and state; liberty for munici- 
palities to support the religion they choose, to the extent their means 
may permit; also that of dismissing ministers they are not in accord 
with. 



689 

(2) State not to be allowed to favor, directly or indirectly, any 
religion; nor to grant subventions to educational institutions directed 
by clergy, religions bodies, or members of mystic orders. 

(3) Put an end to superstitions and religious fanaticism, without 
failing to respect real religious beliefs and worship. 



THE CEMETERY IN SAN JUAN. 

The cemetery of San Juan is situated at the base of Morro Castle, 
just outside the city wall, and is reached by a winding passage, under 
the wall, in the form of a tunnel. There are three divisions in the 
cemetery, two of which are reserved for Catholic burials, and the 
third, lying nearer to the sea, for the interment of non-Catholics. One 
of the Catholic portions of the cemetery, a comparatively recent addi- 
tion, lies adjacent to the tunneled passage; the other is separated 
from this by a gate, and the Protestant division is reached bypassing 
through a second gate in the stone wall inelosure, which extends along 
the entire sea front of the two Catholic divisions. In the newer 
Catholic portion graves and pantheons are sold outright, while in the 
other, with the exception of the burial corridor, in which niches may 
be sold in perpetuity for the interment of persons who have died from 
a contagious or infectious disease, graves and niches are rented accord- 
ing to a fixed tariff. Both the Catholic and the non-Catholic portions 
of the cemetery belong to the municipality. 

Upon the death of a person, a permit of burial is obtained at the 
city hall, and the body is interred either in a grave or niche. At the 
expiration of five years of interment, a notice is sent to the personal 
representatives of the deceased calling their attention to the fact that 
that period has expired, and calling upon them for instructions as to 
their desires regarding the continued sepulture of the deceased. If 
the family do not buy a grave, or lease one, in response to that notice, 
the keeper of the cemetery is directed to remove the body and put it 
in the huesera, which, in San Juan, is a space about 10 feet square, in 
one corner of the cemetery, surrounded by a stone wall, without a 
roof. The bones consigned to the huesera are thrown into it in a heap, 
and when this is full, or it is deemed convenient to make room for 
more, a deep pit is dug in the cemetery and the contents of the 
huesera dumped into it. This practice of disinterment has been com- 
mon throughout the island, and the keeper of the San Juan cemetery 
informed the commissioner that the ground had been used over and 
over again for sepulture, and that it was customary to take bodies out 
of unrented graves at the end of two years. 

The following was the tariff in force for the economic year 1897-98 
in San Juan : 



For sale in perpetuity of graves for two bodies 

For sale in perpetuity of each lot or family pantheon 300 

For sale in perpetuity of a lot for one burial 150 

For each niche of the burial gallery, in which a person who has died of an 
epidemic or contagious disease may be buried, the alienor losing all actions 

and rights . 200 

Rental for five years of each niche of the basement of the chapel 75 

For each year's renewal of said rental ._. 25 

Rental for five years of each niche of the gallery 30 

For each year's renewal of said rental 10 

For each railing, with or without a tomb 10 

For every tonjbstone over a grave, of whatever class 5 

1125 44 



690 

The municipal authorities informed the commissioner that the 
receipts from sales and rentals barely met the necessary expenses of 
maintaining the cemetery. 

The tariff for sepulture in the cemetery at Ponce in force during 
the economic j T ear 1896-97 was as follows: 

For the sale of a niche ... $80 

For the rent of a niche for five years . . . 20 

For ground sold for pantheons, per square meter .. 12 



THE LAW AND CUSTOMS OF MARRIAGE. 

AVOIDING MARRIAGE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Utuado, P. R., January 18, 1890. 

Dr. Cakroll. Is it not true that, while a great many live together 
in the marriage relation without having had any ceremony performed, 
they are generally true to each other and a man has one wife and a 
woman has one husband while they both live? 

Mr. Lucas Amadeo. It is very frequently the case that there are 
no ties of any kind, and the man goes his way and the woman goes 
her way and the children go their way. Very often a woman has 
children by several men, to none of whom she was married. 

Dr. Carroll. That is true even in the United States, without ref- 
erence to marriage. 

Mr. Amadeo. This country has broken away from the old restrain- 
ing influences of religious bodies; morality has never been taught 
here, and the people have been without any restraining influences 
either of morality or of religion, and being without such influences 
the people have acquired habits of vice to which they were at one 
time strangers. 

Dr. Carroll. To what special reason was it due that the church 
ceased to exert its influence over the masses in that respect? 

Mr. Amadeo. It is a product of the century. This century has 
been tending more and more to free thought in religious matters. In 
countries where the church has an iron grip on the people, and at the 
same time teaches them morality, the masses have not degenerated 
much, but in this country, where the church has to a large extent lost 
its grip because of the degeneracy of the times and because morality 
was never taught, the masses have degenerated. The movement 
started with the French Revolution. 

Dr. Carroll. But the church has never ceased its teachings respect- 
ing marriage. It has always, on the contrary, frowned on such rela- 
tions as exist here between many of the people. 

Mr. Amadeo. Fifteen or twenty years ago living in concubinage 
was punished by law and by the church; but as during the time since 
then the imported priests have been of the worst description, they 
have relaxed their attention in that direction, and the municipal gov- 
ernment has taken no cognizance of it. 

Dr. Carroll. What punishments did municipal governments mete 
out for such offenses? 

Mr. Amadeo. The church used to denounce persons living in that 
condition to the municipality, and the municipality used to oblige 
them to marry and legitimatize their families. 



691 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask what special disadvantages do 
the children that come from these relations, and are recognized as 
illegitimate, stand under before the law. 

Mr. Amadeo. In the first place, they do not inherit, but under a 
new statute, if they are recognized by the parents or by the father, 
they do inherit to a certain extent. 

Dr. Carroll. What provision, if any, should be made under the 
new government respecting these classes? Should they be legitima- 
tized or should the law really take no cognizance of the matter? 

Mr. Amadeo. That must in no way be done. It would be to put a 
premium on illegitimacy, and it is necessary that the family should be 
constituted legally, either by the church or by the state. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be well to have a law that where persons 
who have lived together shall marry their children already born 
should be legitimatized? 

Mr. Amadeo. That is now the law. 



REASONS FOR DECLINE IN MARRIAGE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San German, P. R., January 26, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. I notice from the statistics of marriage in this dis- 
trict, just handed me, that there has been a decrease in the last few 
years in the number of marriages. What is the cause of it? 

Mr. Acosta (mayor). The general misery of the people. There 
was so much of it that no one would take on further responsibility. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the outlook, then, for your future population? 

Mr. Acosta. They get married on their own account now. They 
find it cheaper and more convenient. 

Dr. Carroll. How much does it cost to get married? 

Mr. Acosta. It used to cost $12 or $16, but was not supposed to cost 
anything. If persons wanted to be married at night, they had to pay, 
but not if married in the da3 r time. To-day the priests charge because 
they have no salaries, but, as formerly, do not charge anything in the 
daytime. 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been any civil marriages here? 

Mr. Acosta. Four or five in the last few days. 

Dr. Carroll. How much does that cost? 

Mr. Acosta. Eight or ten dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. Has that always been the fee charged? 

Mr. Acosta. Every marriage costs, if performed during office hours, 
from $4 to $6, but at night they have to pay more. 

Dr. Carroll. What do the clergy charge now? 

Mr. Acosta. According to the ability to pay. 

Dr. Carroll. Were there any civil marriages before the 1st of 
December last ? 

Mr. Acosta. When the civil-marriage law was first introduced here 
there were seven couples who took advantage of the law. These civil 
marriages took place only because the church put an impediment in 
the way. The people as a whole are not accustomed to civil marriage. 
In one case the parties were too nearly related, and the priest asked 
'$50 to remove the difficulty. As they did not wish to pay that amount, 
they got married civilly. 



692 

ECCLESIASTICAL AND CIVIL MARRIAGE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

HUMACAO, P. R,, February I, 1899. 
Mr. Joaquin Masferrer, mayor of Humacao, and Mr. Salvador 
Fulladosa, judge of first instance and instruction: 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been any civil marriages here? 

Mr. Masferrer. Very few. 

Dr. Carroll. In case of civil marriage is it required that the par- 
ties to the marriage shall present their baptismal certificates? 

Mr. Masferrer. Yes. 

Mr. Fulladosa. According to the present law, those who wish to be 
married civilly have to deny that they are Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. I want to get at the facts in regard to civil mar- 
riage, with a view to having it made open to all who wish to be mar- 
ried that way. I am told that it is the custom in some places for the 
cure to charge a considerable sum to get a certificate in such cases. 

Mr. Fulladosa. The charge is 1 peso. That is one of the rights 
of the church. They have charge of the records, and charge 1 peso 
for making a copy. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is it necessary to have baptismal certificates 
in order to marry two persons? 

Mr. Fulladosa. To enable the official marrying them to ascertain 
for certain the ages of the contracting parties and whose children they 
are. 

Dr. Carroll. Age generally speaks for itself. 

Mr. Fulladosa. Also to show whether or not they are related 
within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity. 

Dr. Carroll. The church can marry or refuse to many whom it 
will, but the state has its own rules of consanguinity and there will 
be no appeal to any ecclesiastical authorities as to questions of that 
kind. 

Mr. Fulladosa. The law as it exists at present does not allow 
cousins to marry; consequently, if cousins wish to marry here, they 
have to pay heavily for a dispensation. There has been no modifica- 
tion of that law. In the civil register we have a record of births, 
deaths, and marriages, and certificates can be obtained there if the 
date is subsequent to 1884, that being the year in which the civil reg- 
ister was instituted, so that persons born since 1884 do not have to go 
to the cure for a certificate of birth. 

Dr. Carroll. Why would not a declaration of the time of birth, 
witnessed by persons who are cognizant of the fact, be sufficient for 
civil marriage? 

Mr. Fulladosa. That is done here by what is called an expediente. 

Dr. Carroll. I am asking with a view to an order making that 
sufficient. Such an order would render civil marriage free in fact as 
well as in name. 

Mr. Fulladosa. That would be a good reform. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose the great majority of people wish to be 
married under church auspices, but some prefer civil marriage, and 
if the church lays any obstacle in their way it should be changed. 

Mr. Fulladosa. To-day the women are most opposed to innova- 
tions; men accept innovations very easily, but as soon as all hin- 
drances are removed I think everybody will accept the new order. 

Dr. Carroll. Very often people fail to get their rights except 



693 

through competition, and if civil marriage is made free the church 
will remove the obstacles, as it will desire to marry more than the civil 
justice. 

Mr. Fulladosa. Very likely. 



VIEWS OF A PRIEST. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Guayama, P. R., February 3, 1899. 
Father Montanes : 

Dr. Carroll. I want to ask a few questions with regard to the sub- 
ject of marriage, which is an extremely important subject in this 
country. 

Father Montanes. I consider it of immense moment, as concubinage 
is a sore in the country, and is putting an end to family relations. 

Dr. Carroll. Everywhere I have gone I have received testimony 
to the effect that the failure of many people to marry is not due to 
their unwillingness to marry, but is due to the obstacles which the 
church lays in their way. It is asserted by them that the poor people 
are unable to pay the fees which are necessary in order to have a 
religious marriage. 

Father Montanes. The Free Thinkers mostly have told you that. 
It is not true. It is true that there are certain exigencies, but that 
does not depend on the priest, but on canonical regulations. For 
example, they have to present their baptismal certificate so as to show 
their age, if they have been born in a different district ; then they have 
to produce the consent of the parents, according to their age; then 
they have to satisfy the priest as to their knowledge of Catholic doc- 
trine, so as to enable him to know whether they are in a fit state to 
enter into Catholic marriage ; then the bans have to be proclaimed three 
successive Sundays; then they exact the confession, as the Catholic 
religion considers marriage a sacrament. They have to confess to 
prepare themselves, and this constitutes the great obstacle with the 
Free Thinkers, so much so that several have married civilly, so as not 
to have to confess. These are the obstacles. If the parties seeking 
marriage are related, they have to get a dispensation from the bishop. 
The bishop can charge them or not, as he sees fit. 

Dr. Carroll. The poor people complain of the money it costs; not 
of other obstacles. 

Father Montanes. It costs them now because we have no other 
means of living; but before we charged them nothing for any of the 
sacraments. Now that our salaries have been taken away, we have 
to have some means of livelihood. 

Dr. Carroll. I had a great deal of testimony from persons who 
said they had paid considerable fees, and had to pay them in order to 
be married through the church. 

Father Montanes. In Guayama you can ask the people, one by one, 
and you will not find one who has been charged. I have been here 
fourteen years and have, never charged a marriage fee, and I am not 
the only one. Unfortunately, there have been exceptions to this 
rule; there have been those who have charged. 

Dr. Carroll. It will be the policy of the new government to make 
'the way to marriage of persons who are entitled to marry as easy as 



694 

possible, and try to persuade those who are living in concubinage to 
contract marriage, if not b}* church rites, then by civil rites. I want 
to ask if it is true, as I have heard, that such civil marriages have 
been denounced from the pulpit of this church as not marriages at all, 
but simply as concubinage, and that persons contracting such mar- 
riage have been threatened with excommunication? 

Father Montanes. They are considered by the church as living in 
public concubinage, not because we may think so, but because the 
Pope, who is our chief, has so commanded. You must understand 
that all Christians, not only Catholics, but also Protestants, we con- 
sider under the Pope's order, because we look upon Protestants as 
forming a part of our church who have simply seceded from it. The 
Catholic who marries civilly is not considered out of the church, but 
is considered an apostate, except he repents. He can not be conceded 
Catholic burial or any of the other rites. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the attitude of the church toward those who 
do not marry at all, but live together in concubinage? 

Father Montanes. The Catholic Church has its rules about that, 
but the number living in concubinage is so great that the rules have 
not been applied. Most of these people, before they die, receive the 
sacraments and so show themselves repentant. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems very strange to Americans, who are shocked 
to find the scandalous state of things down here — so many living 
together without any contract of marriage at all — that the church in 
its attitude should seem to favor those who live without marriage at 
all, and to denounce in its offices those who contract civil marriage. 
It seems to us better that there should be civil marriage than no 
marriage at all. 

Father Montanes. No; there is this immense difference, that he 
who lives in concubinage commits no other sin than having unlawful 
connection with a woman, whereas he who lives in civil marriage has 
committed the tremendous crime of apostacy of faith. Catholics con- 
sider faith above morals. 

Dr. Carroll. I am afraid, reverend father, that those of your own 
church in the United States would not agree with you upon this point. 
I am sure Father Sherman would take a far different view, and while 
he would hold to the necessity of religious marriage — and I will say 
that the great majority of American people are married that way — 
still he would say it would be better for people to have a civil con- 
tract of marriage and live together in that way than to live together 
without any marriage. 

Father Montanes. Yes; in the United States that may be, because 
in countries which are non- Catholic and do not accept the Council of 
Trent the marriage system is different. In Catholic countries a mar- 
riage which is not celebrated by the parish priest in the presence of 
two witnesses is illegal, whereas I understand that in England and 
the United States that is not the case. 

Dr. Carroll. But I am speaking of the attitude of the Catholics in 
the United States. 

Father Montanes. As regards faith, it is the same; but as regards 
rules, it is different. The Pope could issue an edict that a certain 
form was valid in one part of the world, and a different form was 
valid in another part. Father Sherman would have to do the same 
here, because all Catholics in every part of the world have to conform 
to the mandates of the Pope. The civil law requires that after all the 
steps have been taken for civil marriage the municipal judge shall name 



695 

a priest to be present, but he doesn't do it. The municipal judge has 
put obstacles in the way of civil marriage. Formerly the certificate 
of marriage issued by the church was valid in any part of the world, 
but since they got, after a great deal of difficulty, a concession unit- 
ing civil and religious marriage, there has been no end of trouble. 
The}' - are asking still more — that the certificate of the priest- shall not 
be valid, but only that of the civil register. 



OBSTACLES TO MARRIAGE. 
[Hearing- before the United States Commissioner.] 

Guayama, P. R., February 3, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been any civil marriages in Guayama? 

Mr. Vergne (clerk to municipal judge). There have been a few. 
There have been none since the American invasion. Such marriages 
could only take place between non -Catholics. 

Dr. Carroll. In such cases do you require an expediente? 

Mr. Vergne. Yes. The expediente covers the baptismal certificate, 
consent of the parents, certification of the civil status of the parties 
contracting, and the petition of the parties. 

Mr. Dominguez (mayor of Guayama). I wish to call your attention, 
as special commissioner, to the importance of introducing the civil 
marriage system of the United States as soon as possible. The state 
in which the people of the rural districts live constitutes a sore on the 
civilization of Porto Rico. We want the right to marry people without 
any papers of any description. 

Dr. Carroll. That is just why I want to get these facts prepara- 
tory to making recommendations for the purpose of simplifying the 
marriage law and rendering it free from any great amount of expense. 

Mr. Dominguez. A priest has declared from the pulpit here that 
civil marriage is concubinage, and they excommunicate from the 
church all persons contracting civil marriage as if they were under a 
curse from heaven. By this means they prevent the poor people from 
marrying except by the church, which means $10 or $12 for the priest. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they denounce those who live in concubinage, 
without any marriage at all? 

Mr. Dominguez. They smooth over that as much as they can. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost usually to have an expediente for 
civil marriage prepared? 

Mr. Dominguez. From $8 to $10. The priests put all sorts of obsta- 
cles in the way of granting the baptismal certificate to v persons who 
wish to marry civilly. 

Dr. Carroll. I have had much testimony on that point, and I want 
to hear all that is to be said. 

Mr. Dominguez. As the civil register dates from 1885, everybody at 
present must go to the priest for the baptismal certificate. It should 
be allowed alcaldes, municipal judges, and other judges to perform 
marriage in order to spread marriages over the island. 

Dr. Carroll. I intend to recommend to General Henry that he issue 
an order making the way to civil marriage an open one to all persons 
and free so far as possible from cost. 

Mr. Dominguez. Such an order should allow alcaldes, notaries, and 
all persons with magistrates' powers to perform the marriage ceremony. 
I could marry 400 people here who are to-day living together without 



•696 

any ceremony of marriage. I will do it, and it will not cost anybody 
a cent. More than that, I will send police out to get the people to 
come into town to be married, so that they will know that they can 
be married. If yon will oblige the civil register to inscribe the mar- 
riages that I celebrate, I will celebrate them. 



DOCUMENTS OF A CIVIL MARRIAGE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arroyo, P. R. , February 3, 1899. 
The Municipal Judge and the Priest. 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been any civil marriages contracted here? 

The Municipal Judge. Four since July. 

Dr. Carroll. What cost is incurred in civil marriage? 

The Municipal Judge. From $4 to 16 for the expediente. 

Dr. Carroll. What is an expediente? 

The Municipal Judge. It is the document in which the parties 
give an account of themselves and ask permission to marry. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you require couples to present baptismal certifi- 
cates? 

The Municipal Judge. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What does it cost to obtain these baptismal certifi- 
cates? 

The Priest of Arroya. It costs a dollar, as provided by the law; 
but if the judge wants a certificate for use in criminal proceedings, it 
is furnished him without any charge. 

Dr. Carroll. There is a civil register, I understand, of births, 
deaths, and marriages. 

The Municipal Jltdge. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. It is claimed in some cases that excessive charges are 
made in giving these certificates, so as to prevent the carrying out of 
civil marriages. 

The Priest. The price is fixed by the ecclesiastical law at $1. 

A Gentleman present. I was lately charged a dollar aud a half. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it a dollar for the man and a dollar for the 
woman — that is, $2 for each couple? 

The Priest. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. It costs $4 additional for this document? 

The Municipal Judge. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is it necessary to have so many documents? 

The Municipal Judge. The existing law requires it. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be better to have the existing law 
modified so as to make it easier for people to get married? 

The Municipal Judge. It would be. 

A Gentleman present. I was recently commissioned by the judge 
to look into the matter of the records. I went to the civil register 
and was struck by the immense majority of deaths over births 
recorded there. I applied to the priest, and he said that many are 
baptized in the church who are not inscribed in the civil register. 

The Priest. The books are open to anybody who wants to look at 
them. 

The Municipal Judge. According to the present law, when the 
period of forty days passes after the birth occurs, and the birth is 



697 

not inscribed in the civil register, the parent has to form an expedi- 
ente and pay a fine, and as they don't want to pay the fine they 
avoid having the birth recorded at all. There are mothers who bear 
children who have not a cent and can not pay the fine. If it were 
not for this fine, everybody in the island could be inscribed. 

The expedients necessary for civil marriages consists of, first, a 
birth certificate ; second, the document asking permission to be mar- 
ried; third, the parents' permission to allow their children to be mar- 
ried; fourth, a document from the judge in which he says he knows 
of no former marriage of the interested party; fifth, a restatement of 
intention to marry ; sixth, the bans which have been published ; sev- 
enth, a document stating that the former document has been pub- 
lished ; eighth, the document in which the celebration of the marriage 
is set forth; ninth, the bans which were posted on the wall. 

(An expediente of this kind was shown to the Commissioner. It 
consisted of 22 pages, comprising 14 documents.) 

Dr. Carroll. When I first came to the island I had a long inter- 
view with the capitular vicar of Porto Rico, in which he touched, 
among other subjects, upon the matter of morality in Porto Rico. He 
said it was greatly to be regretted that there were so few marriages. 

The purpose of the present government of Porto Rico is to facilitate 
marriage, and if it is true that the church, in some places, puts 
impediments in the way of marriage by requiring large fees, then it 
is proper that there should be civil marriage. It seems now that 
there are impediments in the way of civil marriage. In Humacao I was 
informed that in a marriage between a lieutenant and a native lady 
the price demanded by the priest in charge there was 100 pesos; that 
objection was made to that amount, with the result that the amount 
was gradually brought down to 65 pesos. 

The Priest. The present ecclesiastical law requires the priest to see 
that the two parties contracting marriage have been baptized, and 
they charge only $1 for that. There is a similar charge for the proc- 
lamation of the bans, and if thej^ are married at 7 in the morning the 
marriage is performed free. Persons who wish to be married at incon- 
venient hours have to arrange for it, and have to pay $16, or one ounce 
of gold. 

The Municipal Judge. Civil marriage can be effected at any hour 
the couple desire. 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that the fashionable hour for a mar- 
riage in Porto Rico is in the evening, and that the poor people like to 
be married at the time other people are married. 

The Priest. The morning hour is fixed by the ecclesiastical gov- 
ernment to allow parties marrying to receive the benefit of all the sac- 
raments first, and if they many at a late hour at night, or other 
hour which is not convenient for them to take part in all the ceremo- 
nies required by the superior church government, they pay something 
for it. These gentlemen are all residents of this town and know what 
has been the administration of the priest who is now here. 

A Gentleman present. The general rule here was for both poor 
and rich to get married at night.' 

Dr. Carroll. In that case would it not be well for the church to 
change its rule and follow the wishes of the people? Of course the 
church ought to marry the people. 

The Priest. These things are fixed on superior orders and we obey 
them. My books are open to inspection, and I invite inspection tb 
see if they are not kept as they should be. 



698 

WHY SO MANY AVOID MARRIAGE. 

[Hearing at the alcaldia, evening session, before the United States Commissioner.] 

Aibonito, P. R., February 6, 1899. 

Mr. ,• municipal judge; Mr. Manuel Caballer, maj'or of 

Aibonito; and Father Manuel Quintana, parochial priest: 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any people living here in the marital rela- 
tion without marriage? 

The Municipal Judge. Very many. From July up to date I have 
not registered a single marriage in the whole district. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is it that they prefer to live in that relation 
without marriage? 

The Municipal Judge. I will inform you about that. We are all 
Catholics up to the present, but the ,church has put obstacles in the 
way of marriage. When couples go to be married, the priest says you 
must pay so much for this document, and so much for the other, and 
if the peasant wants to be married at night, according to the custom 
of the country, as he usually does, the priest charges him for that also. 
As municipal judge, I charge for drawing up the expediente. I charge 
because I have no salary. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do you charge for it? 

The Municipal Judge. A dollar and a quarter for. each party; that 
is, $2.50 for both. As I have said, I think the reasons© many people 
live together without marriage is because of the charge made by the 
church; but as the priests receive no salary now, I hardly see how 
they can do otherwise. 

Mr. Caballer. I think the main cause is not the fault of the priest 
here, but of the superior ecclesiastical authorities, because in the 
country districts most of the people are related to each other. If they 
want to get married, they must get over that obstacle of relationship 
by forming an expediente and getting permission from the high eccle- 
siastical authorities, who charge considerable sums for the requisite 
permission. 

Father Quintana. I protest against what the municipal judge has 
said — that I charge for publishing the bans. In the twenty-six years 
that I have been here I have never charged anything for publishing- 
bans and have always married for nothing when I have been able to 
do so; that is, when there were no obstacles calling for special dis- 
pensation. I have even gone so far as to spend money to enable the 
parties to dress sufficiently well to come to the church to get married. 
As regards marrying them at night, it is true I have charged for that, 
but a small amount as compared with what is charged in other parishes. 
I charge from $8 to $10. 

Dr. Carroll.- Do you charge forgiving baptismal certificates? 

Father Quintana. Yes; $L 

Dr. Carroll. Have you always charged that? 

Father Quintana. Only since' my salary was cut off. 

Dr. Carroll (to the municipal judge). What do you charge as a 
civil fee for the birth record? 

The Municipal Judge. Nothing. 

A voice. Half a dollar. 

The Municipal Judge. The person who registers a birth is under 
the obligation of making a written statement, witnessed by two per- 
sons, to the effect that the child is the son or daughter, as the case 
may be, of such and such persons. The clerk usually makes a charge 
of half a dollar for this. 



699 

Mr. Caballer. As the municipal judges and their secretaries have 
no salaries, they try bj^ other means in their power to earn a dollar 
decently. The clerk of the justice has a printed form, and when a 
countryman comes to inscribe the birth of a child they tell him he 
has to pay half a dollar, without giving any reason whatever. 

Dr. Carroll. The better way would be to have a salary for the 
judge and secretary and abolish all fees. 

Mr. Caballer. I think so. I think that would be best for the 
country. 

Dr. Carroll. I desire to ask Father Quintana a question or two, 
with his permission. Of course you consider that persons living 
together in the marital relation, without marriage, and raising families 
is very bad. Have you taken occasion to exhort your people as to the 
importance of having marriage celebrated? 

Father Quintana. Yes; very much. 

Dr. Carroll. If a great number of such persons are restrained 
from marrying on account of the fees, would it not be well for the 
sake of the church and for the sake of morality to marry them with- 
out charging them anything? 

Father Quintana. I will marry them for nothing. I have always 
been disposed to do so and will do so now; but they prefer to live in 
a state of concubinage. 

Dr. Carroll. It will be the policy of the American Government to 
facilitate in every possible way the contracting of marriage bonds; 
and if there are any difficulties in the way of civil marriage, the Gov- 
ernment will, I think, remove those difficulties by making civil mar- 
riage easy and costless. 

Father Quintana. We will do the same as to marriage. 

Dr. Carroll. If that were generally known in this community, 
would not many couples present themselves to you for marriage? 

Father Quintana. The whole town knows it, and I have preached 
it openly. 

Dr. Carroll. The mayor of Guayama told me that if he had the' 
power to celebrate marriage, he would do so free, and could marry 400 
couples. 

The Municipal Judge. I will undertake to present 100 couples 
to-morrow if they can be married free. Our laws require us to 
announce the bans three times; and unless that is removed, we would 
have to observe it. 

Dr. Carroll. That would not be an obstacle, would it? 

Father Quintana. According to the civil law, they also have to pro- 
claim, and if there is any relationship, they also have to apply to 
headquarters to get a dispensation. We haven't the laws here that 
they have in France permitting people to marry civilly and then by 
the church. 

Dr. Carroll. If this gentleman (the municipal judge) will clear 
the way by proclaiming the bans and the couples are not prohibited 
from marrying by reason of relationship, will you marry them free? 

Father Quintana. I have to make the proclamas in the Catholic 
way. 

The Municipal Judge. I can give the Father a list of the people 
who want to have the bans proclaimed. He can then proclaim the 
bans, and those who really want to be married can be married, and 
those who will not need not. 

Father Quintana. I think the judge is not competent to force peo- 
ple to get married. If they will not get married, no one can force 
them to. 



700 

Dr. Carroll. The judge does not propose to force them. 

Father Quintana. All right ; hut I will examine the people to see 
if they are really willing. If they are not, I will send them away. 

The Municipal Judge. I will call on them and say, "You are liv- 
ing in a state of concubinage. Would you not like to legitimize your 
children? " 

Father Quintana. I would many them immediately if I could dis- 
pense with the proclamas. 

Dr. Carroll. Suppose the capitular vicar gives you the power to 
do that? 

Father Quintana. I would do it at once. Send me power to allow 
them to many without proclamations of any sort. Up to the present 
the people have shown themselves unwilling to be married civilly. 
They want to be married by the church. 

Dr. Carroll. And I think the church should seek means of having 
them married. 

Father Quintana. I think so, too. I don't wish for anything else 
than to have such a commission. I. hope they will be willing to be 
married. I have always been preaching to them that they ought to 
get married, but they have hitherto preferred to live in concubinage. 

The Municipal Judge. As regards civil marriage, I am willing to 
many people without any cost whatever. 

Father Quintana. As regards the church, I stand in the same 
position. 






BETTER LAWS DESIRED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Coamo, P. R., February 6, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been any civil marriages in this district? 

The Municipal Judge. There were four or five some years ago. 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been none recently? 

The Municipal Judge. No. 

Dr. Carroll. What is necessary in order to contract civil marriage? 

The Municipal Judge. The parties must renounce the Catholic 
religion, for one thing. 
' A Gentleman present. No; I think that is not true. 

The Municipal Judge. Yes, it is true. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you had any notice of an order modifying that 
provison? 

The Municipal Judge. No. 

Dr. Carroll. In order to perform a civil marriage you require an 
expediente, do you not? 

The Municipal Judge. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What papers constitute that expediente? 

The Municipal Judge." The petition of the contracting parties. 
The edict is published eight days twice. On the tennination of the 
bans, if there are no parties opposing the marriage, it is celebrated. 
If there is relationship between the parties the minister of justice 
has to be applied to for a dispensation. The expediente must also 
have the consent of the father and mother, although the contracting 
parties may be above the legal age. , If the father should refuse con- 
sent and the parties are above legal age, the judge may give consent 
within three months. 



701 

Dr. Carroll. What is the average cost of these expedientes? 

The Municipal Judge. Nothing at all. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there no fees charged for the expediente? 

The Municipal Judge. A fee of 40 cents is charged for the inscrip- 
tion after the marriage is celebrated. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the papers constituting the expediente prepared 
without cost? 

The Municipal Judge. We can not collect anything. 

Dr. Carroll. But you do, don't you? 

The Municipal Judge. It is natural that the contracting parties 
should make some present. 

Dr. Carroll. But you have had only a very few marriages of that 
kind, I understand. Are there many people living in the marriage 
state without having had a religious or civil marriage performed? 

(There was a general chorus of "Many, many," from those present 
at the hearing in response to this question. ) 

Dr. Carroll. What is the reason for it? 

A Gentleman present. The reason is the opposition of the priests 
and the obstacles they put in the way of people getting married. For 
instance, a dollar for the clerical notary, a dollar for the mass, a dol- 
lar or more for the priest himself who celebrates the marriage, and if 
two relatives wish to get married, they often have to pay thirty or 
forty dollars to purchase a dispensation. Moreover, the priests teach 
that civil marriage is the same as heresy, and peasants do not get 
married civilly for fear of religious consequences. The priests charge 
according to the position of the parties seeking marriage and accord- 
ing to the hour at which the marriage is celebrated. • 

Dr. Carroll. Then fees have only been charged since the American 
occupation? 

An Elderly Gentleman present. They have been charged all 
my life — as far back as I can remember. 

A Gentleman present. Another reason, which I consider the prin- 
cipal one, is the lack of education among the women. They are not 
educated and have no moral force of character, and consequently are 
easily persuaded into living that way. 

Dr. Carroll. In these cases where people live together without 
marriage are they not generally true to each other? 

(There were a number who answered in the affirmative, and they 
seemed to express the unanimous opinion of the many.) 

A Gentleman present. This state should not be looked upon as 
one of prostitution. 

Dr. Carroll. If civil marriage were made free and easy, would 
people generally avail themselves of it? 

(This question was answered by a general chorus of "Yes.") 

A Gentleman present. The difficulty here about civil marriage is 
the fear entertained by a great many people that when they die they 
will not be buried in consecrated ground. 

Dr. Carroll. What would be the attitude of the church toward 
these civil marriages, probably? 

A Gentleman present. In my own house a priest who was fond of 
acts of charity had an altar erected and married eighteen or twenty 
couples there. 

Colonel Santiago. I think that the present state of affairs will con- 
tinue here until the rigid laws of the United States on this subject are 
brought into force. Rigid laws in defense of women are required. 
The laws here do not protect the women, and such laws as there are 



702 

are not enforced in the judicial offices. If free marriage were intro- 
duced here, I venture to say that everybody would take advantage of 
it. There would of course be some exceptions to this, because under 
the lax laAvs here, which have favored persons in doing what they 
wanted to, some have taken women that they could not bring into 
their own social life, and consequently would not marry them if they 
had the opportunity to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the state of the law with respect to children 
of these illegitimate unions? 

A Gentleman present. They are registered in the name of the 
parent who brings them, or in the name of both parents, if both are 
present. 

Dr. Carroll. The question I had in view was what disadvantages 
such children stand in under the law. For instance, the law of inher- 
itance. 

A Gentleman present. They can only inherit the fifth part of the 
estate. Should the child be declared the child of a mother having 
property, he has equal rights with other children; but being declared 
the child of a father having property, he inherits only the fifth part. 
The child can be acknowledged by either parent as his or her child, 
but after the child has arrived at the age of maturity he has to give 
his consent to such recognition to make it legal. 

Dr. Carroll. If recognized by both parents, does it make him 
legitimate in the eyes of the law? 

A Gentleman present. Yes ; with a very slight difference. 



VIEWS OF THE CAPITULAR VICAR. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., February 10, 1899. 
The Very Rev. Father Juan Perpina e Pibernat, capitular vicar 
of the diocese of Porto Rico : 

Dr. Carroll. At Aibonito, in the interview with the alcalde and 
others, the priest was also present, and the question came up, as it 
has in other places, about matrimony, and I wish now to bring that 
question to your attention in case you care to hear it. I called for 
the number of civil marriages that had been celebrated there in the 
last few years, and it appeared that there had been only a few of them, 
and they told me that a large number of couples were living together 
without any sacrament of marriage whatever. 

Father Perpina. That is false. 

Dr. Carroll. The question arose there about obtaining dispensa- 
tions for the marriage of about 40 couples in that district. The priest 
said he would gladly marry these people free if he were allowed by 
the authorities to do so. 

Father Perpina. How could that man have made such a false state- 
ment? 

Dr. Carroll. There are people living together who are not married. 

Father Perpina. What is the dispensation required for? 

Dr. Carroll. The priest said that one of the obstacles was that 
some of them were related and that he could not, under ecclesiastical 
laws, marry them without a dispen sation . He said that he would gladly 
marry the couples if the ecclesiastical authorities in San Juan would 
permit him to do so. 



703 

Father Perpina. The dispensations come from Rome, and that is 
why they cost money. The church tries to place an obstacle in the 
way of relatives marrying, so as not to make it a common occurrence; 
but for poor people who are not relatives no charge is made. For 
the rich we charge; why shouldn't we? 

Dr. Carroll. They stated that in a country district like Aibonito 
most people were related, and that the law of the church made it 
difficult for these people to many, and therefore they were living 
together without marriage. 

Father Perpina. It isfalse. 

Dr. Carroll. The priest told me so. 

Father Perpina. It is false. I am going to write to the priest that 
he is not to tell lies. For each one they would have to make an expe- 
diente; the}" have got to go into particulars before dispensations 
could be granted. Then they have to take it before the notary, and 
they will have to pay something for it. I have expenses here which 
I have to cover. 

Dr. Carroll. Every individual case, then, would have to stand 
by itself? 

Father Perpina. Each person would have to present his genealog- 
ical tree, so that we could see whether the dispensation could be 
given; but I want you to understand that dispensations are never 
refused to anybody for want of money. I am astonished that that 
priest has made that observation, as he has never sent a request for a 
dispensation since I have been here. Those dispensations or applica- 
tions should go to Rome; if they go to Rome, they would cost $20 
more. Sixteen to eighteen dollars is the cost of a dispensation here. 
The most expensive are those dispensing with the bans. In Rome it 
would cost them from $100 to $200. 

Dr. Carroll. I found so many people living in the various munici- 
palities without marriage that it seemed to me it constituted a case 
to which some sort of remedy should be applied, and it will be my duty 
to recommend that some way out of this difficulty be found, and, if in 
no other way, it should be found through the establishment of civil 
marriage on an easy and free basis. 

Father Perpina. The Spanish Government never assisted the 
church in any way in effecting marriages. The Spanish Government 
could have prevented this state of concubinage if it had had a mind to. 

Dr. Carroll. In what way? 

Father Perpina. By punishing the parties. I ask, how did the 
Roman emperors prevent it? By making marriage compulsory and 
punishing people who lived in concubinage. 

Dr. Carroll. Has the church no punishment for concubinage? 

Father Perpina. Spiritual punishment only. All those who die in 
that state are refused burial in consecrated ground. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they not absolved if they confess their sins? I 
am told they usually receive the sacrament of extreme unction and 
die good Catholics. 

Father Perpina. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Well, that is not a punishment, if they know that at 
the last they can confess and be forgiven. 

Father Perpina. The church would not condemn anybody. What 
are we going to do? Can the church allow them to be damned? If 
they made me civil governor here, I would prevent every case of im- 
moral living. In the time of the Caesars there were two laws, one 
which gave premiums to persons who got married at the right age for 



704 

marriage and the other which punished persons who did not get 
married at the right age. Why didn't the Spanish Government have 
similar laws, punishing concubinage? If the United States will help 
the Catholic Church in doing away with concubinage, it can be done 
away with. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't know how we can do it except by opening 
the way to civil marriage and abolishing the heavy requirements that 
are now laid upon civil marriage, so that persons who are living 
together as man and wife may, without great cost or any cost at all 
practically, have a civil marriage performed. 

Father Perpina. From our point of view, civil marriage is con- 
cubinage. 

Dr. Carroll. It is not the point of view of the United States at 
all nor of the law generally. Nevertheless, the great majority of 
marriages in the United States are performed by ministers — religious 
marriages, Catholic and Protestant. 

Father Perpina. The Catholic Church can not allow civil mar- 
riage; it does allow, and even advises, civil register of marriages. 
Catholics when they marry civilly are from that moment non-Catho- 
lics. I wish you to understand that the Catholic Church does not 
wish that for lack of money there should be concubinage; if the peo- 
ple are able to pay anything, they should do so, because priests can 
not live on air. 

Dr. Carroll. That is true, and yet one of your priests asked an 
American lieutenant, who married a Porto Rican girl in Humacao, 
$100, and the lieutenant finally got him to accept $65. 

Father Perpina. Particular cases don't establish general rules. . 

Dr. Carroll. It is only fair to say that thej^have told me the same 
story in many places — that the charges made were obstacles, and 
chief obstacles, in the way of getting married. 

Father Perpina. It is not true. They wish to live in that state; 
they don't wish to marry. If they wish to get married, let them pre- 
pare their expediente with the terms required, and they can be. As 
a proof that we don't charge much, I have never been able to get rich. 
My income is about $50 a month, and never more than $100. At present 
the ayuntamientos are bad ones, put in by Muhoz Rivera. They are 
bad, very bad, and they are working against the church. 



OBSTACLES TO CIVIL MARRIAGE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Caguas, P. R., February 27, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been any civil marriages here within the 
last few years? 

Municipal Judge Avarez. Very few. A great obstacle to civil 
marriage has been that the civil register has been in existence onlj T eight 
years, and persons wishing to marry civilly have had to get their cer- 
tificate of baptism from the church, and the church has put every 
possible obstacle in their way. 

Dr. Carroll. What are those obstacles? 

Judge Avarez. Refusing to give the certificate except upon the 
payment of large sums of money. As the law requires the produc- 
tion of this certificate or the certificate of a physician, they frequently 
are able to compel payment. 



705 ■ 

Dr. Carroll. What is the largest fee you have known to be 
charged? 

Judge Avarez. Fifty dollars, and even that with difficulty. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many persons living here together in the 
relation of husband and wife without marriage? 

Judge Avarez. Quite a large number. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is that? 

Judge Avarez. Owing to ignorance. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any obstacles in the way of church mar- 
riage? 

Judge Avarez. The priests, when they hear of people living in 
that condition, should call the people and counsel them, advising that 
they should get married and leave the state of concubinage. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to ask the mayor a single question. I 
understand there are a great many people who are living together who 
are not married. Why, Mr. Mayor, do they live in that state? Is it 
because of any obstacles in the way of matrimony? 

Mayor Sola. It is owing to two reasons — want of education and 
want of money. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it cost much to get married? 

Mayor Sola. Not a great deal; but 6 or 7 pesos is a great deal for 
poor people. The priests to-day are asking as much as 3 pesos for a 
baptismal certificate. 

Dr. Carroll. Suppose the law were changed so as to allow all per- 
sons, without regard to religion, to avail themselves of the privilege 
of civil marriage, and suppose that alcaldes and municipal judges 
were empowered to perform the ceremony, and suppose it were a pro- 
vision of law that no charge should be made for such marriages ; that 
no previous notice should be required; that certificates of consent and 
age should be required only of minors; that a marriage certificate 
should be required to be given, stating all the facts of the case and 
executed by the person performing the marriage ceremony in dupli- 
cate, one copy given to the contracting parties and one cop} 7 sent to 
the municipal judge for inscription and filing — would that facilitate 
civil marriage, in your judgment? 

Judge Avarez. Very greatly; it would be a good reform. 

Dr. Carroll. I have recommended that such an order should be 
issued by General Henry. It provides that the marriage certificate 
shall give the name and address of each of the contracting parties, 
the names and addresses of their parents, as far as possible, and the 
places and date of birth. If the parties are minors, the fact that per- 
mission was given by a parent or guardian or relative, the certificate 
to be signed by two witnesses as well as by the contracting parties; a 
certificate also for minors, stating also their names and ages and the 
permission of father, guardian, or relative. 

The Secretary to the Municipal Judge. Then it will be neces- 
sary to form an expediente. 

Dr. Carroll. No; the minister of justice will furnish these blanks 
to the secretaries of the municipalities, by whom they will be given 
to all persons authorized to perform the marriage ceremony; also to 
those contemplating marriage. 

(The books of the judge's secretary were here produced, showing 
the inscription of births, deaths, and marriages. The commissioner 
examined the inscription of the death of a person residing in Vega 
Baja. It was stated that he was a bachelor; then went on to give a 
description of the people who came to ask for the inscription; then 
1125 45 



706 

followed a description of the deceased ; then a statement regarding 
his property and as to his dying intestate, the place where and when 
buried, and other details. The whole occupied 2 pages.) 

Dr. Carroll. Is this in legal form? 

.Judge Avarez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Are these books used for that purpose? 

Judge Avarez. We give a certified copy when Avanted. 

v(The inscription of a birth was examined, which occupied 3 pages 
of the book.) 

Judge Avarez. This inscription of birth we have to copy into 
another book. This second book is unnecessary. We have a pile of 
them rotting in the vaults. 



MORAL EDUCATION NECESSARY. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cayey, P. R., February 28, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll (to the municipal judge). Have there been any civil 
marriages here recently? 

The Municipal Judge. Not during the six months that I have 
been municipal judge here. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the people who are living together as husband 
and wife generally married? 

The Municipal Judge. There are many who live together without 
the ceremony. 

Dr. Carroll. Why do they so live? 

The Municipal Judge. I attribute it to the fact that most of these 
people have very little money, and the priests exact considerable sums 
to many them. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the largest sum' asked of a couple, to your 
knowledge, as a marriage fee? 

The Municipal Judge-. Sixteen dollars. 

A Gentleman present. It cost me $16. 

Dr. Carroll. These large fees have been charged only since the 
American occupation, I suppose? 

The Municipal Judge. No; before that. 

Dr. Carroll. The capitular vicar said it was against the law of the 
church and against the law of the land to charge such fees, and that 
there was no case that he knew of where there had been a fee charged 
for marriage. 

A Gentleman present. That is the way history is written. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it true that the priests marry free many poor 
people who get married in the morning? 

Mayor Munoz. Those who get married at the morning mass he 
usually does not charge anything; those who marry at other times are 
charged according to their standing. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not the fashion here to get married in the evening? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. And the poor want to be married at the same time as 
others? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. If the priest marries free of charge in the morning, 
why don't those who live together and are not married go to him at 
that time? * 



707 

A Gentleman present. Tlie people who are living in concubinage 
don't get married because nobody is married free. They say they don't 
charge for the marriage ceremony, the joining of hands, but they 
charge for other things; they charge $1.25 each for the baptismal cer- 
tificates, $1 each for the bans, and 50 cents for the joining of hands. 
Nobody can be married free. 

A Lawyer of Cayey. I think that this is not the only reason that 
the poor do not get married. I believe that owing to the fact that 
marriage is indissoluble by law the poor people are unwilling to accept 
the responsibility of keeping a wife and children. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the men often leave the women with whom they 
have lived in that way? Is it the rule? 

The Lawyer. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Then it can not be the reason. 

The Lawyer. I believe it is a very logical reason. They don't 
want to undertake the obligation. There are quite a number of cases. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it the rule here that those who do not get mar- 
ried want the privilege of leaving their families when they get tired 
of them? 

The Lawyer. I think that is the general rule. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the other gentlemen present think so? 

[Note. — This question was greeted by a general response in the neg- 
ative by those present.] 

A Gentleman present. I think the generality of people who do 
not marry live in the country districts, and it is for want of educa- 
tion and instruction ; but in the towns it is rare to find people who are 
living in that relation. 

Another Gentleman. Everybody here will agree with me in say- 
ing that the reason the people live in the state of concubinage is that 
the lack of funds prevents them from getting married, and as proof 
of that, when the bishop pays a pastoral visit and marries for nothing, 
they come into the towns and get married in great numbers. The 
civil law of marriage also requires a payment from poor people, and 
an amount, too, that is not within their power to pay. This is the 
root of the whole evil. 

Dr. Carroll. If a law were promulgated permitting civil marriage 
to be performed by the municipal judges, abolishing the need of bap- 
tismal certificates and charging no fees — making it absolutely free — 
is it your opinion that a great many people would coriie and be mar- 
ried? 

The Municipal Judge. I think so. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the charge of 1 peso by the municipal 
judge or alcalde, if he chose to charge it, would be an obstacle? 

The Municipal Judge. The civil judge has never charged any- 
thing, but couples have been obliged to ask for baptismal Certificates, 
which have cost them $1.25 each. 

Mayor Munoz. I think education would contribute greatly to abolish 
concubinage. I think, also, that divorce for legitimate reasons should 
be allowed; marriage should not be indissoluble, as now. 

Dr. Carroll. Your civil code provides for divorce, does it not? 

A Lawyer present. It permits a separation, but not complete 
divorce. 

Dr. Carroll. Not for adultery? 

The Lawyer. Not even for bad treatment. 

Mr. Louis Munoz. I think that the measure you have just men- 
tioned will go far toward settling the difficulty; but there will be 



708 

another difficulty if they do not have to present any document as to 
the status of the parties. One of the contracting parties might be 
married already; you would not have anything to pro re his freedom to 
marry. That is the object of the expediente. 

Dr. Carroll. We don't have anything of the kind in the United 
States, but it is well understood that when a man commits bigamy he 
is subject to arrest and trial as a criminal, and there is a heavy pun- 
ishment. 

Mr. Luis Munoz. I think that that is all right. In the Spanish law 
there is also a criminal responsibility imposed. Under the civil law 
marriage produces effects, whether legally contracted or not, and this 
might give rise to trouble. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't see how you can prevent that under any 
system. 

Mr. Luis Munoz. The Spanish law makes it harder for a man to 
get married, because he has to prove by document his right to do so. 
There might be a case of false documents, but it would be rare. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it not better to make it easier to marry for those 
who have the right than to make it hard for those who abuse it, and 
have many living together without marriage? 

Mr. Luis Munoz. I think the fee system should be abolished, but 
I think the people seeking to marry should be obliged to prove their 
status before the alcalde or judge. 

Dr. Carroll. I have been given to understand that the very fact 
of requiring so many steps to be taken was one of the obstacles to 
marriage. I was shown in Arroyo an expediente of 22 pages and 14: 
documents in one marriage. 

Mr. Luis Munoz. The law could correct that abuse the same as the 
other. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think that the fee of a dollar would stand in 
the way of a great many marrying? 

Mayor Munoz. No. I am of your opinion that if criminally inclined 
persons want to get married two or three times they will do so anyway. 



VARIOUS REASONS ASSIGNED. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., JIarch 3, 1899. 
Mr. Isidorio Uriate y Zalazer, municipal judge: 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been many civil marriages here? 

Mr. Uriate. Very few. I have been in this position since the inva- 
sion and was named by General Wilson. I have not celebrated any 
civil marriages in that time. I was sick five or six days, and there 
was one civil marriage performed in my absence. I have put that in 
the notes I will give you. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many people living together here who are 
not married? 

Mr. Uriate. Yes; quite a few. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the cause of that? 

Mr. Uriate. I think it is owing to the povei .,- of the poor and to 
the fact that they do not understand their duty to society. They have 
not much money, and are unable to attend to theii education, and 
know no better. It is not a crime with them. I think it is owing to 



709 

• 

slavery also, because it was to the interest of slave owners in the old 
days to multiply slaves. 

Dr. Carroll. Is this chiefly among the poor people and among the 
colored people? 

Mr. Uriate. White people of the better classes do not suffer from 
this at all. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the cost of marriage has anything to do 
with preventing people from getting married? 

Mr. Uriate. Yes; it has a great influence. 

Dr. Carroll. Is ecclesiastical marriage costly? 

Mr. Uriate. It is a sort of speculation with the priests. They used 
to ask fees that would amount to as high as forty or fifty dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. That was before the invasion? 

Mr. Uriate. Yes. To-day I think they will marry people for any- 
thing they can get, if they see that they have the competition of the 
civil marriage. If people wanted to get married at 1.1 o'clock at night 
the fee was §35. That was for poor or rich. 

Dr. Carroll. Of course the poor could not pay that? 

Mr. Uriate. No; of course not. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it be well, in your judgment, to make civil 
marriage freer; forinstance, to dispense with the baptismal certificate? 

Mr. Uriate. Yes ; the present law requires, in order to celebrate mar- 
riage, that the parties should present their baptismal certificates and 
certificates showing that they are single, and the church naturally 
puts all the obstacles it can in the way to giving these certificates. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well to make civil marriage so free 
that you would require certificates only in the case of minors and the 
permission of their parents? 

Mr. Uriate. Yes; but there is one thing about that. To be able 
to certify to the age of minors it is necessary to go to the priests ; that 
is the only way they can prove it. 

Dr. Carroll. They need not prove it exactly. They can get a cer- 
tificate from a physician or some one who knows the age approxi- 
mately. 

Mr. Uriate. Yes; but it could not be done under the law as it ex- 
ists at present. 

Dr. Carroll. But the law could be changed. 

Mr. Uriate. Yes; that would be well. It would give much better 
results. Every marriage, too, costs from ten to twelve dollars for the 
expecliente, and with great delay also, because the bans have to be 
posted for fifteen days. 

Dr. Carroll. That is unnecessary, is it not, in the case of persons 
who have arrived at the age of maturity? 

Mr. Uriate. I think that in the city three days would be sufficient, 
and there need not be public notices published, but only notices in 
the press for three days. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it necessary to give any notice at all? The man 
comes to be married, say, is 30 years old and the woman 25. Is it nec- 
essary to give to the public any notice that they are going to be mar- 
ried? 

Mr. Uriate. It is done with the purpose of not allowing the au- 
thorities to be taken by surprise. People might be married who are 
already married. 

Dr. Carroll. That happens under any law. 

Mr. Uriate. According to the Catholic Church, civil marriage is 
regarded as no marriage at all. 



710 

Dr. Carroll. Births are not fully reported are they? 

Mr. Uriate. No; births are not fully inscribed. The law only gives 
them forty days, and if they do not report within forty days a fine is 
imposed upon them for their neglect. For this reason they don't pre- 
sent themselves. The mother has to bring the child herself, and 
in some barrios the road is so bad it is impossible for the mother to 
bring the child. 

Dr. Carroll. This is not necessary, is it? 

Mr. Uriate. I think that the parents should come to the register 
themselves; but the law onl t y allows forty days, and to make a woman 
undertake a difficult journey within forty days after giving birth is 
wrong. 

Dr. Carroll. Would it not be well to allow the comisario, in case 
the barrio is distant, to send a certificate? 

Mr. Uriate. Yes; it would give much better results. I think the 
comisarios should have registers and send the reports to the municipal 
judge every fifteen days. 

Dr. Carroll. And the fines should be limited, should they not, so 
as to encourage women to report their offspring. 

Mr. Uriate. It is ridiculous to impose a fine on poor people. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the fine? 

Mr. Uriate. I can not say; I think it is left to the discretion of the 
judge. I have never imposed any. 

Dr. Carroll. It is a dead letter, is it not? 

Mr. Uriate. What happens is that the parents make false reports 
of a child's age. They declare it of less age than it really is, and that 
may affect its civil rights later on — in case of a legacy, for example. 
I was sitting yesterday and to-day hearing misdemeanors. I think 
they ought to be attended to by the mayor. For instance, a boy with 
candies was told to move on. He would not do so, was arrested, and 
brought before the municipal judge. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems to me that the municipal judge ought to 
have a salary. 

Mr. Uriate. We receive nothing. I have to attend to the court to 
the prejudice of my own business. 

Dr. Carroll. The duties of municipal judge in this district must 
be very onerous. 

Mr. Uriate. Yes; there is very much work connected with the 
office, and in case of necessity the municipal judge has to take the 
place of the judge of first instance, which puts more work on him. 



THE TARIFF OF FEES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yaltco, P. R., March 6, 1S99. 
Mr. Torres, Mr. Mejia, and others: 

Dr. Carroll. Have there been any civil marriages in Yauco? 
Mr. Torres. There have been some. 
Dr. Carroll. Very few, I suppose. 
Mr. Torres. Yes, very few. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many people living together who never had 
the ceremony of marriage performed? 
A Gentleman. Two-thirds of the people here live that way. 



711 

» 

Another Gentleman. Not so many as that. 

First Gentleman. Yon go np into the mountains and yon will see 
that it is so. 

Mr. CianChini. The proportion stated is a little exaggerated, but I 
think it amounts to one-half. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the reason for this state of things? 

Mr. Torres. The want of education among the people. 

Mr. Mejia. The priests were accustomed to charge ten or twelve 
dollars for marriage, and many persons who wished to get married 
would say, "We will not pay that; we will live together without 
getting married." 

Dr. Carroll. That charge of fees has been only since the American 
occupation? 

Note. — This remark of the commissioner was greeted by a general 
chorus of "noes." 

A Gentleman. Such charges have been made ever since the island 
was an island. 

Dr. Carroll. It was contrary to law? 

A Gentleman. The church had its tariff of fees. 

Dr. Carroll. Yes ;■ but since 1851 all such fees have been abolished. 

Mr. Mejia. If people got married in the daytime the priest did not 
charge for the ceremony, but he collected for the bans and for the 
dispensation to marry. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is it that more people do not resort to civil 
marriages? 

Mr. Torres. The majority of the people are Catholics. 

Mr. Mejia. When people wish to get married civilly they have to 
go to the priest for their baptismal certificates and he puts every 
obstacle in the way of giving them and tries to make the people 
believe that they are committing a sin in getting married that way. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they urge the people to get married? 

A Gentleman. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What objections do the Catholics offer to civil mar- 
riage? 

A Gentleman. The priests oppose it because they are deprived by 
it of the money they are able to collect when persons are married 
under church auspices. They only preach about it in the church, 
however; not outside. 

A Gentleman. If the priests were to marry free of charge, nearly 
everybody would get married. 

Dr. Carroll. Suppose the power were given to the alcalde and 
municipal judge to niarry people, and that such marriage should be 
free of charge, and that most of the present requirements should be 
abolished, would that open the way to civil marriage? 

Mr. Cianchini. I think the whole root of the trouble is lack of edu- 
cation here. 

A Gentleman. I think nearly all of them would marry if the pres- 
ent obstacles were removed; at least 90 per cent would do so. 

Dr. Carroll. It is in contemplation to abolish the provision requir- 
ing baptismal certificates and also the provision requiring banns or 
previous notice; only to require a certificate in the case of minors, 
stating their ages and the permission of their parents, and to issue a 
certificate of marriage. Would such a provision as that, in the judg- 
ment of the people here, increase civil marriage very much? 

(There was an immediate and general response in the affirmative.) 



712 

Dr. Carroll. Is it important that the ceremony should be per- 
formed without any charge, or would a charge of 1 peso be proper? 

Mr. Santiago Vivaldi. It should be done for nothing. Those half- 
naked people would not come down to be married if anything were 
said about cost. 

Mr. Cianchini. Even a peseta would frighten them away. 

Mr. Vivaldi. I think the comisarios and school-teachers should be 
obliged to spread the notice of such free marriage around, and that 
the law should oblige people to many. 



CONDITION OF THE LABORING CLASSES. 

THE LABORING CLASSES. 
[Hearing Ijefore the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 
Felix Matos Bernier, of Ponce, P. R. : 

Dr. Carroll. What is the social condition of Porto Rico? 

Mr. Bernier. The social state of Porto Rico is a pitiable one, owing 
to the want of attention under the Spanish authorities and the isola- 
tion in which the country people have always lived. It is necessary 
for the-salvation of the workingman of this country that a system of 
compulsory education should be instituted, but it should be made 
practicable, so that it can be enforced. 

As regards religion, the people are nearly all utterly indifferent. 
They have never been taught properly religious dogmas, because 
their education, I think, has not allowed them to grasp the real mean- 
ing of religion. I mean that it would have been labor wasted. Very 
few are fanatical, but all are susceptible of religious instruction. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose they are all inclined to the Catholic 
Church? 

Mr. Bernier. They have absolutely no religious criterion; they 
simply don't care. 

Dr. Carroll. They know nothing of Protestantism, for instance? 

Mr. Bernier. They are susceptible of being molded completely. 
As a general rule they have ill feelings toward the Catholic Church, 
which. I consider a great advantage in their favor. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they superstitious? 

Mr. Bernier. No; not at all. 

There has been a great deal of complaint on the part of the peons 
because of the wages they have received; but some of this is unrea- 
sonable. Mairy agriculturists have treated their help with fairness. 
Some of them, it is true, have taken advantage of their ignorance 
and committed abuses in the payment and treatment of the laborers. 
The general rate of wages, without regard to the form in which they are 
paid, has been about 50 centavos a day, and in a great many cases the 
peons are furnished with houses. In the lowlands in a great many 
instances owners of sugar estates have paid as low as from 31 to 36 
centavos, which I consider unjust, because in the lowlands peons have 
more needs than those living in the mountains. I think that when 
the exchange is made the laborer will be perfectly satisfied if he 
receives 50 cents in the new T money and is allowed to share in personal 
liberties, which for him will be a great event. This question is so 



713 

extensive that it is not possible to reduce it to a few remarks. But 
the real protest of the country as a whole lias been against the Span- 
ish institutions in the country — the privileges which have always 
been conceded to natives of Spain and the assaults and abuses, direct 
and indirect, with which they have treated the working classes here. 
The working classes of this country are so submissive and easily sat- 
isfied and humble that they could have lived contentedly under 
almost any other government than that of Spain, whose laws were 
never carried out as they should have been. I think that the coun- 
try should have a police force imported from the States while educat- 
ing certain elements among the young men here to understand their 
opportunities and duties in that respect. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you think of the civil guard? 

Mr. Bernier. I think that the civil guard should be suppressed 
and that a new body of comisarios should be created, with a certain 
number of men under them to protect life and property in their respec- 
tive districts. For the purpose of this body it would be necessary to 
choose men of calm judgment, unbiased by any political party. One 
of the reasons of Spain's failure is that she sent a civil guard here 
among whom were men who were at the disposition of certain prop- 
erty holders, who made use of them to exercise undue pressure over 
their workmen for their own private ends. 

Dr. Carroll. Were they not a well-trained body of men? 

Mr. Bernier. In the physical sense of the word they were fine men 
and well disciplined, but in another sense of the word they were a 
cancer upon the country. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the unfortunate condition of the laboring classes 
due to the oppressive power of the few? 

Mr. Bernier. I think it is due, in the first place, to the neglect of 
the government, which has taken no notice of the working class, and, 
in the second place, due to the conditions of life under which they 
live — the want of social privileges. I think it is also due in part to 
the owners of estates, who have looked upon them simply as instru- 
ments of work, but have taken no cognizance of them as human beings. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose that owners of sugar estates differ— that 
some have been kind and considerate, while others have been 
oppressive? 

Mr. Bernier, Yes; some of them have looked after their working- 
men well. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that a matter, in your judgment, to be remedied 
by law or by bringing about better conditions? 

Mr. Bernier. To a certain extent it is a matter of legislation, because 
legislation can bring about better conditions; but it is not a condition 
that can be legislated for directly. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the hours of labor? 

Mr. Bernier. From the rising to the setting of the sun. The peons 
themselves say that their hours begin and end with the opening and 
closing of the ceciliana, a flower that opens and closes with the sun, 
which is usually understood to mean from 6 to 6. In a few parts of 
the island the hours of labor are from 6 to 5. 

Dr. Carroll. How long a time are the men allowed at noon? 

Mr. Bernier. From 12 to 1. 

Dr. Carroll. The hours for agricultural laborers in the United 
States are even longer than those. They begin work sometimes as 
early as 4 o'clock in the morning. 



714 

FOOD OF THE POOR. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1898. 
Mr. Francisco T. Sabat, deputy collector of customs in San Juan. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the chief kinds of food used'? 

Mr. Sabat. Fresh meat, wheat bread, dried codfish, rice, beans, 
all classes of poultry, and all classes of tropical fruits. The poorer 
classes of the country eat jerked beef, fried plantains, and sweet pota- 
toes; seldom fresh meat. Without exception they all use coffee. 
Sometimes, in the cold season, instead of taking coffee, they use gin- 
ger tea, the root being produced in this country. The people in the 
cities take more or less the same classes of food — more or less, as people 
in other countries do. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the principal clothing used in the country? 

Mr. Sabat. The country people of the poorer classes, owing to the 
neglect to which they have always been subject on the part of the 
government, and also to the effects of slavery, which was abolished 
in 1873, seldom wear anything but a shirt and a pair of pants made of 
a mixture of cotton and jute of the cheapest possible description. 
They rarely wear shoes. They wear straw hats of native manufac- 
ture. People in the cities dress as people do in other countries, except 
that they select as thin materials as can be found. 

Dr. Carroll. In the country most of the children go naked, do 
they not? 

Mr. Sabat. In the country it is more or less customary among the 
poor people, having little children, to allow the little children to go 
about without clothing, but it is contraiy to law to allow it in the 
cities. The fact that children are seen in that condition in the cities 
shows how the essential laws have been neglected. 

Dr. Carroll. What classes of houses are found in the country 
districts? 

Mr. Sabat. The poor people in the country districts make their 
houses upon four uprights, usually trunks of trees, and cover them 
outside with dried thatch, roof and all. These houses are almost 
without furniture, and the people sleep without mattresses of any 
description. In the city, as well as in the country, with few excep- 
tions, there are few houses which have glass. With glass the houses 
would be suffocating. The class of persons who are in a good posi- 
tion — that is, not rich, but in moderate circumstances — live well here. 
In the city and in the rural districts most of the agriculturists who 
possess any capital have their comfortable houses on their estates, 
well furnished in proportion to their means; they partake of good 
food and, in fact, lead quite comfortable lives. It is only the poor 
people who live as miserably as has just been described. 



ARTISANS OF SAN JUAN. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 4, 1898. 
A committee of workmen, representing various gremios, or working- 
men's societies, of San Juan, called upon the commissioner at his office. 
The committee consisted of the following-named persons: Santiago 



715 

Iglesias, president of the Federation of Gremios of San Juan; Facundo 
Valencia Ramos, representing the painters; Jose Antonio Gimenez, 
representing tinsmiths and bookbinders; Jose M. Figueras, represent- 
ing cigar makers; Rosendro Rivera, representing printers; Estanislao 
Sesman, representing masons; Hernardo Torres, representing bakers; 
Norberto Quinones, representing dock laborers; Hilario Diaz, repre- 
senting barbers ; Esteban Rivera Nunez, representing shoemakers, and 
Benigno Lopez Castro, a professor of elementary instruction, repre- 
senting small planters and day laborers. 

Mr. Iglesias. I represent specially the gremio of carpenters. To 
tell yon about all the wants and aspirations of my gremio I should 
have to speak at great length. What I will say is that our chief 
object has been to obtain for each of its members the greatest amount 
of education possible and to facilitate the means of using boys, 15 
years of age, who wish to enter the workshops. Under the new insti- 
tutions we shall find this much easier, because we understand that in 
the United States the greater part of the forces of the Government are 
directed to the propagation of instruction for its workingmen, and the 
new form of government will itself take care of that, through munici- 
palities and the insular government. As regards education, we shall 
not have to give so much attention to that. 

As I said before, that is a municipal matter; but, as regards tech- 
nical instruction, that will occupy our attention more closely, as we 
have here no large buildings in the way of factories in which youths 
can acquire such an education, and, unfortunately, tradesmen and 
artisans are obliged to work in competition with each other. We shall 
have to direct our attention especially to the economic side of our 
trades, as that has been at a very low ebb. Wages have ruled from 
$1 to $1.50 a day. There have been some exceptions of $3 for a day's 
work. I am speaking for my own gremio. The average wage has 
been $1 or $1.25. I am sorry to say that but few members of our 
gremio have had an opportunity of acquiring a thorough knowledge 
of the trade. 

Dr. Carroll. There is, then, a considerable amount of unskilled 
labor in your gremio? 

Mr. Iglesias. From an artistic point of view, they have not acquired 
the excellence they should have, but most of their work does not 
require a great deal of artistic excellence. At any rate, the work they 
have done has yielded a great profit to those for whom they have 
worked, and has always been worth more than they have received. 
The work required in this country is of a solid character. We are 
anxious to obtain technical schools for the broader education of our 
members, and we also require that public buildings shall be built in 
such a way that they will stimulate workmen to excel in their par- 
ticular branch and shall not be made the instruments of speculation 
for the persons having them in charge. 

As regards the hours of labor, we require that they should be short- 
ened, because in this climate, where the sun undermines a man's con- 
stitution, we have been working ten and eleven hours a day, with 
only an hour for dinner. It is quite a common thing for a man to go 
to work in the morning without having time to take his coffee. In 
the middle of the day they leave off work at 11 o'clock and go home 
to a dinner which the scarcity of their means does not allow to be 
sufficient to keep up their strength. They work until sunset in the 
winter. In San Juan and in many parts of the island it is quite a 



716 

common thing to see debilitated specimens of humanity who have 
been brought to that estate by overwork and improper food. 

Dr. Carroll. Of what does the staple food of the workingman 
consist? 

Mr. Iglesias. Rice, beans, and codfish. That is, for the generality 
of them. There are a few who can eat meat;" but meat costs at pres- 
ent 30 and 35 centavos a kilogram, and there are few who can afford 
that luxury. As regards our homes, the situation is simply appalling. 
Owing to the heavy rents, workmen are reduced to the necessity of 
living in a niche — you can hardly call it a room. This, of course, con- 
tributes to the unhealthiness of the workmen. 

Dr. Carroll. How do the prices of labor and of food and other 
necessaries of life now compare with those before the war? 

Mr. Iglesias. Before the war rates of wages averaged about $1.25 
or $1.50, colonial money; but to-day the tendencj 7 is to pay us our 
wages in gold, for which reason, as long as the difference exists, we 
are earning a premium of 60 per cent over our former wages. This 
is noticeable on public and military works, and we have made repre- 
sentations to master workmen that we shall hereafter require them to 
pay us in gold. 

Dr. Carroll. You are satisfied with the present arrangement; is 
that what you mean? 

Mr. Iglesias. Whatever complaints we make do. not in an}' way 
have relation to the American Government or its representatives. 
Whatever we suffer under the present administration is the fault of 
persons of Spanish origin who are very near the Government, who are 
very deficient in education, and whose idea is to advance their own 
interests at the expense of the island. 

Dr. Carroll. I do not get your meaning. Do you mean that you 
get more now than before the war? 

Mr. Iglesias. Some get more, but not all. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you pay more or less now for rice, sugar, and the 
things you are in daily need of than you did before the war? 

Mr. Iglesias. Some cost as much, and some are lower. 

Dr. Carroll. Taking the things you have to buy, all iu all, are you 
paying as much now as before the war? 

Mr. Iglesias. The general result is more. 

Dr. Carroll. Does child labor enter into the labor question to any 
great degree? 

Mr. Iglesias. Yes; it does. There is no law preventing children 
of 15 from entering into competition with adults, and the heavy work 
they are called upon to do annihilates the child in a short time. 

Dr. Carroll. Does prison labor enter into competition in any way 
with the labor of the gremios? 

Mr. Iglesias. Formerly it did so, but to-day prisoners are not 
allowed out of prison, and we don't fear them any longer. 

Mr. Ramos. The gremio of painters suffers from all the causes 
enumerated by Mr. Iglesias; also from the low rate of wages received. 
As the painters did not know what the American Government would 
pay, they stipulated for wages at the old rate, but they found out 
afterwards that some were being paid $1.50 in gold, and they all now 
want to get that rate. Some are receiving that amount and some are 
not. As regards education, the painters also are in sad need of better- 
ment in this line. What we need is a technical college of instruction. 
We also require, as workmen, better food and lodging. 

Mr. Gimenez. I represent three branches, those of tinsmith and 



717 

silversmith, of whom there are very few, and of bookbinder, a class 
of workmen spread widely over the country. The pay of bookbinders 
is not made daily or weekly, but monthly, and it is very rare for a 
bookbinder to earn as much as $25 a month, provincial money, the 
usual rate being from $15 to $18. As you can understand, that is too 
small an amount. No single man can live on it, much less a married 
man with a family. As regards other matters, what Mr. Iglesias has 
said will cover my views also. 

Mr. Figueras. I represent the cigar makers, whose industry has been 
one of the most unjustly treated branches of labor, for it is an 
accepted axiom that the laborer should receive at least one-fourth of 
the selling price of the goods on which he works, and I can say that 
we do not. Take, for instance, a cigar that is retailed at 130 a thou- 
sand. We ought to receive at least $7.50 for our labor, but we receive 
only $6.25. That is with respect to small sizes. In fine work and 
larger sizes of cigars, those, for instance, which are sold at $110 and 
$120 a thousand, we are only paid $20, which is less than the proportion 
in the preceding case. Owing to these circumstances the cigar makers 
have asked the owners of factories to raise their rates of wages in rela- 
tion to the retail prices of the cigars they work on. The workers on 
the fine grades of cigars — skilled workmen — never earn more than 
$1.25 a day, and as they usually have families, this is utterly insuffi- 
cient for their support. The workers on the lower grades seldom earn 
more than 80 cents a day. 

Dr. Carroll. How long has it been since you. received one-fourth 
part of the selling price of the cigars? 

Mr. Figueras. In the year 1882 I was working with others in a fac- 
tory called "The Two Antilles." We struck, and the owner of the 
factory issued a notice in which he called us back to work and xn'ora- 
ised to give us 25 per cent, as we demanded. This was paid for some 
time, but there was a gradual return to the lower prices. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the lower prices you are receiving now due in 
any way to the overcrowding of the trade? 

Mr. Figueras. . There are really too many workmen; and when the 
employers haven't much work, they give out to their men a certain 
amount of tobacco to work up; and as the men do piecework, they 
divide this up among themselves and each takes his share of it. That 
is one of the reasons they can never make a sufficiently good living, 
because where they might otherwise earn $2, they have to divide up 
with their fellow- workmen and earn only a dollar apiece. 

Mr. Rivera. I represent compositors. Our gremio is in a very back- 
ward condition, which fact I attribute to the high duties levied by the 
Spanish Government on type brought into the country, such type never 
having been manufactured here. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion 
that there are typesetters here who are able to compete with any type- 
setters in the world as regards the quality of their work. What pre- 
vents us from turning out fine work is the lack of good materials. As 
regards the wage question, I think the rates paid here for typesetting 
are criminal. We think the Government ought to establish schools 
to enable us to study English gratuitously. There is only one estab- 
lishment in which typesetters have work all the year round. The 
owner of it began with nothing, and everything he has to-day he has 
earned at the expense of his workmen. 

Dr. Carroll. How do you work, by the day or by the line? 

Mr. Rivera. The pay for three lines, composed and distributed, is 
lx cents. 



718 

Dr. Carroll. What wages can typesetters earn per week on an 
average? 

Mr. Rivera. The average is $5 or $6 a week. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do you consider it necessary for a man to 
have in order to have a degree of comfort? 

Mr. Rivera. About $15 a week. 

Mr. Sesman. I represent masons and bricklayers. As regards the 
general aspects of our trade, what Mr. Iglesias has said applies to our 
trade. With high prices for food and low wages, we are in a very bad 
situation. There are a few masons who can earn as much as 81.25 a 
day, but they comprise only about one-tenth of the masons; others 
earn less. 

Dr. Carroll. How many days do you work in a week? 

Mr. Sesman. Six days, as in all the gremios. 

Mr. Iglesias. In the office of the Correspondencia the printers work 
every day in the year, except Good Friday. The bakers work every 
day. 

Mr. Sesman. The employers of labor exploit labor in every way pos- 
sible, exacting from it more than it can do. They do not take a man's 
intelligence into account when they come to fix wages; it is merely a 
matter of paying for so much brute force. I will cite you an instance 
in connection with my trade. Take 3 meters of wall, for example, for 
which the contractor would receive $9.25; of this the laborer would 
get only $4.75. 

Dr. Carroll. Does any of the rest go for materials? 

Mr. Sesman. That simply refers to the work; not to the materials. 

Dr. Carroll. Does not the contractor furnish the materials? 

Mr. Sesman. Yes; but he has a different arrangement for that. 

Dr. Carroll. Does he make that amount out of the labor alone? 

Mr. Sesman. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Then I should think there would be a great many 
contractors. 

Mr. Sesman. There are a great many. 

Dr. Carroll. That ought to bring down the prices. 

Mr. Sesman. It isn't a question of competition, for there isn't a 
great amount of work, and the necessities of life force us to take work 
at any terms offered by the contractors. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the illustration you give represent the rule or 
the exception? 

Mr. Sesman. It is the rule. 

Dr. Carroll. Was it a government building to which you referred? 

Mr. Iglesias. The Spanish Government, in building its fortifica- 
tions and public buildings, would let the work out by public auction, 
but would fix the prices of labor, and other builders and property 
owners would guide themselves b} 7 the prices fixed by the Spanish 
Government. 

Dr. Carroll. Was Mr. Sesman referring to a government build- 
ing? 

Mr. Sesman. No; not to any building in particular. 

I have nothing further to say, except to add that what I can earn 
is not enough to live on. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do bricklayers get a week? 

Mr. Sesman. Nine dollars. 

Mr. Norberto Quinones. I come here to speak in behalf of the 
lightermen. There is a company owning lighters here which employs 
us, and we are supposed to work on shares. It is nothing more than 






719 

a supposition, as virtually we clon't do so. On the arrival of a vessel, 
the company sends out lighters and agrees to pay the men who work 
them a portion of the amount received from the consignees of the 
cargo — usually a quarter — but we don't get that, and on dividing up 
among ourselves we have to make allowance for the fact that some 
perform more work than others. This state of affairs is very unsat- 
isfactory. This division never gives enough at the end of the week 
to pay for decent subsistence. We have to work without the use of 
any sort of mechanical appliances to assist us in the work; every- 
thing is done by bodily strength. We have to take our meals in a 
hurry, because we are required to work continuously in loading or 
unloading a vessel. Should any of us injure himself, such as fractur- 
ing a limb, the lighter company does not assist us. One of our chief, 
complaints is that we have no fixed hours of work. We have to work 
at any hour we are called on, beginning at 5 o'clock in the morning. 
Our boss, who is paid more than the rest, makes us work like dogs. 
Among the lightermen there is hardly one who knows how to read or 
write. As a class, they are without education of any sort. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they begin at an early age? 

Mr. Quinones. Sometimes as early as 8 years old. They begin by 
cleaning out the boat and assisting in rowing it to and from the vessel. 
As their strength increases they assist in the heavier work. 

Dr. Carroll. How many lighter companies are there? 

Mr. Quinones. Three; Arsuaga, Cheveste Successors, and the 
widow of Cabrere. 

Dr. Carroll. Do these companies work with a common under- 
standing between them as to prices? 

Mr. Quinones. Yes ; they work in harmony. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they under government supervision? 

Mr. Quinones. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the captain of the port not supposed to have some 
superintendence of these matters? 

Mr. Quinones. Yes; he is supposed to, but he neglects his duty. 

Dr. Carroll. Do these companies pay any tax upon their income 
or upon their work? 

Mr. Quinones. They pay an impost on the lighter — so much a 
lighter. 

Dr. Carroll. Have the lightermen ever made any complaint to the 
captain of the port? 

Mr. Quinones. We were always complaining, but as justice was 
only a theory we never got any remedy. If we did not work, there 
were always men who could be had who would work. 

Mr. Torres. There is very little to be said about the bakery busi- 
ness. In San Juan there are five bakeries, but the number of bakers 
is greater than there is need of. They divide, the work among them- 
selves, a portion of them working some nights and the rest other 
nights. Bakers work night and day here. Kneaders earn $3 in 
twenty-four hours. The peons who work at the board make from $2 
down to $1.50. 

Dr. Carroll. Everybody in this island eats bread, as I understand 
it, and if there are only five bakeries in this district of 30,000 people, 
it would seem that it would be a lively business for the bakers. They 
make excellent bread. 

Mr. Torres. It is a good business. Counting the bakery at Puerta 
de la Terra, a suburb of the capital, there are six. 



720 

Dr. Carroll. Why don't the bakers share with the workmen? 
They are workmen themselves, arc 1hey not? 

Mr. Torres. They are not workmen themselves. At 10 o'clock at 
night they turn over the key of their bakery to their foreman and go 
to sleep. As in other trades, the man who doesn't work makes the 
money and the man who does work gets very little. 

Dr. Carroll. Does it require much capital to start a bakery? 

Mr. Torres. I estimate that with $500 and a couple of barrels of 
flour a small bakery could be commenced. 

Dr. Carroll. Then is it not the thing for the journeyman baker to 
start a bakery himself? 

Mr. Torres. The reason why the bakers are in such a poor position 
is that under the old government any such thing as a meeting to 
better their conditions or request an increase of wages would be re- 
garded by the government with disfavor, so that they were never able 
to get together to improve their situation. 

Dr. Carroll. The Government of the United States allows the 
utmost freedom for men to meet, talk about matters of common inter- 
est, and concert plans for their mutual advantage. 

Professor Castro. I am going to tell a story which will illustrate 
why workmen did not get together under the old government. In 
1893, when Porto Rico had a reciprocal tariff with the United States, 
a bag of flour could be brought in and sold at from seven to eight dol- 
lars. I was astonished to see that bread was sold, nevertheless, at 9 
centavos a pound — what was supposed to be a pound , but what wa s really 
only 10 ounces. I tried to find out the reason for this, and found that 
only two bakeries were working and seven had closed. I found that 
these two bakeries had monopolized the business and were paying the 
others sums of from $60 to $150 not to work. I was determined to 
break up this monopoly, and I founded, in company with some com- 
panions, a society called the Cooperative Workmen's Society. After 
more than a year's existence, during which time, with a minimum 
payment of $25 a month, we managed to save up $1,000, we started a 
bakery. As soon as we had it started and offered the public bread at 
6 centavos a pound — full 16 ounces — the two bakeries which had been 
monopolizing the trade began to cut prices until finally they com- 
menced to give it away. I was determined not to give in, and worked 
day and night. I kept it up for two years, but the work was superior 
to my strength. I not only had to struggle against the bakeries which 
had been in operation, but also against those which had closed, 
because the moment I started to wo.rk the two established bakeries 
stopped paying to the others. At the end of two years, because of 
intrigue against me and because the public did not respond as it 
should have done, the company retired me and put somebody else in 
the place. The neAv men did not work day and night as I did, and 
the result was that the* company soon ceased to exist. I got into fur- 
ther trouble because the two companies against which I was smug- 
gling started a suit against me as an anti-Spaniard, and I don't know 
how I managed to get out of the suit as I did. All steps toward ini- 
tiative were wiped out by the Spanish Government. I was at that 
time a schoolmaster, not a baker, and that was one of the reasons 
why they brought the suit against me. I was not an enemy of Spain, 
but I was an enemy of monopoly. 

Mr. Diaz. I represent the gremio of barbers. All I have to say is 
that they suffer more or less the same ills that have been i*eferred to — 
the high prices of provisions, the low remuneration of barbers, and 



721 

high rents. I represent the barbers in this evening's committee only. 
I am not a barber myself and can not give you details. 

Mr. Nunez. The shoemaker's trade has been one of those most 
exploited, owing to the fact that materials have been very high and 
shoes very cheap — that is to say, shoes brought in from Spain have 
been allowed special advantages, and have been imported at a price 
which allows of their being sold at a much lower figure than those 
made here. On the other hand, materials have been heavily taxed. 
Another thing from which we have suffered was the practice of some 
gentlemen who were not really in the shoe business taking contracts 
for supplying shoes, instead of these contracts being given to shoe- 
makers. There have been instances where teachers of the normal 
school have established shoemaker shops in their private houses in 
order to comply with contracts taken by them. 

Professor Castro. My profession is that of a school-teacher, but as 
this is a manufacturing center and not an agricultural one, there does 
not happen to be a representative of the agricultural interests here, 
and Mr. Iglesias has commissioned me to take that charge upon 
myself. 

Agriculture in this country is at a very low ebb, not because of the 
soil, which is most fertile, nor for the want of natural resources, but 
because of the want of funds and because of the rudimentary 
methods employed by agriculturists. 

Dr. Carroll. What opportunities have you had to acquaint your- 
self with agriculture? Have you worked at it or consulted with 
agriculturists? 

Professor Castro. I have lived nine years in the country, and have 
seen all that is going on there. 

Mr. Iglesias. As the agricultural laborers have never been allowed 
by the Spanish Government to form any sort of league, there would 
be no one to represent them, and as this gentleman (Professor Castro) 
has lived among them for a number of years, I have asked him to 
inform you in regard to their condition. 

Professor Castro. I attribute the almost utter ruin of most of the 
agriculturists to the fact that, stimulated by the high prices which 
they obtained for important crops, they neglected altogether the cul- 
tivation of small crops, with the result that when low prices came for 
the larger crops they found themselves in a very bad position. Owing 
to their lack of funds and the want of agricultural banks, agricul- 
turists have had to apply to commercial houses, called "refacionistas," 
who furnish them during the year with supplies and provisions for 
themselves and their workmen to keep their estates going. These 
refacionistas have imposed their own conditions on the agriculturists, 
and have been able to buy the crops at their own prices. But as 
these questions have been already thrashed out in the papers, and do 
not come within my profession, I am going to speak of the working 
classes on the estates, whom I have been asked to represent. 

The condition of the field laborer to-day is a pitiable one. Owing to 
the long hours of work — usually twelve — and the low rate of wages 
which they earn, their situation is as bad as it could be. The average 
is from 38 to 50 centavos daily. They begin to work at 6 o'clock in the 
morning and leave off at 6 o'clock in the evening. They have no 
stated times for taking their meals, which consist of rice, imported 
from the English West Indies, known here as Hamburg rice, with 
which are mixed a few beans occasionally. This they frequently have 
1125 46 



722 

to eat with one hand while guiding the plow with the other, and it 
can be readily understood that twelve hours of continuous work, with 
insufficient food, wears out the peons. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the 38 centavos paid to all alike on the plantation, 
without reference to their strength and without reference to whether 
they are men, women, or children? 

Professor Castro. Children earn 10 or 12 centavos a day; women 
earn the same as men. The wages vary between the limits stated — 38 
centavos and 50 centavos — as the price of sugar rises and falls. But 
no matter how high sugar rises, the men never get more than 50 
centavos a day. Sometimes, in some of the sugar mills, during har- 
vest time, the workmen have to begin at 2 o'clock in the morning 
and work until 5 or 6 in the evening. For these additional hours of 
labor they only earn a quarter of their day's wages additional. 

As is natural, these laborers have several times tried to protest 
against this state of affairs, but as the owners of haciendas are usually 
in favor with the governing powers, or are themselves government 
officers, all unions formed for the purpose of protesting have been 
complained against as seditious societies, with the result, in one year — 
a result known to all the world — that an inquisition was inaugurated. 

Besides the troubles I have mentioned, most of the haciendas have 
small stores on the estate, and do not pay their workmen in money, 
but in checks which are countersigned and do not pass in any other 
store except their own. There the peon is forced to buy, at exorbitant 
prices, rotten rice and fish. These prices are higher than the peon 
would have to pay if he could pay cash. 

All these conditions explain the miserable life of the agricultural 
peon, who may be said to live not even in a hut, but sometimes in 
caves, and who is not able to attend to his personal needs with his 
small wages, much less such a luxury as a pair of shoes. He is abso- 
lutely unable to educate his children. In some of the districts, sep- 
arated from towns, the children grow up like wild plants, nobody 
taking any notice of or bestowing any care upon them. That is 
noticeably the case in Arecibo, where there are twenty-one barrios, in 
only one of which is there a school for girls. For boys there are 
schools in several districts. 

The field worker does not pay direct taxes, but indirectly he pays 
very heavy ones. He had to pay the cedula, and lie had to pay the 
consumption tax. Direct taxes fall upon the owners of plantations. 

We hope that the United States will give special attention to the 
education of that class of people, as education shoves a man his rights 
and duties and makes him more amenable to law and therefore a 
better citizen. 

Dr. Carroll. I have heard that some of the planters furnish their 
help with houses and even food, and pay them regular wages besides. 
Is there not a difference between planters in that respect? 

Professor Castro. There may be one or two exceptions among 
owners ; a few may treat their peons well, but what they probably 
referred to was that it is the custom to give small plots to one or two 
peons around the owner's house, on which they build their hut. 
The object of this is that they can watch out for the owner's interests 
and guard his house for him, but as to food, they do not give food, 
except perhaps a dish of rice at night. 

Dr. Carroll. I want to ask one or two questions bearing on other 
matters. I presume you have all given more or less attention to 
questions affecting the future of Porto Rico; for example, to the 






723 

question of the currency and the question of the tariff. These ques- 
tions seem to be in the minds of the majority of your countrymen, 
and I suppose they have been in your thoughts, too. 

Mr. Iglesias. Yes; that is true. 

Dr. Carroll. I should like to ask Mr. Iglesias — and the others, if 
they do not agree with him, can say so — whether he has any solution 
to suggest for the currency question? 

Mr. Iglesias. The workmen have not come to any understanding, 
neither do they propose at what rate money should be changed. All 
they ask is that the American Government should order that the 
workmen be paid in American dollars as soon as possible. 

Dr. Carroll. That is, you want to have the American currency 
substituted for the currency now here? 

Mr. Iglesias. We haven't come to any understanding as to the 
rate. We don't care whether it is made at 100 or 150 or 160, but we 
would like to have the change made at once. As long as the men are 
paid in provincial money they don't know what they are earning. 

I would like to say that I think the Government should allow the 
introduction of food stuffs at very low rates of duty in the interest of 
the laboring man. 

The Government should also give attention to the methods of the 
merchants in selling here, limiting the profit they may make and 
making it illegal for them to gain over a certain amount over the cost. 

There also exists a bad system here — not to call it by a stronger 
name — false weights and measures; also the custom of selling the 
necessaries of life without weighing them, the seller charging what he 
pleases for the goods sold. I think the Government should intervene 
in these matters. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there not a law regulating the matter of weights 
and measures? 

Mr. Iglesias. There is no country in the world which can touch 
Spain in the matter of magnificent laws, and there is no country in 
the world which can touch Spain in noncompliance with laws. 

I think the government should imjiose heavy duties on all articles 
of luxury, such as wines, and on everything conducive merely to 
pleasure or vice, as a recompense for low imposts on food products 
for the benefit of the working class. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you include tobacco among the articles of luxury? 

Mr. Iglesias. Yes ; I think the government should impose protect- 
ive duties on all manufactured articles, so as to protect the embry- 
onic industries which exist here at present, for at least a certain term 
of years. After these industries are in shape to look after themselves 
they could enter into competition with other producers. 

Dr. Carroll. In bringing this interview to a close, gentlemen, I 
want to say that I have heard you with much interest as you have 
stated the needs of your respective branches of trade. I observe that 
you tell about the same story, which is, in effect, that your business 
is not as good as it ought to be ; that your wages are not as high as 
they ought to be to enable you to provide even the necessaries of life, 
to say nothing about the comforts of life. You seem to be looking to 
the United States to enact laws for the government of Porto Rico 
which will very much relieve your condition, if not provide you with 
luxuries. I can not say what Congress will do, but I can assure you 
that the President of the United States, in connection with Congress, 
will endeavor to secure for this island an equitable system of govern- 
ment, to be honestly and faithfully administered. 



724 

It is a maxim of the United States that every man shall be equally 
free before the law, shall enjoy equal privileges, shall enjoy equal 
rights, shall have the right of business pursuit, the pursuit of happi- 
ness, and particularly the right to be educated. It can give you these 
rights, and when you have these rights you have an opportunity to 
better your condition. It is onby indirectly that legislation can be 
adapted to improve your situation, and I am sure you will not expect 
direct laws to raise your wages or to lower the price of the food you 
eat or the clothes you wear, or anything of that sort. But you will 
have the full right, which you seem not to have had under the recent 
government, of meeting together, of talking over your common inter- 
ests, and of doing all those things in concert which are intended to 
improve your condition. I am sure it is your intention to become 
good American citizens, as it is also the intention of the authorities 
at Washington to give every consideration to the f uture of this island, 
in order that you may all have an equal chance of life, and that there 
may be an increase of prosperity such as the island has never known. 

Professor Castro. We thank you very much, as the representative 
of the American Government, for the courtesy of calling us here to- 
night, and we thank that Government still more for its good inten- 
tions toward us. But we wish you particularly to mention to the 
President that he has no need of bayonets or soldiers to govern 
Porto Rico, because he will find the people here ready to defend the 
integrity of the United States, and we feel that we shall now have a 
chance to attain the end we have in view, namely, prosperity, prog- 
ress, and happiness. 

I hope the people of the United States will not think that we have 
received the American Army with open arms out of any feeling of 
servility, but because of the fact that for years we have felt that 
annexation to the United States was, geographically, our only possi- 
ble future. We have been, you may say, in a state of suppressed 
revolution for a great many years, and now that the opportunity has 
come we feel .that under the Stars and Stripes we will achieve our 
long-cherished ambitions. 



THE FIELD LABORERS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., January 6, 1899. 
Mr. Seveeo Tulier, of Vega Baja, called at the office of the spe- 
cial commissioner, in behalf of the peons of Porto Rico, and was 
interviewed as follows : 

Mr. Tulier. I have been working on my father's estate at manual 
labor, but finding that such work yields but poor returns at present, 
I have come to San Juan for the purpose of learning a trade. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you a native of Vega Baja? 

Mr. Tulier. I live there with my father, who has a coffee estate; 
but not having the money to attend to its cultivation, we have 
abandoned it. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you ever worked for anybody besides your 
father? 

Mr. Tulier. No. 



725 

Dr. Carroll. Are you familiar with the conditions of the workmen 
on other estates in that neighborhood? 

Mr. Tulier. Yes, thoroughly; and I am disposed to give you some 
information about them. I have come here from a sense of duty to 
do this; otherwise, I should not have come to your office dressed as 
I am. 

(Mr. Tuber's hat, coat, trousers, and shoes all showed signs of long 
wear; he wore no collar or tie, and had the appearance of a poor 
country laborer.) 

Dr. Carroll. I want facts rather than opinions, and I would ask 
that you should be careful not to state an isolated fact in a general 
way as true under all circumstances. 

Mr. Tulier. Where I can not give you a complete answer, I will 
not answer at all. 

Dr. Carroll. Is a uniform rate of wages paid to peasants in that 
district? 

Mr. Tulier. The usual rate is 25 centavos and breakfast, and 37-J- 
centavos to the better class of workmen. A few laborers who have 
some special skill receive as high as 50 centavos a day, but it should 
be borne in mind that where 50 centavos is paid payment is made in 
vales, which are mere tokens representing certain values and redeem- 
able at the company's store. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that the uniform rule in cases where 50 centavos 
is the rate of wages? 

Mr. Tulier. No, not altogether. Sometimes a proprietor will close 
his store and then pay in money. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they pay less under those circumstances? 

Mr. Tulier. At the same rate. 

Dr. Carroll. On estates where 50 centavos is paid, do they have 
the best men and women employed? 

Mr. Tulier. They have all classes ; but now and then they pick 
out a specially good man and pa} 7 him more than they pay the others. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the women work on estates? 

Mr. Tulier. The women in my district work on their own estates, 
but not on others. 

Dr. Carroll. I saw some women working on the Carmen estate. 

Mr. Tulier. That may be, but I have not seen it. 

Dr. Carroll. I would like to have you give a careful statement 
with regard to the wages of the workmen, their hours of labor, any 
special cases of ill treatment, and the condition in which they live. 

Mr. Tulier. The customaiy hours of work are from 6 to 6 ; that is, 
for work in the field. For work in the shops and on the sugar ma- 
chinery they have to go earlier, sometimes as early as 4 o'clock in the 
morning. 

Dr. Carroll. How much time is given for dinner? 

Mr. Tulier. Half an hour. 

Dr. Carroll. At what time do they stop for dinner? 

Mr. Tulier. At 11 o'clock. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they have coffee in the morning? 

Mr. Tulier. They are not given coffee on the estates, and very 
few take anything before leaving their homes. Those who haven't 
permission to live on the estate usually live a league or two from it, 
and have to walk that distance to work without anything to eat. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't they get fruit? 

Mr. Tulier. Yes, when they have saved some from the day before; 



726 

otherwise not. A man who works on an estate does not have time to 
cultivate any land for his own use. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they take their dinners with them? 

Mr. Tulier. On estates which give breakfast the peons just take 
a flask along with orange juice or something of that kind with which 
they can make a drink; on other estates the peons generally go to 
the village near by and get their meals there. 

Dr. Carroll, What do they have to eat in the evening'? 

Mr. Tulier. The basis of their evening meal is a big plantain, which 
they sometimes make into a mess with rice or beans. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they never have any meat or fish? 

Mr. Tulier. They have meat only on Sundays, and only in those 
cases where wages are paid in money, because otherwise they can only 
take what is kept at the proprietor's store; and that never has meat. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the stores not have pork? 

Mr. Tulier. No; the peons never eat pork; they maj 7 sometimes 
buy a cent's worth to cook with their food to give it a flavor. 

Dr. Carroll. What about their houses? 

Mr. Tulier. The house is made of poles, thatched about with palm, 
and is 4 or 5 varas square (vara, about 33 inches), partitioned off into a 
parlor, a bedroom, and a kitchen. In the parlor there is a table, 
usually an heirloom from many years back. The floor is made of 
boards cut from palm trees. The kitchen has no flooring, and the 
parlor and bedroom flooring is badly laid. Frequently the house lets 
in the rain. With the same rough class of boards from which the 
flooring is made they construct a rude bed in the sleeping room, tied 
together with withes. The wardrobe consists of two changes — one 
that is being worn and one that is being washed. The only clothes 
closet consists of a rough box in the bedroom. The children, as a 
rule, have only one little shirt, and while the mother is washing that 
they run about without any clothing. The women of this class rarely 
have irons to iron their clothes. 

In harvest time these people have poor food very badly cooked. 
Their food improves a little during the corn season, as that forms an 
addition to the daily diet. Their three chief articles of food, it may 
be said, are sweet potatoes, plantains, and corn, of which they always 
choose whichever happens to be the cheapest. When the husband 
comes back from work, the supper is usually of the same material as 
already stated, unless he has been able to bring back a piece of cod- 
fish, a few beans or peas, or a little rice. 

When a child is born the mother is assisted by the first woman who 
happens to be near, usually a mother or sister. The number of deaths 
caused from want of medical assistance is not considerable, because 
the women lead a free out-of-door life, but owing to want of proper 
nourishing food, a great many succumb from weakness. There is a 
serious mortalit} 7 among infants owing to the ignorance on the part 
of mothers as regards treatment and care of children. A couple of 
days after confinement the woman is usually about and at her work 
again. When a woman is obliged to keep to her bed, her husband is 
not able to go to work, as he has to attend to the preparation of the 
food, care for the children, and attend to other household duties. 
The poor people are absolutely in want of medical assistance in the 
country places, and if they go to the village to obtain medical aid they 
can only do so through the charity of the doctors, as they are not 
able to pay for such services. 



727 

Although a great number of these people do not go through any 
form of marriage, it is probable that the majority do. A great many 
live together and, after having a family, determine to get married. 
This is usually brought about through the entreaties of the women, 
who desire to have a legal standing. On Sunday they can get married 
for 1 peso; on other days, according to the importance of the clay, 4, 
6, or 8 pesos, as the priest chooses to ask. When there happens to 
exist a family relationship between the contracting parties, the priests 
take advantage of the fact to squeeze money out of them for procur- 
ing the necessary dispensations. First cousins may marry with the 
permission of the bishop. 

When there is a death the neighbors come in and assist. They 
generally manage to get a few boards, and some neighbor who may 
know something of carpentering is called upon to knock these boards 
together for a coffin. Their dead are always taken to the towns for 
burial to facilitate inscription in the civil register and to remove 
responsibility from the relatives of the deceased. There is absolutely 
no sort of mourning ceremony; that is, the women never put on black 
as a badge of bereavement. 

Usually about five persons live in a house of the kind I have 
described. They all sleep together — father, mother, grown-up sons, 
and daughters — and when they haven't sufficient beds, they sleep on 
piles of palm leaves. They usually take up different corners of the 
room, separating' themselves as much as possible. They pay no rent 
for these houses. They knock together a house wherever they wish 
to, and you can imagine what sort of a house it is when there are cases 
where a man has cut the palm leaves and built a house all in one day. 
Those who have only one change of clothing do not go to work on 
Saturday; they remain at home, covered with any piece of rag at 
hand, so that their wives can wash their clothes and thus enable them 
to present a clean appearance on Sunday when they go to collect their 
wages. 

The peasant is naturally intelligent, and his mind is as fertile as the 
land which he works and is only waiting the implements of education. 
As a proof of this I will cite an instance. When it was known that 
autonomy was to be granted and that suffrage was limited to men of 
25 years of age who knew how to read and write, I formed a class in 
my district and offered to teach free all men of that age and over, to 
fit them to vote. I had men in the class whose ages ranged from 25 
to 60 years, and some of them after a few lessons knew the letters of 
the alphabet at sight and could write them. This was done without 
the aid of any modern appliances used in teaching, a piece of rough 
board and chalk being the only materials at hand which the peons 
were able to avail themselves of. The desire of everybody to learn 
was manifest. 

There is nothing of fanaticism in the beliefs of the people. They 
do not. go to church, but they are believers in God. The men have no 
confidence in the priests, as a rule, but the women are more inclined 
to religious observances. I think that one generation is sufficient to 
change the character of the peasantry and to regenerate them com- 
pletely, as the desire on their part for the acquisition of knowledge is 
very marked. As soon as they see one of their number acquiring 
knowledge, all the others want to get the benefit of it. 



728 

ARTISANS AND LABORERS OF ARECIBO. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arecibo, P. R., January 13, 1899. 
A delegation of eight laboring men and artisans, representing vari- 
ous greraios of Arecibo, as follows : Tomas Miranda, president of the 
gremios; Juan N. Maclea, coopers; Buenaventura Peyot, labor- 
ers; Pedro de Jesus, tailors; Evaristo Padilla, masons; Julian 
Roman, bakers; Francisco Martinez, shoemakers, and Jose Fer- 
rer, printers: 

Mr. Juan Maclea. Owing to the large importation into the island 
of jute bags and their large use in the exportation of sugar in the 
place of barrels, coopers have very little work now. That is the chief 
cause of complaint, but we look for more work when sugar has a bet- 
ter market in the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many coopers in the island? 

Mr. Maclea. Yes; there are a great many of them. I can not give 
you the exact number. Those who used to have work on the haciendas 
don't have work now. 

Mr. Carroll. Do they turn their skill into other lines of car- 
pentering? 

Mr. Maclea. Not having learned any other form 'of carpentering, 
they are not able to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. How much can they make a day at that work? 

Mr. Maclea. Under present circumstances, such a small amount I 
hardly ought to mention it; sometimes only 14 a week, and some are 
not earning anything, because the work is paralyzed. 

Mr. Buenaventura Peyot. One of the hardships of my greruio is that 
we have to get up at 3 o'clock in the morning and work until 6 in the 
afternoon for 50 centavos a day and food, the food consisting of a little 
rice and codfish, without seasoning. 

Dr. Carroll. I wish you would state in detail just how the work- 
men live. Such information is important to my investigation. 

Mr. Peyot. When they get up in the morning, they have a cup of 
black coffee. For breakfast, the most common meal consists of a 
plantain, a piece of codfish, and a small quantity of bread, but never 
sufficient. They don't take any other meal. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they have sufficient codfish? 

Mr. Peyot. They have about 4 ounces of codfish for a person and 
four plantains. 

Dr. Pagani. They may take a cup of black coffee at night and a 
piece of plantain. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they ever have any meat? 

Mr. Peyot. Never; except, possibly, sometimes on Sunday in their 
own homes. 

Dr. Pagani. They collect their salaries on Saturday; and if they 
have anything left, they buy a few little extras. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they receive their salaries in money? 

Mr. Peyot. In coast towns usually in money, but in the interior in 
checks, redeemable only at the owner's private store. 

Dr. Carroll. What kind of houses do they live in? 

Mr. Peyot. Those who happen to live in the city have better houses, 
but those in the country have only a palm hut, containing oue or two 
rooms. Those in the towns live, very often, six, seven, or eight in one 



729 

room. There are families of four or five persons who live in a single 
room of 5 yards square, which is their living, sleeping, and cook- 
ing room. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they always pay rent? 

Mr. Peyot. Yes. If they can not pay, the landlord has to wait 
for it. 

Dr. Carroll. How much rent? 

Mr. Peyot. From 11.50 to 12 a month, according to location. 

Dr. Carroll. On estates are they not often allowed to put up. 
shacks and live in them free? 

Mr. Peyot. On some estates a few peons who are in constant 
employment live in quarters, like barracks, but on other estates no 
shelter is given them. 

Dr. Carroll. How about clothes? 

Dr. Pagani. They nearly all go shoeless. They sometimes buy 
clothes brought here from the Balearic Islands, or buy cotton goods, 
at about 17 cents a yard, and have it made up by their own people. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose their poverty prevents them, "in many 
instances, from sending their children to school? 

Mr. Pedro de Jesus. When children are 7 or 8 years old they are 
put to work. Ninety-five per cent receive no instruction at all and 
do not know how to read or write. 

Speaking now for my gremio — the gremio of tailors — we suffer a 
great deal on account of the ready-made clothing which is brought in 
from Spain. They have a habit here of raffling for a suit of clothes, 
and usually the man who wins it sells it for $8 or $10. 

Dr. Carroll. Do those clothes continue to hold the market since 
American occupation? Duties have to be paid now on Spanish as well 
as on other clothes. 

Mr. Pedro de Jesus. There is not a great deal of that in Arecibo; 
it was more in San Juan, and I don't know whether it has continued 
there. 

Dr. Carroll. What wages can tailors make here a week, on an 
average? 

Mr. Pedro de Jesus. From $6 to $8 when there is work. In times 
of scarcity of work, from $4 to $5. 

Dr. Carroll. Then they are not so badly off as some other gremios? 

Mr. Miranda. Some of them have to wait until Christmas time 
before they can earn anything at it. 

Mr. Pedro de Jesus. We have to complain also about the bad 
material brought in, and the bad quality of tools and machines. 

Dr. Carroll. Where do these bad materials and poor tools come 
from? 

Mr. Pedro de Jesus. From Barcelona and Paris. They seem to 
send the worst they can. 

Mr. Evaristo Padilla. The great need of our gremio, that of 
masons, is of work. We seldom get more than three months' work in the 
year. In government and other work foreigners are given the prefer- 
ence. The military government, instead of giving the work to Porto 
Ricans, call in their own people and put the work into their hands. 
There are plenty of vacant lots and plenty of rich people, but they 
will not build. A few days ago the masons prepared a circular asking 
these people to build, but it appears to have received no attention. 
There are some masons who earn as much as 75 centavos a day, but 
there are times when they have to submit to being paid whatever the 
bosses want to pay them. What we ask for is that government work be 



730 

given to us. We feel that we have more right to it than people com- 
ing from outside. As a result of the present state of affairs we can 
not even dress decently. If we get clothes, we have to go without food. 

Dr. Carroll. How long has this state of affairs existed? 

Mr. Padilla. As far back as I can remember. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there not too many masons? Is not that one 
reason for the conditions you describe? 

Mr. Padilla. There are about 3G here; and if there were any fair 
amount of work, that would not be too many. The difficulty is the 
great lack of work. 

Mr. Julian Roman. The bakers are in almost the same position as 
the laborers. We work from 3 in the afternoon until 12 the next 
day, and are badly paid at that. The journeymen earn 50 centavos a 
day and overseers $1. The bakeries were intending to reduce even 
these wages, but the bakers went to the alcalde and asked him to 
intervene, and he induced the bakeries not to make the cut. But 
thej 7 have been compelling the men to do twice as much; they have 
dismissed the peons and make the bakers do the manual work, thus 
making up the difference. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that due to the fall in the price of bread? 

Mr. Roman. No, because when the bread was worth more they 
paid the same. There are no machines in use. 

Dr. Carroll. You ought to get good wages, because you make good 
bread. I get good bread everywhere. 

Mr. Roman. When we arrive at old age, we are completely useless 
for anything. Go to one of the bakeries if you would like to see how 
they work. 

Dr. Carroll. At night? 

Mr. Roman. Day or night; you will always find them working. 
We only have three hours' rest out of the twenty-four. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get your own bread free? 

Mr. Roman. We are allowed to eat what we want, but not to take 
any away. We want our situation bettered. 

Mr. Francisco Martinez. The position of the shoemaker is a hard 
one, but not because there is lack of work. Our difficulty is the dear- 
ness of the materials brought in, on the one hand, and the low price of 
the finished article imported from the Balearic Islands, on the other. 
The remedy is a higher duty on the finished article and a lower duty 
on the materials. 

Dr. Carroll. These imported shoes, since the American occupa- 
tion, pay the same duties as shoes from other countries. Does not 
that help matters? 

Mr. Martinez. We have not seen any result yet. The raw mate- 
rial costs just as much as it did before. 

Dr. Carroll. Has there not been a rise in the price of shoes 
because of the Balearic Island shoes paying a heavier duty? 

Mr. Martinez. The difference has been very small. On a pair of 
shoes costing a dollar the increase might be as much as 25 centavos, 
but that has not been of substantial value to the shoemakers. You 
can buy shoes here as low as $4 that the shoemakers can not make for 
less than $6. 

Dr. Carroll. Raw materials will be cheaper under the new tariff. 

Mr. Jose Ferrer. I have very little to saj\ I understand that in 
other countries they pay typesetters by the thousand ems. There 
isn't work enough here to do that. Printers earn about $6 a week 
here. We hope that the introduction of new methods will increase 



731 

the circulation of papers and thus give increased work. There is 
only one newspaper here. 

Mr. Tomas Miranda. We haven't even a library in the town, and 
we wish to urge the need of educational facilities. About fourteen 
years ago a minister in Spain made us a present of about 1,000 vol- 
umes, but up to the present no one knows what has become of them. 

(Dr. F. Pagani stated that the foregoing-named representatives of 
the gremios of Arecibo are a picked lot of men; that many of the 
workmen could not come because of the lack of clothes to wear, some 
not having shoes and others not having a hat to wear.) 

/• 

Mr. Manuel Ledesma, a Spanish merchant and owner of a large 
estate, and Mr. Bahs: 

Dr. Carroll. How many peons have you on your estate? 

Mr. Ledesma. When we are grinding I have from four to five hun- 
dred. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you pay by the week? 

Mr. Ledesma. Every Saturdaj^. 

Dr.- Carroll. How much? 

Mr. Ledesma. Fifty centavos, on the average. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have any women working for you? 

Mr. Ledesma. Some women assist in carrying the cane, but not in 
the field. 

Dr. Carroll. I am told that there are few women who work on 
-estates. 

Mr. Ledesma. There are some. 

Dr. Carroll. Do your peons live on your estate or near it? 

Mr. Ledesma. Most of them belong to Camuy. During the grind- 
ing season they sleep on the estate, and at the end of the week return 
to their homes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they provide their own meals? 

Mr. Ledesma. Those working on the estate get one meal from the 
estate and those in the mills two meals. I have a coffee-cleaning 
place down on the beach, where I have 150 women working. I pay 
them daily, at the rate of 3 centavos a bucket. These women earn 
from 30 to 60 centavos a day. 

Dr. Carroll. Can they live fairly well on 50 centavos a day? 

Mr. Ledesma. Without doubt they could live very well on that, if 
they were not addicted to gambling. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they have to pay rent generally? 

Mr. Ledesma. They live in huts in the country, but the difficulty 
with the peons here is that thej 7 have few wants and no ambition. 

Dr. Carroll. How much rent do they have to pay? 

Mr. Ledesma. None whatever. 

Dr. Carroll. Are they allowed to build these huts? 

Mr. Ledesma. I give some permission to make houses, those I have 
■confidence in; but I do not give that permission to others. 

Mr. Bahr. One thing we need here is a savings bank of the kind 
you have in the United States. Under Spanish laws there are so 
many difficulties in the way of establishing savings banks that they 
have not been established. I have tried several times to interest 
people here in such institutions. 

Mr. Ledesma. When there is a strike among our men they usually 
follow the counsel of two or three who can read. These people are 
not ready for concerted action. Some time ago they tried to boycott 
a, bread monoply here, but after a while some of them, who were in 



732 

the movement, began to buy bread from the monopoly; the} 7 could 
not hang together. It is not because I am a Porto Rican that I wish to 
defend my countrymen, because they are a good people by nature, 
and if some of them are bad it is because they are led wrongly. 

Dr. Carroll. How can their condition be improved? 

Mr. Ledesma. By making them understand the harm of becoming 
addicted to vice. 

Dr. Carroll. What other vices besides gambling prevail? 

Mr. Ledesma. Living with women without marriage. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they do so promiscuously, or do they simply omit 
the marriage ceremony and live with one woman steadilj 7 ? 

Mr. Ledesma. As a rule they live with one woman, and establish a 
family. 

Dr. Carroll. What are their motives for not having the ceremony 
performed? 

Mr. Ledesma. They are not educated, and they think they can do 
without it. 

(Following this hearing the commissioner visited the poor quarter 
of Arecibo and questioned many women working in coffee houses, and 
they all stated that no one ever earned more than from 18 to 24 centa- 
vos a day. ) 

Jose Ramon Rivera, a druggist and property owner: 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that you are a professional man. 

Mr. Rivera. I am a druggist and property owner. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you know anything of the vital statistics of the 
people in this section of the island? 

Mr. Rivera. The population of the city is growing considerably. 
It is a very health} 7 city. Epidemics are very rare. As to the peons, 
however, they have nothing. They have no medicines, nor doctors, 
nor proper food ; they don't live in houses, they don't live in villages, 
but live like savages. They have no education, nothing is done for 
them, and it appears incredible, and it is a mystery to me how they 
live on 50 centavos a day or less with the large families they have. 

Dr. Carroll. We had a number of representatives of the gremios 
at the hotel last night, and the story they told of how they lacked 
clothing and food was distressing. 

Mr. Rivera. It is quite true that the workingmen are very poorly 
paid, and what is worse, there are too many workmen for the work 
there is to give them. This leads to the result that those who have 
credit live on credit until they can get a little money. They then pay 
their debts and live on credit again for another period. This leads to 
a situation which is desperate. No doubt their condition is, to a cer- 
tain extent, made worse by the want of thrift, which they show when 
they do earn a little money. There are some who, after passing days 
and days without earning money, when they do earn a little spend it 
all at once. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much gambling among them? I was . 
informed in San Juan that it was a common vice among the peasants. 

Mr. Rivera. Unfortunately, that is true, and it is owing to several 
reasons — want of police, want of saving habits, want of living a sani- 
tary life, which produces an anaemic race, and it is an accepted prin- 
ciple that a sickly race is a vicious race. 

Dr. Carroll. What measures would you recommend for the 
amelioration of this condition aside from those measures which would 
tend to the general prosperity of the island? 



733 

Mr. Rivera. Leaving aside the matter of compulsory education, 
which is important, I should say the first measure to be adopted 
would be one looking to- the improvement of public health. Next, 
that there should be work which would give employment to all the 
classes of the poor, which work would be increased by the stimula- 
tion of native industries, which have to be started from the beginning, 
as this country is only born to-day. Then there should be a good 
system of police and a thorough system of inspection of food. In 
the stores everything is adulterated and rotten. There is no article 
of food which is not tampered with. The conditions of life for per- 
sons who consume these articles can not be anything but unsanitary. 
The milk is bad, the meat and bread are poor, and everything else is 
tampered with. Then, by all means, there should be public instruc- 
tion for children, and adults as well, who might be made into useful 
citizens, whereas to-day they are perfectly useless. This has been 
impossible up to the present, as the Spanish Government has never 
facilitated educational enterprises. 

Dr. Carroll. Who are in the worse condition, the blacks or the 
whites? 

Mr. Rivera. The blacks are in a worse condition, because they are 
descended from a race of slaves, and their moral condition from that 
period has not improved. They are made to work as animals, and 
can be held and used as animals. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the state of morality among the working 
classes? Is it not true that they are very generally honest? 

Mr. Rivera. Generally they are honest. Those who are dishonest 
owe their dishonesty chiefly to vices to which they have been addicted. 
These vices .could be overcome largely by the means I have referred 
to. I wish to add just this one suggestion in reference to the press of 
the island : I do not think it should be allowed to treat of politics in 
the violent manner which it does. I don't mean that newspapers 
should be suppressed, but I think that pressure should be brought to 
bear to compel them to preach the advancement of material benefits 
and leave off personal politics. 



ON A PLANTATION. 

(Hearing before the United States Commissioner at the residence of Mr. Leopold Strube, 
whose estate lies partly in the municipality of Arecibo and partly in Utuado.] 

Gobo, P. R., January 15, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. How many people do you employ on your estate? 

Mr. Strube. About thirty or forty usually, and in crop time sixty 
or seventy. 

Dr. Carroll. How many acres have you in tobacco? 

Mr. Strube. Only two or three acres, for my own use. I have only 
coffee. 

Dr. Carroll. Are these houses on your estate all occupied by your 
men? 

Mr. Strube. I have nearly all my people living on my estate. I 
put up the houses myself, and they do not pay rent. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they pay rent in work? 

Mr. Strube. No ; I give them these houses for my own convenience. 
Here in the mountains you can not get working people unless you 
find houses for them. It is like more pay. Even if I have trouble 
with a man and send him out, he will ruin the house before he goes. 



734 

* 

Dr. Carroll. About how much do they earn a day, take the year 
rou ad? 

Mr. Strube. I pay here 50 centavos. If a man works on a contract 
at piecework he can make 00 or 70 centavos if he is a good working- 
man. Children and boys we pay according to the amount of work 
they can do — from 25 to 50 centavos — and women get about 20 or 25 
centavos. Little children get 10 or 15 centavos for picking out the 
coffee beans. 

Dr. Carroll. What do these working people live on? 

Mr. Strube. I have my store here in which I sell rice, codfish, 
tobacco, sugar, cigarettes, biscuits, and bread — very little bread, 
because in place of bread they use plantains. Every man who works 
has five plantains and a quarter of a pound of codfish, with oil, in 
addition to 50 centovas. I cook it here and send it out to them. Those 
whom I have here by the month earn from $6 to $20 a month, and 
have all their food, including coffee in the morning, with sugar; the 
same meal for breakfast, and in the evening rice, with beans. 

Dr. Carroll. I should think that would be a pretty fair arrange- 
ment. That is about what farm hands get in the United States. 

Mr. Strube. They are the better class of workmen. For instance, 
there is a carpenter. If a boy starts with a cart here for the town, he 
often has to work all night. I sent a boy out yesterday evening at 8 
o'clock and he will not get back until this evening about 6 o'clock. 
During that time I give him from 30 to 40 centavos to spend on the 
way, and he earns more. I have two Germans here. They have their 
whole living on the estate. I pay them the first half year 810 a month. 
The second six months I pay them $20, and now I have made an 
arrangement with them to pay each year 15 more. The arrangement 
is for five years, so that the last year they will have $40 a month. 
They can save most of that. One boy was here who saved in a year 
$90. Another boy saved $60, and bought a horse with it. 



PAY OF FIELD HANDS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yabucoa, February 2, 1899. 
Two colored laborers, Justo Lindo and Hermann Oquendo : 

Dr. Carroll. Are you a native of Yabucoa? 

Mr. Justo Lindo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What is your occupation? 

Mr. Lindo. A laborer. 

Dr. Carroll. Where have you been laboring? 

Mr. Lindo. On plantations; I am a field laborer. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you wish to say to the commission? 

Mr. Lindo. They pay us in vales here, and we want to see if we 
can not obtain money instead of vales. 

Dr. Carroll. On whose plantation are you employed? 

Mr. Lindo. Sucesores de Ballecillo. 

(Note. — Mr. Lindo here produced two vales — one marked 20, worth 
25 centavos, and one marked 5, worth 6 centavos — both of which the 
commissioner redeemed by the payment of 40 centavos for the two. ) 

Dr. Carroll. Do all the planters paj^ in this way? 



735 

Mr. Lindo. All except Don Jose Vicente Cintron. 

Dr. Carroll. Do these vales represent amounts due you? 

Mr. Lindo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they not pay you any money at all? 

Mr. Lindo. Half in money and half in vales. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they not know that it is contrary to law not to 
pay in money? 

Mr. Lindo. I don't know. 

Dr. Carroll. How much wages do you get a day? 

Mr. Lindo. I get from 60 to 65 centavos. I am paid according to 
the work I do, but laborers generally receive about 50 centavos a day. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you ever asked to be paid entirely in cash? 

Mr. Lindo. Yes; frequently. 

Dr. Carroll. Has it been refused? 

Mr. Lindo. Yes; they have stuck to half cash and half vales. 

Dr. Carroll. Where are these vales redeemed? 

Mr. Lindo. In the store belonging to the proprietor. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the prices charged in those stores to those who 
present these tickets higher than those in which you pay cash? 

Mr. Lindo. The prices in the store where I redeem this are higher 
than those of the stores in town. 

Dr. Carroll. Are all the laborers on the estate where you work 
paid as you are — white and black alike? 

Mr. Lindo. Yes; all of them. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you furnished a place on the estate to live in as 
a part of your wages? 

Mr. Lindo. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the proprietor of the estate furnish you with 
any of your meals? 

Mr. Lindo. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Does he allow a patch of ground on which to grow 
bananas and other things you need? 

Mr. Lindo. No. 

Dr. Carroll. How large a family have you? 

Mr. Lindo. I have no family; I am alone. 

Dr. Carroll (to Hermann Oquendo). Do you work on the same 
estate as this man? 

Mr. Oquendo. No; we work wherever we can get employment. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you paid in the same way in which he testifies 
he is paid? 

Mr. Oquendo. Yes. With the exception of the estate mentioned 
before, all Yabucoa pays the same way. 

Dr. Carroll. Half in cash? 

Mr. Oquendo. On several haciendas they only give a quarter or a 
third in money. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do they give where you work? 

Mr. Oquendo. Half in money. I work on an estate called Sucesores 
de Anglada. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any family? 

Mr. Oquendo. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you furnished a house on the estate where you 
work? 

Mr. Oquendo. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you furnished any meals by the proprietors? 

Mr. Oquendo. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Are the goods you get at the company's store inferior 



736 

in quality to those you get in other stores, as well as being higher in 
price? 

Mr. Oquendo. Yes. 

(Mr. Oquendo here produced some crackers which he alleged had 
been bought at the company's store, and they were moldy and alive.) 

Galvino Velazquez. I come to represent those who labor on the 
estates. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you a laborer? 

Mr. Velazquez. No; I am an agriculturist on a small scale. lam 
the owner of a piece of property. 

I wish to protest, in the name of all the laborers, against the pay- 
ment to them of their wages in vales instead of in money. They have 
been taken advantage of, and have been compelled to accept them. 

I don't wish to say what salary a workman should earn, because he 
ought to earn just what his work is worth, but he ought to be paid in 
money. 

Dr. Carroll. The law protects a laboring man in that respect. It 
says he shall be paid in money. 

Mr. Velazquez. The workmen had to accept them, no matter what 
the law ordered, because he had against him the civil guard, the mag- 
istrate, the judge, and the owner of the estate; and if he did not accept 
them, he was discharged. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the condition of the laboring men, generally, 
in this jurisdiction; how do they live? 

Mr. Velazquez. Bad; worse than bad. 

Dr. Carroll. Please explain how they -live. 

Mr. Velazquez. He goes to work at 6 o'clock in the morning, and 
has to get up at 5, usually, in order to get to his work in time. Before 
leaving for work he takes coffee. 

Dr. Carroll. With bread? 

Mr. Velazquez. No; all can not even get coffee. He works until 

II o'clock. At 11 he takes breakfast on the estate, buying his break- 
fast at the proprietor's store, and resumes his work at half past 11. 
He then continues at work until 5, when he returns home and gets his 
dinner. 

Dr. Carroll. What does the laboring man generally have for his 
meal in the evening? 

Mr. Velazquez. Sweet potatoes, rice of bad quality, bad codfish, 
nearly always rotten. What they sell in the stores of the estates is 
nearly always rotten. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't you have good, fresh fish here, where fish are 
so plentiful? 

Mr. Velazquez. Never. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the laborers get any meat? 

Mr. Velazquez. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they send their children to school generally? 

Mr. Velazquez. No; they haven't clothes in which to send them. 

Dr. Carroll. If living is cheap here, and you get 65 centavos a 
day and work six days a week, ought you not to be able to furnish 
clothes to the children on that? 

Mr; Velazquez. The 65 centavos is turned into 30 by the time they 
have got through with the company's store. 

Dr. Carroll. How many acres have you in your farm? 

Mr. Velazquez. Fifty. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you raise? 

Mr. Velazquez. Small crops. 



737 

Dr. Carroll. Do 3 t ou sell them in the market of the city? 

Mr. Velazquez. Yes; in the plaza. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the condition you have been describing the con- 
dition of the white laborer as it is of the colored laborer? 

Mr. Velazquez. The same; there is no difference. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any planters here who desire to say any- 
thing on the other side, in defense? 

Mr. Aurelio Dapena (a partner of the firm of Cintron Brothers): 
I am a planter, and would like to say a word. 

Dr. Carroll. What have you to saj r about the testimony you have 
heard from these laborers? 

Mr. Dapena. I don't wish to defend proprietors as a class, but 
only the store which we run. Our firm, being in straitened circum- 
stances for want of money, but finding that we could obtain provisions 
on credit, called together our laborers and asked them, "Do you wish 
to work, receiving half your wages in money and half in checks? In 
that case we can go on; otherwise, we can not." 

Dr. Carroll. When was that? 

Mr. Dapena. About two years ago, when we took over the estate. 

Dr. Carroll. Haven't things been better with you since, so that 
you could return to the cash basis? 

Mr. Dapena. No ; things have gone from bad to worse. The work- 
men acted with great prudence in accepting the proposition we made 
them, because, while their failure to do so would have meant ruin to 
us, it would have meant starvation to them. On the Laura estate 
nobody can say that we have sold short weight, or any food of bad 
quality. I wish to sa,y, too, that we have never desired to have a store ; 
we don't make money out of it; but it has been necessary. We have 
not lived by exploiting the workmen, and I don't wish to appear in 
the class of proprietors which has been described. 

Dr. Carroll. Why did you keep the store? Was it because you 
had to take part of the sugar crop in provisions? 

Mr. Dapena. Because the merchants in San Juan were willing to 
give us credit for terms of six and nine months, which enabled us to 
continue. But things are changed now; the merchants in San Juan 
will not give credit, and we must go with cash to buy provisions, and 
I don't know how long we will be able to go that way. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any other planter who wishes to be heard? 

Mr. J. V. Cintron. I have always paid in money. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any of the planters here for whom these 
peons have been working? 

(There were none present.) 



CONDITION OF THE POOR. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Guayama, P. R., February 8, 1899. 
Mr. Dominguez. I desire to speak as a private citizen, not as mayor. 
You should inform the President that the poor require the first atten- 
tion. They are divided into three or four classes, which I will men- 
tion. When the Americans arrived here they found, in spite of the 
country's name, Porto Rico (rich port), that there were a large number 
of poor people here. These are especially worthy of attention. On 
going over the island the Americans saw a large proportion of its 
1125 47 



738 

inhabitants going about without shoes, without even hats, and these 
are the people that require their care. 

The first class of these poor comprises those who work for their daily 
food with their hands. The condition of this class is terrible, not 
because the estate owner does not wish to help them, but because he 
is not in a position to do so. 

The second class comprises the artisans. These artisans, who lately 
constituted the manufacturers in a small way — that is, the men who 
make coats and other articles for the rich — are in a very unfortunate 
condition. The artisan struggles chiefly against the want of work. 
In a town like Guayama, where buildings are not going up every day, 
six months in the year the bricklayer has nothing to do ; the carpen- 
ter also has nothing to do, and the tailor is often without work. 

The third class, and perhaps the most unfortunate of all, takes in 
the countrymen who live in the hills. This class of poor suffer from 
what is called angemia or want of blood, which makes them appear as 
indolent, when they are not so, and makes them appear as dishonest 
when they really are honest, and they are in a state of continual strug- 
gle for .existence. The condition of these three classes puts them in a 
position of not being able to assist the government in the work that 
it requires of them — that is, of becoming good citizens. Therefore, 
it requires immediate remedy. 

As a remedy for this condition of affairs I propose to the American 
Government that it introduce the change of the money system imme- 
diately, so that the cost of living shall be cheapened to these people, 
and that it bring from the United States undertakings and works 
which will allow these poor people to find a certain means of subsist- 
ence for themselves and their families. A series of public works, of 
which the country stands in such need, would remedy the condition 
of the peasant living in the valleys and the peasant living in the 
hills. Agricultural banks spread all over the towns would assist the 
agriculturist in forming his society, and he would thus be able to 
give assistance to the working classes. 

Finally, it is absolutely necessary for the working class and for the 
peasant class to establish a system of schools that everybody can 
avail himself of. There are about 80 per cent of the people in this 
island who do not know how to read and write. 

Dr. Carroll. The mayor has very ably represented the condition 
of the laboring man, but there is nothing like direct testimony. If 
there are any representatives of that class present to-night, I would 
be pleased to have them come forward. 

(In response to this invitation a laboring man came forward and 
announced his name as Ricardo Espendez.) 

Dr. Carroll. What is your occupation? 

Mr. Espendez. I am a carpenter. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a gremio of carpenters here? 

Mr. Espendez. There are 60 carpenters in this locality, but they 
are not in an association. I want to tell you that we suffer very 
greatly here in our homes on account of the scarcity of work. In the 
course of a year the generality of us do not get work more than a 
month or a month and a half. As some express it, we live the rest of 
the time on air. We should like lumber to be introduced from the 
United States free of duty, as there are several property owners who 
might give us some work if lumber were cheaper, who refrain from 
doing so now because of high prices of lumber. 

Dr. Carroll. The new tariff makes lumber very much cheaper. 

Mr. Espendez. I hope that you will represent this matter to Wash- 



739 

ington as an act of charity. Although we suffer very greatly, we 
have pride and do not paint our situation to everybody. 

Dr. Carroll. I think the way to improve the condition of the arti- 
sans is to improve the general conditions of the island — first, to give 
it better government; second, to give it better roads; third, to give it 
better schools and better institutions. That will place it in a better 
position for prosperity, and when prosperity comes it is general and 
all are benefited, and your class will be benefited, because people who 
now live in huts covered with bark will the*n wish to live in houses 
built of lumber, and so by improving general conditions we will reach 
special conditions and benefit them. The great industry of this island 
and the great source of its wealth is the agricultural industry. We 
must plan to take away the drawbacks from that industry, first, by 
giving the agriculturists" be.tter roads, so that it won't cost so much to 
get their crops to the port for shipment, and General Henry is giving 
immediate attention to this fundamental matter of good roads through- 
out the island. When you have good roads, then a great obstacle will 
have been taken out of the way of the planter. One trouble, I sup- 
pose, with your class of workers is the trouble with a great many 
others — there are too many carpenters for the work or too little work 
for the carpenters. How many days' work did you have during the 
year 1898? 

Mr. Espendez. Two months and a hal x , nothing more. 

Dr. Carroll. There must be very little carpentering done in 
Guayama. What wages do you make when you work? 

Mr. Espendez. Two dollars. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you mean two and a half months of labor when 
you say two months and a half? 

Mr. Espendez. Two months and a half, without Sundays. 

Dr. Carroll. Then really you have made but little over 

Mr. Espendez. That is all. 



WAGES IN AIBONITO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner. ] 

Aibonito, P. R., February 6, 1899. 
Mr. Juan Jose Davila, a peon employed on a coffee estate: 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any laboring men or artisans present who 
desire to be heard? I should be glad to have them come forward and 
give me information with regard to the condition of the laboring men. 

(Mr. Juan Jose Davila appeared before the commissioner and 
expressed a desire to be heard privately. The commissioner retired 
to an adjoining room and questioned Mr. Davila as follows:) 

Dr. Carroll. Do you work on a tobacco estate? 

Mr. Davila. No ; on a coffee plantation. 

Dr. Carroll. What wages do you receive? 

Mr. Davila. Thirty-seven centavos a day. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get the money in cash? 

Mr. Davila. Sometimes in cash, sometimes not. 

Dr. Carroll. When you don't get it in money, you get it in vales? 

Mr. Davila. Yes; we take them to the commercial houses here, 
which give us what they see fit for them. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they charge you more for provisions than if you 
took cash to the stores? 

Mr. Davila. Yes. Sometimes, if the order we take to the store 
bears the mark of a planter who is known to be a poor payer, the 



740 

merchants raise the prices, as they saj 7 they can not get their money 
immediately. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get plenty of work? 

Mr. Da vila. At times, but often there is not sufficient work for us 
to make enough to supply ourselves with necessary food. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a family? 

Mr. Davila. I support a father, mother, wife, and children. 

Dr. Carroll. How many children? 

Mr. Davila. Two. 

Dr. Carroll. How many workers are there in the family? • 

Mr. Davila. Only myself. My father and mother are old people. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you pay rent for your house? 

Mr. Davila. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. How much? 

Mr. Davila. Two dollars for one room. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you all live in one room? 

Mr. Davila. Yes; we haven't enough to pay for more lodging. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the owner of the coffee plantation give you 
any meals when you are working for him? . 

Mr. Davila. We go to work at 6 o'clock in the morning, and at 11 
o'clock the proprietor sends us some codfish and plantains of a bad 
quality. 

Dr. Carroll. The plantains or the codfish of a bad quality? 

Mr. Davila. Both. 

Dr. Carroll. How many days' work do you have in a year, on the 
average. 

Mr. Davila. We work whenever we can get it. Sometimes we are 
a month, and even two and three months, without work, during which 
time we are not able to make a peseta. 

Dr. Carroll. How do you live then? 

Mr. Davila. By obtaining credit at the stores on the expectation 
of what we are going to earn later on. 

Dr. Carroll. What are you able to give your family in the way of 
food? 

Mr. Davila. There are days in which I am able to give them a little 
rice; other days in which I am able to give them a little codfish, and 
other days in which I am able to give them neither breakfast nor 
supper. 

Dr. Carroll. What about clothing? 

Mr. Davila. For clothing our families we manage to get small 
advances from the owner of the estate on which we are working, and 
with that manage to get cotton clothes such as I am wearing. 

Dr. Carroll. What about tools? 

Mr. Davila. The estate owner furnishes them, and we pay for them 
by our work. 



WORK, WAGES, AND MEALS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Coamo, P. R., February 6, 1899. 
Mr. Antero Rivero, a painter, and others: 

Dr. Carroll. Are there anj^ artisans or laborers here? Laborers 
are in the majority in the island, and I don't feel that my investiga- 
tion would be complete without getting their views. 

A Gentleman present. There is a great want of factories here 



741 

to give work to women and children. All would work if tliey had a 
chance. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there no laborers here? 

Mr. Antero Rivero. I think that before the workmen here can 
progress there must be a union formed among them ; otherwise they 
will remain in the same condition in which they are to-day. Being 
united, they would be in a position to ask for such a salary as would 
enable them to keep a family together, whereas with the miserable 
pittance they now earn they are unable to keep a family, although 
they labor from 6 o'clock in the morning until 6 in the evening. The 
most a workman earns is a dollar or a dollar and a quarter a day. 

Dr. Carroll. That is a great deal more than is earned in other 
districts. How many days' work did you have last year? 

Mr. Rivero. Nearly six months. 

Dr. Carroll. What wages did you get? 

Mr. Rivero. Seven dollars and fifty centavos a week. 

Dr. Carroll. About $180 for the six months. Do you own your 
own house? 

Mr. Rivero. No; I pay $4 a month rent. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a family? 

Mr. Rivero. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Of how many does it consist? 

Mr. Rivero. Only a wife, but I support my mother and sister. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do you think you ought to have in order 
to support your family properly? 

Mr. Rivero. Two dollars a day. 

Dr. Carroll. You say you have work about six months a year; 
what do you do the other six months? 

Mr. Rivero. Nothing; I know no other trade. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any ground to cultivate in connection 
with your house? 

Mr. Rivero. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you know how much the ordinary field laborer 
gets here a day? 

Mr. Rivero, Fifty centavos a day. 

' Dr. Carroll. Is that always paid in cash? 

Mr. Rivero. On some estates they pay in cash and on others with 
vales. 

Dr. Carroll. For redemption at the hacienda's store? 

Mr. Rivero. Yes; in provisions. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the laborers make any complaint about getting a 
part of their salary in that way. 

Mr. Rivero. A commission came here the other day to incite the 
laborers to strike on account of the miserable wages they receive. 

Dr. Carroll. A commission of laborers? 

Mr. Rivero. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think the laboring men would profit by a 
strike? 

Mr. Rivero. I think so. 

Dr. Carroll. They don't usually in the United States. In almost 
every strike the workmen lose not only what they are contending for, 
but also the wages they might earned during the period of the strike. 
Do the laborers who are paid in vales complain of the prices charged 
for the provisions they get at the company's store or as to the quality 
of the provisions? 



742 

Mr. Rivero. I can not answer that question, but I can find a man 
who can. 

Note. — Mr. Rivero returned to the hearing, after a few minutes, 
followed by two farm laborers. The commissioner interviewed them 
as follows : 

Dr. Carroll. Are you a laborer on a coffee estate? 

First Laborer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. You also (addressing the second laborer)? 

Second Laborer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. The same estate? 

Second Laborer. The same mountain, but not the same estate. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you get a day? 

First Laborer. From 25 centavos up to 37^ centavos. 

Dr. Carroll. How many clays a week do you labor? 

First Laborer. Six. 

Dr. Carroll. What are your hours of labor? 

First Laborer. From early morning until 11 o'clock, when we stop 
for a short rest, and then work on until nightfall. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get j^our wages in cash? 

First Laborer. Sometimes in money and sometimes they tell us 
they haven't money, and give us orders. 

Dr. Carroll. Orders on the stores? 

First Laborer. Orders which any store will take. In the district of 
Coamo they pay some 3 and some 4 reales, but never more than that 

Dr. Carroll. Do the} 7 turxiish you a house to live in? 

First Laborer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. The house, then, is free? 

First Laborer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they furnish you one meal a day? 

First Laborer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the} 7 give you land to raise a crop on? 

First Laborer. No; they don't give land to anybody. We have 
only the land the house stands on. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they give you bananas or fruits of that kind? 

First Laborer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they give you all the plantains you want? 

First Laborer. Yes; they give us 6 or 7. 

Dr. Carroll. How much of a family have you? 

First Laborer. I have no family. 

Second Laborer. I get about the same as my friend. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get a house free? 

Second Laborer. I live in Coamo; not on the estate. 

Dr. Carroll. Do they give you one meal a day? 

Second Laborer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. What does the meal consist of? 

Second Laborer. Bananas and codfish, without any sort of flavor- 
ing or seasoning. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the codfish in good condition? 

Second- Laborer. Medium ; it is not of the best quality. 

Dr ; Carroll. Do you get your wages in cash? 

Second Laborer. No; in orders. 

Dr. Carroll. All of it in orders? 

Second Laborer. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. On what store — ou the company's store? 

Second Laborer. I can redeem them at any store where they know 
the signature is eood. 



743 

Dr. Cakroll. Is an order as good as money in buying provisions? 

Second Laborer. It is worth half to me. 

Dr. Carroll. Did the proprietor for whom you work state any 
reason for paying you in that way? 

Second Laborer. He pays a few in money, and then says he has 
no more money, and pays the rest in orders. 

Dr. Carroll. Is that true of all proprietors, or of a few only? 

Second Laborer. Some pay in money and some pay in orders. 

A Planter. I have never paid my workmen in anything hut money, 
and I give them coffee, breakfast and dinner, a house, and 374- centavos 
a day. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a family? 

Second Laborer. I have a wife and five children. 

Dr. Carroll. Do your children work in the field? 

Second Laborer. I have only one who is large enough to work. 

Dr. Carroll. Does your wife work? 

Second Laborer. She is a washerwoman. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you send any of your children to school? 

Second Laborer. I have one at school. 



THE POOR OF SAN JUAN. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. P., February 9, 1899. 
The Rev. A. J. McKim, agent of the American Bible Society : 

There are about 32,000 people here in San Juan and vicinity, of whom 
about 7,000 are miserably poor. It is a poverty of which the poor at 
home know comparatively little about, because it relates to their daily 
food. It is not infrequent for persons to come home in the afternoon and 
say they haven't taken their breakfast (desayuno) . I will relate a case 
of a woman living about three squares from this office (corner of Sol 
and San Justo streets), with six children, who replied, in answer to a 
question, that she hadn't tasted bread since day before yesterday, but 
that her children had something to eat yesterday from the soup kitchen. 
The number of cases of this kind is comparatively large, partly owing 
to the fact that some were left in an unprotected state by the war 
and partly from the fact that there has been a considerable emigration 
from the island, leaving certain dependents without any protection, 
and many Spaniards are in a like case. 

There came to niy room a Spaniard who said that he could not pro- 
cure any work because of his nationality. I replied that charity has 
no nationality, and that we were just as willing to help Spaniards as 
to help Porto Ricans or Americans in distress, and that I myself 
would visit his house on the following morning and investigate the 
state of suffering which he alleged existed not only in his own family, 
but in the entire row known as Marine Row. 

The state of misery which was found in that whole street was suffi- 
cient to excite the charity even of the soldiers, who sometimes shared 
their rations with those poor sufferers in that street. The officers 
were especially kind to them, and were it not for them and for liberal 
citizens of our own nation, those people would actually have starved 
to death. I asked one father why he did not clothe his children, the 
younger ones being entirely naked. He replied that he would be very 
glad to be able to give them one meal a day. A second visit revealed 



744 

still further cases in the immediate vicinity. In another part of the 
city, near the north wall, I found a large number of children, neg- 
lected for a long time, and many of them in a state of perfect nudity. 
But on returning to give them the alms which I had collected for them, 
I found them gathered around the door of a house from which food 
was distributed among them, and they were all securing, through 
charity, at least one good meal per day. That is only about four 
blocks from here. 

These cases would be nothing in themselves, but they are repre- 
sentative cases, and while in the principal streets misery is not seen, 
in all the cross streets of the city misery is patent to the least observ- 
ant. My object in visiting them has been to administer temporal 
help and also spiritual comfort. A large number of single Gospels 
have been given to them, but it has generally been after having fur- 
nished them substance, at least for the moment. If our people could 
understand how very near to starvation many of these people really 
live, I am sure they would be induced to provide something for the 
simplest wants of nature. 

A laborer from the coffee region about Lares said to me that when 
the government was prepared to assure work to the inhabitants of 
the island their happiest day would have arrived, and that assurance, 
can be realized the moment the people know that they are not to be 
molested either by the government or by robber bands. There is 
now in my house an owner of a coffee estate who returns to Spain for 
the purpose of recuperating his health which was lost by his vigilance 
in looking after his estate near Lares. He and others assert that the 
island affords abundant work for the people the moment they are 
assured protection in their persons and property. Throughout the 
island there has been a misconception of the liberty which the United 
States has afforded them, many interpreting it as a license which 
would allow them to prey upon their neighbors who were born in the 
Peninsula, and so capital has been retired from the island in consid- 
erable amounts, and work has been suspended. The laborers thus 
thrown out of work have come to the capital to seek protection and 
work in order to support their families. There is comparatively little 
work in this vicinity to-day, except upon the wharf, and these recon- 
centrados have suffered in their persons all that is possible to suffer 
and live, and while the present state of things continues much suf- 
fering will probably exist; but as renewed assurances of stability are 
being given, many are commencing to build up their estates and to 
employ more workmen. So true is this that many persons from the 
adjacent Antilles haye been arriving to share in the small amount of 
labor here. Provision can be easily made for those who are now 
here ; and if the growing confidence of the people in the interior will 
draw an equal number of laborers from the capital, no doubt the 
social conditions will be vastly improved. 

One of the worst features of the reconcentration of our native 
inhabitants in the capital has been the overfilling of tenement houses, 
20 and 30 families living in single houses of 8 and 10 rooms; that is, 
nearly an average of 3 families to a room. While such a state of 
affairs continues morality is not possible. Therefore, one of the chief 
objects of the government should be to provide suitable habitations 
for the poor. We understand that this matter has been brought to 
the attention of the supreme authority in the island, and have no 
doubt that the continued clamor of the people for suitable homes will 
attract the attention of capitalists and builders. 



745 

I think, considering that there are in this island 900,000 people and 
that it is not as large as the State of Connecticut, that they have been 
comparatively well taken care of. If, under our administration, they 
can have work more regularly, their condition will be very greatly 
improved. As the taxes which impoverish them are abolished and 
the necessaries of life are furnished them as cheaply as at home, there 
seems no reason why they should not take a more advanced position 
in social lines. It is true that the vices of the country are taxed more 
than formerly, and these are a source of revenue for the municipalities; 
but the people are becoming convinced that it is only a good market 
for their produce and steady labor that can advance the true interests 
of the government and procure their own happiness and that of their 
families. 



ARTISANS IN CAGUAS. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Caguas, P. R., February 27, 1899. 

Mr. Boada (president of the gremio of workmen). We need pro- 
tection in everything which we undertake for the purpose of raising 
our position. 

Dr. Carroll. How about your wages, the way you live, and other 
matters affecting your conditions? 

Mr. Boada. I have a carpenter's shop and work for my own account. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have work every day in the week and every 
week in the year? 

Mr. Boada. No; I am idle about half the year. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you work six days in the week when you have 
work? 

Mr. Boada. Even at nighttime. 

Dr. Carroll. Why is it that you don't have more work. Is it 
because there are many carpenters here or too little work? 

Mr. Boada. There are too many carpenters and too little work, and 
all furniture is brought in from outside. 

Dr. Carroll. Why don't some of the carpenters go into something 
else? 

Mr. Boada. I don't know. 

Dr. Carroll. How much of a family have you? 

Mr. Boada. Four children and my wife. 

Dr. Carroll. What rent do you pay? 

Mr. Boada. I live in my father's house. 

Dr. Carroll. Do your children go to school? 

Mr. Boada. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. How old is the eldest? 

Mr. Boada. Eight years. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you boys? 

Mr. Boada. One boy and three girls. 

Mr. Domingo de S. Diaz, a painter: 

Dr. Caeroll. Do you have plenty of work? 

Mr. Diaz. Very little work. 

Dr. Carroll. How many days' work do you have a year? 

Mr. Diaz. I work about half the year. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do you get a day? 



746 

Mr. Diaz. I do piecework. I can make from a peso to a peso and 
a half a day. 

Dr. Carroll. Can you live comfortably on that? 

Mr. Diaz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. How niany have you in your family? 

Mr. Diaz. I have a mother, wife, and 'three children. 

Dr. Carroll. How much rent do you pay? 

Mr. Diaz. I live in the house of my uncle. 

Dr. Carroll. Do your children go to school? 

Mr. Diaz. Every day. 

Dr. Carroll. What trade are you going to teach them? 

Mr. Diaz. Whatever they choose. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there many painters here? 

Mr. Diaz. There are several, and painters come here also from 
neighboring towns. 

Mr. Juan Diaz, a tailor : 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a shop of your own? 

Mr. Diaz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you work by the day, or week, or piece? 

Mr. Diaz. I work for so much a suit. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have plenty of work? 

Mr. Diaz. Very little work. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the reason for it; are there too many tailors? 

Mr. Diaz. There are quite a number of tailors. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have work enough to keep you going six 
months in the year? 

Mr. Diaz. Yes; about sis months. My work is very irregular; some 
weeks I have nothing to do, and maybe the next week I have plenty 
of work. 

Dr. Carroll. About how much do you make in a year? 

Mr. Diaz. About a dollar a day, native money. 

Dr. Carroll. Then you make about $150, native money, a year? 

Mr. Diaz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a family? 

Mr. Diaz. Yes; I have a father, mother, and two sisters. 

Dr. Carroll. Does your father work also? 

Mr. Diaz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you pay rent? 

Mr. Diaz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Then, in a family like that, with two working, you 
can live very comfortably, I suppose? 

Mr. Diaz. Yes ; if we could only get work every day. I have some- 
times been a whole month without work. 

Dr. Carroll. Is your father a tailor? 

Mr. Diaz. No ; he is a weigher and loader. 

Mr. Antonio Moreno, a cigar maker: 

Dr. Carroll. Have you work all the year? 

Mr. Moreno. I have very little work. 

Dr. Carroll. About how much of the year are you busy? 

Mr. Moreno. Four or five months. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you work for yourself? 

Mr. Moreno. No; as a journeyman. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there several cigar or cigarette factories here? 



747 

Mr. Moreno. No; there are no factories, in the proper sense of the 
word. I get work from the stores, as they need to have cigars made 
, up from time to time for their needs. « 

Dr. Carroll. About what do you earn in a year? 

Mr. Moreno. I earn about a dollar a day when I have work. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any f aniily? 

Mr. Moreno. Yes; I have a mother and one child. I am a wid- 
ower. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you pay house rent? 

Mr. Moreno. Yes; 6 pesos a month. 

Dr. Carroll. How many rooms do you have for that? 

Mr. Moreno. Two. 

Mr. Jesus Mendez, a shoemaker: 

Mr. Mendez. I work in a shoe factory ; not for my own account. 

Dr. Carroll. How many months a year? 

Mr. Mendez. The whole year round. 

Dr. Carroll. How much do you earn? 

Mr. Mendez. Some days a dollar, some days 75 centavos; they pay 
me by piecework. 

Dr. Carroll. How many days do you work a week? 

Mr. Mendez. Five days; we don't work Sunday and Monday. On 
these days they prepare the work for the rest of the week. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you a family? 

Mr. Mendez. Yes; a father, mother, and a little child. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you pay rent? 

Mr. Mendez. We pay 4 pesos a month between us. 

Dr. Carroll. How many rooms have you? 

Mr. Mendez. Two. 

Dr. Carroll. Of what material is the house — wood? 

Mr. Mendez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Does the child go to school? 

Mr. Mendez. No; she is not old enough yet. 

Dr. Carroll. Did you go to school yourself when you were a boy? 

Mr. Mendez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Until what time? 

Mr. Mendez. Until I was 17 years of age. 



LOW WAGES AND LITTLE WORK. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cayey, February 28, 1899. 

A gentleman came forward and stated that he desired to represent 
the laboring men. 

Dr . Carroll. If you want to represent them, give me some concrete 
information. I want facts, not opinions. 

Mr. . Laboring men earn about 31 centavos a day here. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you mean in this city? 

Mr. . In the whole district. I have heard it stated here that 

field peons are given two meals a day. 

Dr. Carroll . Are you a laboring man? 

Mr. . No. 

Dr. Carroll. What is your work? 

Mr. . I am a shirt maker. 



748 

Mayor Munoz. There not being sufficient work in his trade, he has 
left it. 

Mr. / They eat herrings and bananas in the morning, and in. 

the afternoon the same thing. They work the whole week. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't they eat any bread? 

Mr. . No. Sunday, if the peon is paid his money, he buys a 

bit of meat. If he is paid in vales, he can not get meat. 

Dr. Carroll. Are many paid in vales? 

Mr. . Yes; many. 

Mr. Planellas. It is not fair to imply that nobody here in Cayey 
looks after the laboring man or tries to elevate him. I have tried the 
experiment of giving them meat, and after trying it two days they 
have asked for codfish. The salvation of the laboring man is not the 
work of a day. 

Dr. Carroll. Is it customary for planters to give peons a meal a 
day? 

A Planter. On my estate I give coffee in the morning, a meal in 
the middle of the day, consisting of codfish and plantains, and in the 
evening rice and plantains or sweet potatoes. Frequently the planters 
sustain the families living on the estate. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you pay a day? 

Planter. Thirty-seven centavos. When work is scarce I allow them 
to sow a piece of land and charge them nothing for the land. 

Dr. Carroll. In what form do you pay them? 

Planter. In money. Sometimes some of them want cash in ad- 
vance, and in that case I give them a vale, and merchants here all 
charge low prices. 

Another Planter. The generality of planters do not treat their 
peons in the manner that this gentleman has described. 

Mr. Luis Munoz. In this document there is a very important clause 
which I would like to have read for the satisfaction of the town. In 
former years, when the harvesting of the crops was over, which was 
usually in May, the planters used to give their men employment on 
the estates until the next crop. This year they can not do that, and 
about 3,000 men will be out of work, which will cause trouble. 

(The paragraph referred to stated that the workmen will be without 
work when the harvest is over, and that it was urgent that some 
work should be undertaken to give them employment.) 

Mayor Munoz. I wish to make known that the greater number of 
small agricultural owners here take the same kind of food that is 
taken by the peon. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any peons present? I would like to hear 
all classes, and if there are any laboring men present I would like to 
have them come forward and speak freely. 

Pedro Jose Sanchez, a field peon: 

Dr. Carroll. What is your work? 

Mr. Sanchez. lam a field laborer. 

Dr. Carroll. On whose estate are you working to-day. 

Mr. Sanchez. I am working in the finca of Mr. Ortiz, who pays me 
three reales a day. He gives me two meals a day and gives me good 
food. 

Dr. Carroll. Are you paid in vales? 

Mr. Sanchez. No; in money. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any family? 

Mr. Sanchez. No. 



749 

Dr. Carroll. Do you live on the estate? 

Mr. Sanchez. I live near the estate. They don't give me a house 
on the estate. I haven't asked for one, but I don't think I would get 
one if I did ask for it. 

Dr. Carroll. What are your hours of labor? 

Mr. Sanchez. From 6 until 6. 
. Dr. Carroll. How much time do you have in the middle of the day? 

Mr. Sanchez. Until I have swallowed the last mouthful. What I 
earn is not sufficient to keep me. 

Dr. -Carroll. How do you spend your money? 

Mr. Sanchez. For clothing and food. 

Dr. Carroll. Are not two meals enough? 

Mr. Sanchez. No; not the meals I get. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you spend money for rum? 

Mr. Sanchez. Only a little. 

Dr. Carroll. How much a day? 

Mr. Sanchez. I take two drinks a day. 

Dr. Carroll. Where do you go on Sunday? 

Mr. Sanchez. On Sunday I attend to matters in my house, and go 
down to the river to wash myself, and come to the city. 

Dr. Carroll. What clothes have you? 

Mr. Sanchez. The clothes I have on only. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you play games? 

Mr. Sanchez. No ; not at all. 

(Mr. Sanchez wore no shoes ; his trousers and shirt were of very cheap 
material, and his general appearance was that of a very poor country- 
man. ) 

Mr. Jose Velez Lopez, a cigar maker : 

Dr. Carroll. What do you earn a day? 

Mr. Lopez. I make from $1.75 to 12 a day, according to the work. 
I do piecework — so much a hundred. We begin at 6 o'clock in the 
morning and work until 5 o'clock. In the middle of the day we have 
three-quarters of an hour. 

Dr. Carroll. Is what you earn sufficient to maintain your family? 

Mr. Lopez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have work all the year? 

Mr. Lopez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. In what factory do you work? 

Mr. Lopez. Rucabado's. That gives work all the year round. 

Dr. Carroll. How much of a family have you? 

Mr. Lopez. I have five children. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you pay rent? 

Mr. Lopez. Yes, I pay $5 a month. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you send your children to school? 

Mr. Lopez. Yes, two of them — one 8 and the other 10 j^ears of age. 

Dr. Carroll. How many rooms have you in your house? 

Mr. Lopez. Two rooms. 

Mr. Jesus Hernandez, a foreman in a cigar factory : 

Dr. Carroll. How many cigars do you make a year? 

Mr. Hernandez. It is not possible to calculate exactly. We can 
make about 30,000 cigars a week. We work six days; and have 68 
workmen at present. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any boys or girls working there? 



750 

Mr. Hernandez. Yes. There are none working there less than 9 
years of age. 

Dr. Carroll. How many children have yon at work? 

Mr. Hernandez. Eight hoys and four girls. 

Dr. Carroll. Can any of them read? 

Mr. Hernandez. Some of them, but not all. Most of the tobacco 
manufacturers also do not know how to read and write. 

Dr. Carroll. Mr. Mayor, is it not the law that children must go to 
school? 

Mayor Munoz. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Is any attempt made to enforce that law? 

Mayor Munoz. I have only had the position about a week and have 
not had it rectified yet; but I have already asked the police to give 
me the names of the children in the town to see whether they are 
attending school. 

Dr. Carroll. Are those children apprentices? 

Mr. Hernandez. Yes. 

Dr. Carroll. Mr. Mayor, is there any law regulating the age at 
which children can go to work? 

Mayor Munoz. No. 

Dr. Carroll. Where do you buy your tobacco? 

Mr. Hernandez. From this district. 

Dr. Carroll. What do you do with your cigars — where do they go? 

Mr. Hernandez. They are sold in the island ; a few are exported. 

Dr. Carroll. Where do you export them? 

Mr. Hernandez. To the United States, some to Spain, and some- 
times to Germany and England. We have tried to introduce our 
goods there, but it has been without result. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there more tobacco under cultivation this year 
than last? 

Mr. Hernandez. No; less. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you give less for tobacco this year than last year? 

Mr. Hernandez. The new harvest has not come in yet, so I can 
not tell. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you get for your manufactured product as much 
as you did a year ago? 

Mr. Hernandez. The manufacturers sell cigars at the same price,, 
but have to pay their workmen more. They will have to raise the 
price for that reason. 



THE POOR OF YAUCO. 

Yauco, P. R., March 5, 1899. 
On the afternoon of Sunday, March 5, the commissioner visited the 
poor quarter of Yauco, situated on the hillside, from the crown of the 
hill about halfway downward. The houses are set irregularly, with- 
out much regard to streets, which are absolutely impassable for 
wagons. The heavy rains have made deep gullies in the center of 
them, and it is difficult for one to go through them on horseback. 
The houses are built entirety of wood, with shingle roofs, differing 
entirely in this respect from those of Arecibo, which had thatched 
roofs. They are also of a better grade. Most of them consist of two 
rooms. They are built of odd bits of boards, which had formerly served 
as dry-goods boxes or as the staves of barrels or hogsheads. Almost 
without exception they are very dirty. In nearly every case the fur- 
niture consists of a cot and chair, or a box, and sometimes a table. 



751 

There is generally a kettle which serves as a sort of portable furnace 
for the cooking of the meals. 

The population is a mixed one. Very often a white woman will 
have a colored husband, or a white husband a colored wife. The 
commissioner examined several persons living in these houses on 
various points. 

Case No. 1. — A porter who said he earned from SO to 60 centavos a 
day when he had work. He had never been to school and could not 
read or write. He had one child 10 years of age who goes to school, ' 
but who when asked the sum of 2 and 9 said 18. This man owns his 
own house, is white, and about 40 years of age. He says that the 
amount he earns is not sufficient to give him and his family more than 
one meal a day and coffee before starting out to work. When asked 
what his food consisted of, he said it was chiefly rice and beans, never 
wheat bread or meat. 

Case No. 2. — A young couple, man of about 20 years of age and 
woman of about 17 or 18; have been living together about a year, but 
were not married. They were both dark complexioned. The woman 
had a very comely face, but was a slattern. When asked why they 
had not got married, the woman seemed somewhat abashed and turned 
her head. The man said he did not want to be tied up; that if she 
wanted to get free she could do so. He was asked if one of the rea- 
sons he had not married was the cost of getting married, and he said 
that had something to do with it. He had no children; if he had chil- 
dren he might reconsider his statement and get married. He is a ped- 
dler, and when working earns about 50 centavos a day. 

Case No. 3. — A baker, with four children. His earnings are accord- 
ing to the class of work he is put on. Sometimes he makes 50 centavos 
and sometimes he manages to make a dollar, but on the average he 
does not make more than 50 centavos. He is married. His wife assists 
him by washing, and a brother-in-law lives with them and helps out. 

Case No. J/.. — Washerwoman, living alone with four children; earns 
about 18 cents a day — that is, she takes in a couple dozen pieces of 
clothes one day and is able to deliver them the third day if all goes 
well and the weather is dry. She owns her house and is having an 
addition made to it, which she will rent to the man who is building it 
for the sum of 25 centavos a week when completed. She says her chil- 
dren run about the streets and manage to pick up a few centavos on 
day jobs. She seemed to be a woman of cheerful disposition. When 
asked if she was able to give her children enough food, she said they 
never went without food, but the appearance of the baby in her arms 
was not that of a well-nourished child. 

Case No. 5. — Man and woman living together. The man said he 
would not marry; that he had not got the woman of his choice. He 
was inclined to resent the interference of another man who asked why 
he did not marry, saying that he was quite as good a man as the other 
one, and that he had better mind his own business. The woman, who 
was present, looked sheepish and turned away and seemed to take the 
matter as a good joke. The man was colored, the woman white. 
Evidently the man was of a surly and probably of a vicious character. 

Case No. 6. — A fireman. His work was loading the mule teams of 
the army with rubbish to take down to the river for disposal; was 
employed by the municipality. The mayor told him that 50 centavos 
was all that he could pay, and that if he could not accept 50 centavos 
he need not come back to work. He asked 75 centavos, and expressed 
the opinion to the mayor, he said, that 50 centavos was not enough for 



752 

a man of familyto keep them in food and clothes. He works at any 
odd jobs that offer and his wife helps him by selling dulees in the 
market place. He is evidently an intelligent colored man. He said 
he had never allowed his children "to goto bed with their months 
open for want of food." He ,said that as regards clothes they were 
very badly off; that he could not afford to buy any other than the 
very cheapest, and that those put on in the morning would probably 
be useless at nighttime, owing to their bad quality. 

Case No. 7. — Another family with whom a brother-in-law of the 
man lived and assisted by sharing the expenses of the house. The 
Avoman seemed to be a motherly sort of person, but was squatting in 
the doorway with her children about her, breaking in upon the con- 
versation at intervals ; she said it was impossible for people to live 
decently with what they were able to earn. The brother of the woman 
was evidently a pure Porto Rican. He asked the man mentioned in 
case No. 5 if he did not regard the woman he was living with as his 
wife, and was told to mind his business. When asked if the titular 
doctor gave his services freety when required, they said no; that he 
usually managed to make some excuse not to come up unless he was 
paid for it; that for that reason they had to go to the hospital when 
they wanted medical attendance. This same opinion was expressed 
more or less by all the persons the commissioner spoke to, with the 
exception of the last, a shoemaker, who said that the doctor was a 
decent sort of fellow and came up when required. 

Case No. 8. — A woman who makes a living at coffee picking and 
lives with her sister. She makes at the most 37 centavos a day, but does 
not average that amount. She gave the same reply about the doctor. 
When asked what were the prevalent diseases in that quarter of the 
town, she said fever, of which the commissioner saw several instances. 
She had not sent for the doctor when sick, and said he would not 
have come if she had sent for him. She said one reason the} 7 did not 
go to see the doctor was the fear that they might be sent to the hos- 
pital. When asked if they were treated well in the hospital, she said 
that some of them went in almost well and died there. Evidently 
there was a feeling of fear among the poor regarding the hospital. 
She lived with her sister, and they owned the house. The cost of 
building these houses appears to be between $20 and $50, according 
to their quality. The city allows them to build houses on the land 
without charging them any rent. Formerly the city did charge rent. 
As there is no water upon the hill, they have to go down to the river, 
a distance of probably 500 yards. They employ a water carrier for 
this purpose when they have no men in the family, and his charge is 
5 cents for two kerosene cans of water. This has to last them a day, 
and frequently longer, and if the} 7 have no money they have to borrow 
of their neighbors' supply of water. There are no sanitary regula- 
tions of any description. The refuse of the houses is piled in heaps 
and burned, but bad smells do not prevail up there, owing, probably, 
to the strong wind which usually blows across the hill. There were 
evidences of past smallpox in the faces of mam 7 of the women and 
children, but at present, it is said, there are no cases. The children 
were nearly all of a sickly cast, the prominent abdomen being one of 
the chief features. When asked whether the priest is in the habit of 
coming up among them and advising them and talking to them, they 
said he never made a pastoral visit by any chance ; that he occasion- 
ally came up there to administer the last sacrament, but after much 
persuasion only. 

Case No. 9. — A laborer and wife, married, with five children, living 



753 

in one room. The man sometimes works on the mountains chopping 
wood, or down in the town, when he can get anything to do. His wife 
was a cook in the town, but had to leave her place owing to ill health. 
She was paid $4 a month, and was frequently able to bring up food 
from the town for her family. Both were very intelligent, and when 
asked whether they would be satisfied to see their daughter, w T hen 
grown up, lapse into the state of living which seems to be general, 
the man was vehement in saying no, but seemed to understand that 
unless the children received an education that would be their fate. 
When asked how they could possibly acquire good morals when the 
whole family of seven slept in one room, the man said it was impossi- 
ble, but that it was also impossible for him to do otherwise, as he had 
no other room for them to sleep in. Their dinner was standing on the 
table. It consisted of plates of rice and codfish, probably with about 
half a pound in each. This, at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, was the 
first meal they had taken that day, the woman saying that they were 
thankful to get that. This was apparently the most intelligent and 
best disposed household visited. 

Case No. 10. — A married couple living in a slightly superior house. 
The husband, a man of about 25, was sitting on an iron bedstead with 
a clean canopy; he had on a clean cotton shirt. He said that he had 
worked almost constantly at the shoemaker's bench, and was able to 
earn from 50 to 75 centavos a day. They had a box of oranges for sale 
in the door, and they appeared to be generally cleanly and in a better 
position than their neighbors. This man made the statement that the 
town doctor visited sick persons when required to do so, and that the 
priest also attended to administering the last sacrament when neces- 
sary. 

Case No. 11. — A woman of about 35 or 40 years of age, with four 
children, who said she was married, but that her husband had left 
her and was living with another woman. She works at coffee picking, 
and says she can earn about 25 cents a da}^. When asked what she 
did with her children when at work, she said she leaves them at home 
and that the eldest looks after the others. She had a baby in her 
arms of about 6 months. This child she takes with her to her work, 
and said she had work constantly. She was living in one room, for 
which she was paying $1.25 per month. , 

The general run of wages for women seems to be from 18 to 37 centa- 
vos, and for men from 50 to 60 centavos. There are quite a number of 
peddlers who obtain goods from stores on short credits and go out into 
the country selling to the farmers and peons. One of these remarked 
that when times used to be good he could easily make a dollar and a 
half a day, but that times were very hard now and 50 centavos was about 
the usual amount earned when he went out. This man had a basket 
evidently full of notions. Many of the women, as well as the men, 
were barefoot, and many of the children had no clothes on whatever. 
The women sat together in groups on the dirt outside of their houses. 
Dirty jute hammocks in many instances take the place of cots or beds. 
The cooking appears to be done inside the houses by lighting a few 
wood splinters in a kettle on the floor, or a little charcoal, and putting 
the pot containing the food on this. Many of the men were absent 
from their homes. There was not a single evidence of a water-closet 
through the district. The men seem generally to be intelligent and 
active. All the children apparently go to school, but none of those 
questioned had as much education as a child of 7 years in the United 
States would have. 
1125 £8 



754 

THE AGRICULTURAL LABORER. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. PL, October SI, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the condition of the agricultural laborers 
generally? 

Dr. Santiago Veve, of Fajardo. The laborer to-day is in a very 
sad condition, chiefly owing to the impecunious condition of the men 
who employ him. His relation to his employer is voluntary. He 
either asks for work or is asked by the employer if he wants to work. 
He is paid on an average about 50 centavos a day, but usually is not 
paid in coin, but in I. O. U.'s, which he usualty takes to the store in 
the neighborhood at which his employer has opened an account and 
obtains for these I. O. U.'s, or vales, as they are called, provisions, for 
which he pays a much higher price than he would be obliged to pay 
if he had cash. Should he not use the whole amount of his earnings 
in buying provisions or clothing, but ask the storekeeper to give him 
the remainder in cash, the storekeeper does so with a discount of from 
15 to 20 per cent. 

Dr. Carroll. Is his employer subject to the same conditions as to 
trade and money balances at the store? 

Dr. Veve. Every week a balance is taken by the storekeeper of the 
amounts given to the peons employed by Mr. A., for instance. That 
amount is put to the agriculturist's debit and the total amount is 
settled at the time of harvest. Should Mr. A. not pay this amount at 
harvest time, interest is charged on the amount, or such part of it as 
remains unpaid, at the rate of about 12 per cent a year. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there no labor organization among the laborers? 

Dr. Veve. In the country, absolutely none, but there has been an 
attempt to do something of that sort among the laborers in San Juan 
and Ponce. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there no oppression employed by the agricultur- 
ist's employer with respect to the laborers? 

Dr. Veve. That depends on the owner of the estate. If he is a 
man of conscience, oppression does not occur; but in some cases there 
have been employers who have taken advantage of their ignorant and 
poor employees to oppress them, and, the laborers here being of a mild 
character, this seldom gives rise to trouble. 

Dr. Carroll. Do the employers provide food for the laborers and 
their families? 

Dr. Veve. The general rule is, the laborer goes to the plantation 
in the morning and returns home at night and receives only his salary. 
There are some exceptions in the coffee estates, where, on some planta- 
tions, it is customary to let the laborer build a little house on the 
estate, where he is permitted out of crop time to have a small garden 
for his own use. Sometimes the agreement between the employer 
and the laborer is that the latter shall receive half his compensation 
in monej^ and half in food, but this is an exception. As a general 
rule the employer does not supply the laborer with food. 

Dr. Carroll. We have been informed that a majority of merchants, 
bankers, shippers, and owners of plantations are Spaniards. Is that 
the case? 

Dr. Veve. Not absolutely true. In commerce and banks nearly all 
the owners of establishments are Spaniards; but in agriculture there 
is a slight preponderance of native owners over Spanish owners. 



755 

THE VICE OF GAMBLING. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 1, 1898. 

Dr. Carroll. What is the condition of the agricultural laborers 
here? 

Mr. RoiG. They get enough salary, but their condition is not good, 
because they incur expenses that they should not. Moreover, they 
gamble a great deal and often lose in an hour all they have. The poor 
people here do not know how to save their money. It goes for drink 
or something else that is not needed by them. 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any places where they can put their savings? 

Mr. RoiG. There are in Ponce and San German, but nowhere else. 
They can save, nevertheless, if they were inclined to do so, because 
their needs are few. The poor do not wear shoes, and their clothing 
is scant and of the cheapest materials. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much desire among them to get a little house 
and farm of their own, so as to live independently? 

Mr. RoiG. No; they don't care; they have very little ambition. I 
am speaking now of the peons. 



LONG HOURS OF LABOR. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR ETJSTAQTJIO TORRES. 

Guayanilla, P. R., November 7, 1898. 

The common price of a day's labor is 50 cents, colonial money. 
With this sum the laborer has to attend to his and his family's needs. 
Considering the high price of food stuffs, especially those of prime 
necessity, it will be seen that such a pittance can not suffice to cover 
even his most urgent needs. The result is that these wretched people 
walk about dirty, shoeless, in rags, and, worst of all, owing to want 
of proper food, and live in the most abject ignorance. When they 
return from their laborious work, lasting from 6 to 6, they desire 
nothing but to rest their weary bodies, and have no idea what it means 
to read a paper. 

Still worse is the field hand's fate. Out of work during the most of 
the year — for work falls off after harvest — he drags on a miserable 
existence, his enforced idleness sometimes leading to theft and crime. 
Therefore, not only for humanitarian, but for State reasons, labor 
should be under regulations giving the laborer some time for rest and 
some for study and pleasure, as is customary in all civilized countries. 
Above all, he should be entitled to at least II a day or its equivalent 
in gold, to enable him to save something for his and his family's 
support when out of work, and as the only way of saving him from 
thieving'. 



LOW AGRICULTURAL WAGES. 
STATEMENT OF ESCOLASTICO PEREZ. 

Cidra, P. R., November 10, 1898. 
In this country, rich by nature, little work is done. Anaemia impov- 
erishes the plrfsical strength of the poor. Food and wages do not 
permit of a good method of working. Taxes, hindrances, and other 



756 

causes have so sterilized all ambition and initiative of the agricul- 
turist that it is impossible for him to pay his laborers higher wages. 
As soon as the agriculturist obtains honest protection this evil will 
disappear. 



MEASURES OF RELIEF. 
STATEMENT OF TOMAS VASQTJEZ, M. D. 

Mayaguez, P. R., November 10, 1898. 

I write, touching only on two or three points which my experience 
as a doctor, bringing me into frequent contact with the peasant, has 
enabled me long ago to form an opinion. I consider that if Porto 
Rico is to obtain speedy benefits from its change of nationality the 
wants of this class should receive prompt attention and their vices 
immediate correction. 

The peasant (jibaro) of Porto Rico lives in miserable hovels of 
straw? isolated and at a distance from any town of sometimes 2 or 3 
leagues or even from each other. As is natural, this class of life 
brings in its train, first, the impossibility of healthy alimentation, for 
they eat nothing but sweet potatoes, yams, and roots — never meat — 
bringing, as an inevitable consequence, anaemia, from which all suffer. 
Second, the impossibility of spreading education amongst them. It is 
true that in some districts there are boy schools; schools for girls there 
are none. The children can not attend classes, owing to the distance 
at which they live from the schools, which are therefore rendered 
inoperative. Besides, the teachers are too poorly paid to allow them 
to attend to their scholastic duties. They receive but $25 monthly, 
and to eke out a living take to agriculture, employing the boys in the 
schools on field work. Third, the impossibility of forming a home and 
family. As in the mountain districts no priests reside, neither are 
there churches, and the distance is an impediment to the peasant 
coming down to the towns; he usually lives in concubinage. Civil or 
religious marriage is hardly known among them, and morals suffer in 
consequence. 

In my opinion, there is one remedy for this state of affairs, the appli- 
cation of which would soon make itself felt. A former Governor- 
General of this island had thought of it and published a circular, 
which was, however, neglected. He wished to create villages or 
centers of population to concentrate the people spread about the 
country districts. I specialty wish to call your attention to this point. 
It appears to me that if villages were established in each rural district 
it would be easy to diffuse education among children of both sexes, 
and even adults, besides having a church, with its priest or pastor, who 
would preach Christian morality, inducing the custom of marriage and 
doing away with concubinage, one of the greatest evils of our peas- 
antry. Public wealth would also be the gainer, as in the highlands 
there are many acres of government lands. In Guayama, for instance, 
in the district called Carite, where there are more than 12,000 acres of 
public lands suitable for the cultivation of coffee, cacao, and lesser 
crops, the construction even of a mule road to connect with the cart 
road would increase wealth, diffuse instruction, and moralize our 
peasants. 

To conclude, I think it of absolute necessity to find a means of con- 
densing the population, of creating villages and rural schools, as I 



757 

think I may affirm that 90 per cent of our peasants can neither read 
nor write. It is also necessary to follow the introduction of instruc- 
tion with that of Christian morality by building churches and sending 
missionaries to these fields. 



THE CARPENTERS OF SAN JUAN. 
STATEMENT OF SANTIAGO IGLESIAS, OF THE LEAGUE OF GREMIOS. 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1899. 

To the questions which you put to me I answer in the name of my 
companions, not with the intelligence and knowledge which a study 
of this kind requires, but with good will and desire to do so to the 
best of my ability. 

The gremio of carpenters contains 600 members in the capital and 
its surroundings. They hold weekly meetings, but do not assemble 
in general meeting with other carpenters of the island or with other 
gremios, because the principle of association and union was very lim- 
ited under the Spanish rule, the title of insurgent being given to those 
who attempted to come together for any purpose. 

Apprenticeship, if it exists, exists without any method whatever. 
There is an entire absence of professional schools, and in most houses 
children come into the workshops without having learned even the 
elementary branches of primary education. This is owing to the lack 
of sufficient schools and to the great poverty which exists among the 
lower-class families. Hours of work are excessive, usually from ten 
- to twelve, under the burning sun, with one miserable hour for dinner. 
Sundays we always work when occasion requires it, and the capitalists 
force us to, without any compensation whatever. The average wage 
fluctuated between 25 and 50 cents (colonial currency), which is not 
sufficient to cover the most simple necessities of life. The gremios, 
all of them, that of the carpenters in particular, are giving their 
attention to the bettering of the conditions of labor, both as regards 
treatment and remuneration. They keep up a common place of meet- 
ing, where impressions are exchanged and which is called "Circle of 
Workers of San Juan." 

The gremios are not mutual aid societies, but these exist in the 
capital and in all parts of the island, but of a feeble description. 
The politics of the working people is no other than that of a struggle 
of social economy and instruction. 

Everything is reduced to the desire to better as much as possible 
the moral and material condition of workers in general. The condi- 
tions which we desire to obtain from the people and the Government 
of the United States are absolute liberty and equality for all citizens, 
also the right to elect any citizen, no matter what his state may be, if 
known to have capacity and to be honest, for the administration of 
municipal, provincial, and judicial duties. 



THE PAINTERS OF SAN JUAN. 
STATEMENT OF FACUNDO VALENCIA EAMOS, OF THE GREMIO OF PAINTERS. 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1899. 

This gremio contains about 250 persons. 

Apprenticeship has, up to this time, been deprived of sufficient ele- 
ments for its complete installation. 



758 

Hours of work are from 6 o'clock in the morning to 11 o'clock, and 
from 12 to half -past 5 or 6. 

As regards mutual aid societies, they have existed and still exist in 
this country, and the gremios have had such societies in which the 
maximum and minimum amounts given members needing assistance 
have been, respectively, $1 and one-half dollar. 

I would say in regard to the holding of meetings, that now, having 
ample liberty of action, we shall hold them frequently. Heretofore 
general assemblies for discussing and resolving matters have been 
considered a crime. 

The wages of the laboring man are not in proportion to the prices of 
articles of prime necessity, owing to the fact that a dollar in colonial 
money is equal only to 50 cents in American currency. He who gains 
a dollar or two in native money is prejudiced, while Spanish commerce 
is benefited thereby. 

Referring to the general political situation of the country, I can not 
give an exact opinion about transcendental questions, but nevertheless 
I can say in social, as well as in political matters, Spain never admin- 
istered the affairs of the country with justice. Her greatest inca- 
pacity was shown by the so-called autonomy, under which rule the 
real master in Porto Rico was the Governor-General's secretary, who 
consented to the oppression of the natives by the employees of tribu- 
nals and other branches of government in the island. Secret prisons 
were constructed to torture them. Then, after having granted auton- 
omy, they accused us of being separatists. From now on our various 
trade unions will have a common center, because we see that what Spain 
never allowed will now be conceded us by the United States. 

Among some of the disadvantages under which the gremio of paint- 
ers is laboring, the first is the scarcity of work to be had during the 
Spanish rule, owing to the fact that the Spanish nation never under- 
took any large enterprises. The second is, the want of schools of arts 
and trades established in San Juan, in Ponce, in Mayaguez, and in 
San German. 



BOATMEN OF SAN JUAN. 

STATEMENT BY NORBERTO QUINONES, REPRESENTING LONGSHOREMEN AND 

LIGHTERMEN. 

San Juan, P. R., November 2, 1899. 

The undersigned, named on the commission to explain the form 
and conditions under which dock workers and lightermen of this 
capital labor, begs to comply with his duty by stating the following: 

There are three lighter companies, namely, Sobrinos Esquiaga, 
Sucn. de Echeveste and Sucn. de Cabrera, who handle the loading 
and unloading of vessels arriving at this port. 

The lighterman has to be at his work at 4 o'clock in the morning 
and work until 11 o'clock, during which time he is allowed one scant 
hour for breakfast. At 12 o'clock he has to be ready to return to 
work, with the risk of losing it if he is not on time. He then works 
until 7, or later, at night. These fourteen hours of work are called one 
day. The day is paid for according to what the companies think will 
be barely sufficient to keep the workmen alive with necessary food 
and drink. The amount fluctuates between a dollar and a dollar and 
a half, provincial money. When an accident happens to one of these 



759 

workmen in the course of his employment, he is completely abandoned, 
as these companies give them in such case absolutely no assistance. 
Many other abuses are committed against dock laborers, but I will 
not mention them, as little by little the American Government will 
find them out. 



BAKERS OF SAN JUAN. 
STATEMENT OF BERNARDO T. CALLARS, IN BEHALF OF BAKERS, SAN JUAN, P. R. 

The gremio of bakers of this citjr (San Juan) is composed of 150 
members. Apprenticeship is begun at the. age of 14 years, and is 
expected and encouraged. Hours of labor are from 4 in the afternoon 
until 12 the day following, including Sundays and feast clays. Bakers 
in some shops make as much as $1.50 a day; but when there are too 
many bakers for the work, wages fall as low as 75 ceutavos. This 
gremio has no mutual aid department. It does not hold general meet- 
ings, owing to the fact that the former government persecuted persons 
participating in such meetings as secret societies. 

The special disadvantages under which this trade labors are, first, 
that the trade is monopolized by six bakeries, and, second, the small 
wages that are paid. We are in complete sympathy, but differ in 
political matters. The special considerations which we wish to obtain 
from the Government of the United States are, that it lower the price 
of food stuffs and raise the duty on articles of luxury, such as alcohol 
and tobacco. 

We have ideas which we wish to express with respect to coinage, 
custom-houses, provincial government, municipal government, and 
tribunals, but what we most desire at present is the exchange of money. 

Until now we have not belonged to a central union, but under the 
new government we are getting together to do this. The general 
situation of workmen is quite grave. 




PRINTERS OF SAN JUAN. 
STATEMENT OF RASANDO RIVERA IN BEHALF OF TYPOGRAPHERS, SAN JUAN, P. R. 

Unfortunately typography in this country is to-day in a very back- 
ward state, owing, doubtless, to the heavy duty imposed by the Span- 
ish Government on the importation of type. I do not doubt for a 
minute that in this country are workmen capable of competing with 
those of any other country, however civilized; but however well sup- 
plied a printing shop maybe, it always leaves much to be desired, and 
at the best materials are wanting for the carrying out of good work. 
It is certainly a lamentable fact that the Porto Rican workmen are in 
a state of partial theoretical ignorance, but the Spanish Government is 
chiefly at fault for this state of affairs for never having taken any 
trouble to assist in the education of workmen. Nevertheless, the work- 
man, owing to his personal struggle, has been able to keep up, although 
not fully, with the grand march of civilization. It is well known that 
in the m ost cultured centers of Europe and America the typographer 
finds the road easy and his work well recompensed ; and as these are 
due to the enlightenment of the various governments under which they 



760 

live, we, the Porto Riean workmen, hope and have the strong convic- 
tion that we will obtain these desirable favors from the Government 
in Washington. In our humble opinion, we understand that the 
theoretical and practical education we need until we stand on the 
level with our brothers of America is only to be achieved by the estab- 
lishment of schools of arts and trades in which not only children can 
be instructed, but adults as well. In regard to the class of teaching 
which we should receive in these establishments, I will briefly point out 
the branches which, in my judgment, I think my fellow-typographers 
should acquire. 

Theoretical knowledge. — Prose and verse reading. Reading from 
manuscript, orthography, English and Spanish grammar and notions 
of Latin grammar, French and Italian, knowledge and use of mathe- 
matical science, commerce, music, chemistry, drawing in every form, 
arithmetic, algebra, technical knowledge of the manufacture of type, 
knowledge of the relations of types, pieces which are used in typog- 
raphy, also the manner of manufacturing the same, explication of 
the most common presses, and conservation and mounting of the same. 

Practical training. — English cases, Spanish cases, and French cases, 
composition and reading in the lead, correction, distribution, making 
up sheets, paging on marble or in the press, statistics in every form, 
works of luxury, works in color, notions of composition, Latin, French, 
Italian, how to use machines, taking of proofs, founding rules, weight- 
ing paper, brushing wooden letters, lead type and engraving, prepara- 
tion of printing inks, printing zinc, glass, and high relief. It is cer- 
tain that with these attainments there would spring up a school of 
typography which would conscientiously perform the work of their 
noble profession. 

Replies to questions: 

(1) Our gremio in San Juan consists of 152 members. 

(2) Yes; apprenticeship is required, the time depending on the 
capacity of the apprentice. 

(3) We work eight hours. 

(4) The only periodical which requires us to work on Sunday is the 
Correspondencia. The workmen are obliged to do so owing to the 
small salary they receive. 

(5) On an average we earn $6 a week, although there are workmen 
who earn $8 and $10. 

(6) The object of our union is to better the desperate position in 
which we find ourselves, and its scope is explained in the accompany- 
ing expositions. 

(7) The gremios do not form mutual-aid societies, because such are 
provided in this country to which all social classes belong. 

(8) They are beginning to be organized now, thanks to the liber- 
ality of the government which we to-day have, and which we have 
been desiring for a long time, and which we receive with open arms. 
The Spanish Government was always inquisitorial and the enemy of 
right and justice. 

(9) We do not go in for politics, as politics is based on personality 
and not on any ideal; therefore we are unanimous in our opinion. 

(10) We wish to have the Territorial form of government as soon as 
possible, and the military occupation to cease as soon as practicable; 
also the protection of the natives of the country and to all those who 
swear fidelity to the American Constitution. 

(11) As regards tariffs, the free introduction of articles of prime 
necessity, leaving a duty on articles of luxury and articles prejudicial 



761 

to humanity, such as alcohol, liquors, cards, etc. As regards money, 
the exchange should be made as soon as possible. The rate we leave 
to the opinion of the government or to those interested in it. Regard- 
ing the municipalit} T and courts, the intervention of the workmen by 
means of the vote and the right of representation for all of those who 
have talent and capacity sufficient and who may be elected by uni- 
A^ersal suffrage. 



BOOKBINDERS, SILVERSMITHS, AND TINSMITHS. 

STATEMENT OF JOSE G. MONJE, IN BEHALF OF BOOKBINDERS, SILVERSMITHS, AND 
TINSMITHS, SAN JUAN, P. R. 

Being chosen to represent the above-named gremios, I have to 
inform you of the deplorable state of these trades. 

First. Bookbinding. — The number of members of this gremio is 22. 
Among the gremios, which are in poor condition, this is one of the 
worst. The average weekly wage does not reach $4, provincial 
money, with very few exceptions. The high rates of duty imposed 
on the materials used in the trade makes work very scarce, and the 
great number of books imported and their small cost is the cause of 
the sad state in which this gremio finds itself. Besides these facts, 
bookbinders are required, in certain shops, to do work which does not 
belong to their trade, such as making cardboard boxes, traveling 
trunks, and other smaller things. As some can not do this work, they 
have been dismissed. 

Second. Silversmiths. — In this gremio there are 27 members. Owing 
to the importation of jewels, especially from Germany, this gremio is 
in rather a bad condition, the work being almost entirely that of 
repairs. It can be said, however, that it is not one of the most 
unfortunate gremios. 

Tinsmiths. — This gremio is in about the same position as that of 
the silversmiths. The number of members belonging to the gremio 
of tinsmiths is 15. 

The number of years of apprenticeship required in these trades 
depends only upon the capacity of the apprentice. Apprenticeship 
is encouraged. The school of arts and trades is one of the institutions 
where 'children, after having terminated their primary instruction, 
lasting for several years, are granted a certificate which declares them 
to be thorough workmen or master workmen, according to their knowl- 
edge. In San Juan, in almost all of the gremios, workmen are accus- 
tomed to work only eight hours, but silversmiths and tinsmiths work 
eight and one-half hours and nine hours a day. In this country, 
except on rare occasions, it is usual to work on Sunday. In some 
establishments, however, half a day Sunday is exacted. We wish to 
obtain the whole day for rest, as we consider that we are entitled to it. 
Silversmiths earn as much as six or eight pesos, and about the same 
amount is earned by tinsmiths. The gremios which have honored me 
with the duty of representing them all aim at the improvement of 
their classes and solicit, as a special favor of the United States, pro- 
tection and preference for the natives of the country. 

The gremios are not the same as mutual-help societies. In the 
future all classes will take a part in these societies. Their aim is 
exclusively that of assistance. The amount they usually pay to per- 
sons in need is $1.75 or $1.50, according to the requirements of the 
sick person. We are now thinking of calling a general conference of 



762 

all the gremios, something we could never do before, as any attempt 
to get together was considered anti-Spanish and was prohibited. We 
do not think to-day we shall meet with any obstacle, as we imagine 
that the Government of the United States, instead of disturbing our 
work, would sooner help us make it strong and enduring. Among the 
manjf disadvantages which we have suffered and are now suffering, 
the greatest has been the preference given to Spaniards over others 
and the poor rate of wages paid. In my humble opinion, the working- 
men of Porto Rico occupy themselves more with what concerns their 
work than with political questions ; nevertheless, we never fail to show 
interest in any question having reference to the administration of the 
laws of the country, although formerly we were not allowed to take 
part in this. We assure the United States that our undertakings will 
always be conducted within the spirit of law and order, and we beg 
for consideration. 



THE MASONS OF, SAN JUAN. 
STATEMENT OF JOSE EIVEEA, IN BEHALF OF THE GEEMIO OF MASONS. 

San Juan, P. R., Novembers, 1899. 

This gremio is composed of about 400 members. Apprenticeship is 
indispensable and requires at least five years. Every day appren- 
ticeship is on the increase. We work ten hours daily, with the excep- 
tion of Sunday. Wages fluctuate between $1.25 and $1.50 a day, pro- 
vincial money. At the present time the gremio of masons has no 
mutual help branch. Very few meetings have been held and no gen- 
eral congress up to the present has ever been held, because the Span- 
ish Government denied the right of citizens to meet together. The 
Spaniards killed all initiative and persecuted every form of organiza- 
tion, making all such appear as indicating disaffection and as being 
pernicious to the Spanish Government. Until now we have cooper- 
ated in the most radical policy of the country, but now that we have 
entered into the enjoyment of citizenship, as offered by the American 
nation, we promise ourselves from to-day on to work out our own 
emancipation according to our ideals. 

The considerations which we desire to obtain from the United States 
are the following : The right to propagate our ideals and support our 
organizations, and everything which, within the limits of order and 
law, we may try to obtain foi* our general welfare. We desire to 
have complete intervention in questions of administration, either 
municipal or state, and a share in the management of the govern- 
ment tribunals, etc. Up to the present we have had no common 
center for the meeting of our societies. 



AGRICULTURAL LABORERS. 
STATEMENT OF PEOF. BENIGNO LOPEZ CASTEO, FOE AGEICITLTOEAL LABOEEES. 

Sax Juan, P. R., November J, 1899. 

It is evident that the most important branch of the riches of Porto 

Rico is agriculture ; that it ought to be in a flourishing condition, 

because it is favored by excellent climatic conditions, exuberance of 

the soil, and the slight amount of labor required for cultivation. But 



763 

want of roads and railroads in the country, the lack of irrigation 
canals, the scarcity of agricultural banks and other similar establish- 
ments from which the agriculturist might obtain money at low rates 
of interest, and, above all, the onerous taxation with which Spain 
always punished this country are the principal causes which have 
forced Porto Rico to remain in a condition of ruin. 

To these causes may be added another. The owners of agricultu- 
ral estates, flattered by the high prices which they were able to obtain 
for sugar, coffee, and tobacco, have given their whole attention to 
those crops, incurring the grave error of the abandonment of the cul- 
tivation of rice, beans, pease, and other smaller crops, including also 
potatoes, Spanish pease, and other necessaries of life. Having stated 
that this abandonment was an error, I will explain the reason why. 
The owners of estates, not paying; attention to the growth of the nec- 
essary crops for the maintenance of themselves and their workmen, 
are obliged to accept credit from merchants, who readily give them 
all they want, but take guaranties and mortgages on their estates, 
with the obligation of paying the merchant in produce. When the 
time for harvesting arrives, the agriculturist, instead of being able to 
offer his produce freely to whomsoever he wishes, is bound by the 
terms of his contract to submit himself to the greed and ambition of 
his creditor. It frequently happens that the amount harvested is not 
sufficient to cover the debt, and in this case the debtor gives a docu- 
ment covering the remainder of the debt in favor of the creditor, 
acknowledging the balance due and the addition of a high rate of 
interest. This same thing takes place year after year, the interest 
keeps on accumulating, until at last the merchant refuses any further 
help and demands a settlement of the amount or the handing over of 
the estate. This will give an idea why properties have passed from 
the hands of the Porto Ricans to those of the Spaniards. 

I will now give some little attention to the condition of the field 
hands, who are in the greatest want of protection and care from the 
Government of the United States, as I understand that the Govern- 
ment of the United States does not want pariahs in this territory, but, 
free, civilized, and educated citizens. These unfortunate beings, 
abandoned to their own resources from the cradle to the grave, vege- 
tate like wild plants. No generous hand is held out to offer them 
even the first rudiments of human knowledge. The exploiters of this 
country, having understood that ignorance is one of the best means 
of debasing a man and making him submit to a badly dissimulated 
slavery, have never occupied themselves in spreading instruction, but, 
on the contrary, with their cleverness killed all attempts which were 
made in that direction. The limited and deficient instruction which 
they permitted in the centers of population never reached the unfor- 
tunate inhabitants of the rural districts, and never the women. There 
are districts, such as Arecibo, whose jurisdiction extends over 21 bar- 
rios, of which only eight or ten have schools for boys and in only one 
district is there a school for girls, for which reason it is a rare occur- 
rence to find a countrywoman who knows how to read. 

As a general rule, from the early age of 10 or 12 years children of 
both sexes are put to hard field work. They have to leave their mis- 
erable bed at 4 in the morning, so that at 6 o'clock they may be in 
readiness to take up the hoe, sometimes without even having had any- 
thing to eat. This work both the children and the older workmen 
continue until 6 in the evening, and gradually lose their health in 
exchange for the miserable wage of 12, 18, or 25 centavos a day for chil- 



764 

dren and from 50 to 60 centavos for adults of both sexes, which 
amounts are frequently reduced when the price of coffee or sugar 
falls, but never increased bej'ond those sums, no matter what prices 
these articles may bring. 

The food given to the workers is so poor that it is no exaggeration 
to say that they would with pleasure exchange it for what is given to 
dogs in many private houses. On the same ground that they have 
fertilized with the sweat of their brow, and without taking their hands 
from the plow or the hoe, they have served to them, between 11 and 12 
o'clock, a ration of rice mixed with a few grains of beans or pease, cooked 
entirely without meat and Avith no other seasoning than a little cocoa- 
nut butter. At other times the ration is composed of two or three 
roasted bananas, a piece of bad dried codfish, with neither oil nor vine- 
gar, half raw, and very salty, in order that the laborer shall get thirsty 
and fill himself up with water, and in this way stifle the feelings of 
hunger, which would otherwise overcome him in a day's labor of twelve 
hours under the enervating sun of our climate. Several times the 
peons have tried to associate themselves together in divisions against 
the iniquitous proceedings of their employers, but the owner of the 
estates, if he did not happen to be a political boss, would call upon 
one of his friends to denounce to the Governor- General the existence 
of an alleged secret society, conspiring against the integrity of the 
Kingdom, with the result that the civil guard would be charged to 
persecute the suxDposed conspirators with inhuman torture, as if they 
were wild beasts. Persons thus persecuted frequently paid for their 
attempts at organization by many years of imprisonment in Ceuta or 
Chafarinas (penal settlements off the coast of Africa) for no other 
crime than defending themselves against the unmeasured avarice and 
sel fishness of a few soulless persons. 



NO CLOTHES TO COVER NAKEDNESS. 
STATEMENT OF MANUEL M. PUYOLS. 

Mayaguez, January 10, 1899. 
The same wages as paid in the United States should be paid here, 
from the teacher to the lowest laborer. Up to the present we have 
not earned sufficient to buy even food enough. There are in the 
towns and country districts of my country real working people who 
do not dare to venture out of their houses, as they are completely 
naked and have nothing to cover their bodies with, although their 
labor is necessary to the progress of the country. 



CIGAR MAKERS IN CAYEY. 

Cayey, P. R., February 2, 1899. 
We belong to the working classes, who, up to the present time, have 
been ill treated by our eternal oppressors and the exploitation of our 
labor. The cigar-making industry in this country has dragged out a 
miserable existence, and the owners of factories have had no other end 
in view than the oppression of the artisan. A cigar maker in Porto 
Rico has never been able to enjoy a life of comfort, as the manufac- 
turers, taking advantage of an honest class of workers, have not lost 



765 

an opportunity to exploit them, preventing them from attending- to 
their many necessities. That the whole world may know what means 
have been employed for this oppression, we have written you this 
letter, in which we state the plain truth. 

This industry was started in the island by persons of capital who 
saw a profitable field of investment. It is needless to say that they 
were Spaniards. Many fathers of families rejoiced, thinking that 
they saw a future for their sons, and went to the factories with the 
purpose of obtaining work. We can not deny that the industn 7 has 
made much progress in these latter years, but the progress was not 
for the benefit of the workmen, as when the number of workmen was 
increased the factories diminished the price which they paid for the 
work. The American invasion raised great hopes in our breasts. 
We thought that by belonging to a nation of such progressive instincts 
the condition of the honest laborer would change, but up to the 
present this has not been the case. 

The transitory period which we are now going through has seen 
no change at all, but we do not lose hope that a radical change will 
come soon, which will be the means of our being able to attend to our 
most urgent needs. As a proof of the exploitation to which we have 
been subjected, we would inform you that we are made to work on 
certain cigars which, by merely changing their name, are paid at a 
less price to the workmen without being sold at a reduced price to the 
consumer. The commissioners which have the honor to inform you 
about our needs were not speaking the truth when they said that the 
cigar makers earned 2 pesos a day. These commissioners were 
telling about what they earned and spoke unduly for the whole body. 
That you may see the truth of what we state, we give you the follow- 
ing data: In this town the number of cigar makers is 120; of these, 
10 or 12 earn 2 pesos daily; 20 or 25, 1 peso, and the rest onby earn 
from 50 to 62 centavos. They do not make this amount daily, as there 
seldom passes a week in which they have work for six days; neither 
do they work all the year round. They lose at least two or three 
months, in which they are not able to earn bread for their children. 

Judge of what our condition is, therefore, when we add that our 
bosses are not always what they should be in their treatment of the 
honest worker. We wish also to draw your attention to the fact that 
education, which is the basis of all society, is entirely neglected 
among us, owing to the oppressive system, whose object was always 
to keep us in ignorance so as to make their exploitation more easy. 
We want the American Government to help us with schools, and 
schools, and schools, for if educated we would be more worthy of 
consideration. 



SCHOOLS OF ARTS AND TRADES. 
STATEMENT BY SENOR JOS^ AMADEO, M. D. 

Patillas, P. R., March, 1899. 
Population increases rapidly, there being more laborers for agricul- 
ture than can be employed at present. The number would be still 
greater were it not for the unhealthiness of certain places, the want 
of food, bad lodging, lack of education, and the vices, all of which 
prematurely kill and make unfit for work a portion of our laboring 
class. The American Government will not fail to see this, and to-day, 



766 

more than ever, it is necessary to better the physical and intellectual 
qualities of our workmen. By increasing public works all over the 
island and giving impulse to agriculture by the introduction of Ameri- 
can capital there is no doubt that wages will rise. The laboring man 
to-day is suffering under the laws of demand and supply, which 
affect labor just as they affect merchandise. 

All the young men, and even the women and children of the work- 
ing class, make for the cane fields. Very few give any attention to 
trades which would produce better salary. This is owing to the want 
of schools of arts and trades. There are towns of 6,000 inhabitants 
where it is impossible to find a shoemaker or an artisan who could 
repair a lock or a trunk. It is necessary to think of Porto Rico's 
future and to better the social and hygienic conditions as far as pos- 
sible, recognizing that our working class are a living force of general 
wealth in the province. 

We should study calmly and intelligently all the plans tending 
toward this end. Among these may be counted that of grouping 
together in villages or colonies the persons who at present live isolated 
in the country, who thus enjoy none of the benefits of mutual help or 
other advantages of a social life. We should also extend to these 
groups the benefits of elementary education, in which direction char- 
itable societies could lend their assistance. Increase saving institu- 
tions and mutual assurance, banks and cooperation stores, also build- 
ing societies, which would allow poor people to acquire their homes 
by paying for them in small amounts, spread over long periods, with 
a mortgage as guaranty to the society. 

These are the means which should be employed, and which in other 
countries have resulted in the welfare and prosperity of the working 
classes, accustoming them to contract habits of economy and order 
instead of giving themselves over to dissipation and vagrancy. With 
the concentration of our disseminated population, and with the efforts 
of influential persons, the moral state and the material condition of 
the individual and the family would improve in Porto Rico. Our 
working classes, which are among the most constant and hard-working 
in all the West India islands, are well deserving of it. Political 
reforms are useless while the greater number of citizens are groaning 
beneath the yoke of misery, with their families and homes in a con- 
dition which conduces to immorality and other unfortunate evils. 



DEMAND FOR FREE COMMERCE WITH THE UNITED STATES. 

FREE ENTRANCE FOR SUGAR. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arecibo, P. R., January 14-, 1899. 
Mr. Manuel Ledesma, a Spanish merchant and owner of a large 
estate. 

Mr. Ledesma. Sugar and tobacco, which to-day pay heavy duties 
in the United States, I think should be allowed free entrance, because 
as soon as the money is changed here plantation owners, who now pay 
their labor in silver, will have to pay in gold, and they will not be able 
to continue business under those conditions. If the estates close 
down many peons will be thrown out of work, and if that state of 
affairs comes about you will see a serious conflict here, because the 



767 

sugar estates give work to three-fourths of the people of the island. 
Tobacco, with even more reason, should be given free entrance in 
the United States, because, while sugar is in the hands of a few per- 
sons, anybodj^ can grow tobacco, and then the poor could be made 
small proprietors if tobacco were granted this concession in your 
markets. I understand that the United States consumes about 
100,000 tons of sugar a month. The most Porto Rico can produce is 
100,000 tons a year, and I don't think that the United States would 
miss by granting the concession of free entry to our sugar. 



A FREE MARKET FOR INSULAR PRODUCTS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Arbcibo, P. R., January 14, 1899. 
Jose Ramon Rivera, a druggist and property owner: 

Dr. Carroll. I understand that this is a great center for the sugar 
industry and also for distilleries. 

Mr. Rivera. Yes ; it is. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the other industries represented here? 

Mr. Rivera. As things are to-day, the most important crop of Are- 
cibo is coffee; after coffee, sugar, and after sugar, tobacco. 

Dr. Carroll. What special difficulties, if any, do coffee planters 
labor under? 

Mr. Rivera. In the first place the present low price of coffee, and 
in the second place the destruction of some of the estates at the time 
of the American occupation. 

Dr. Carroll. What are the chief markets for the coffee? 

Mr. Rivera. The United States, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, 
and England. 

Dr. Carroll. You don't send much coffee to Cuba now, do you? 

Mr. Rivera. Hardly any. 

Dr. Carroll. There is quite a tariff there on coffee, and I suppose 
it has shut out the more common grades that you used to send to Cuba. 

Mr. Rivera. Absolutely all mercantile transactions with Cuba in 
tobacco and coffee have been interrupted by the war and have not 
been resumed. 

Dr. Carroll. You speak of the low prices of coffee. In the United 
States the prices have been the same to consumers for at least ten 
years. I have not paid less than. 32 cents per pound, gold, but I think 
it is not Porto Rican coffee. 

Mr. Rivera. Not a great quantity of Porto Rican coffee has been 
sent to the United States; and although Italy is a large consumer of 
coffee, it does not appear so, because much of it has gone through 
Marseilles. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you still keep up- your shipments to Spain? 

Mr. Bahr (a planter). There is not a great quantity shipped to-day. 
What there is is shipped to Barcelona, and I think this quantity even 
will be reduced, because the change of sovereignty has of course 
made us a foreign country. Formerly, owing to the fact that Porto 
Rico was a Spanish colony, they were allowed to export goods at 10 
per cent duty. The interchange naturally drew the bulk of the pay- 
ments toward Spain. But this has doubtless undergone a change, as 
we will be discriminated against by the Spanish tariff. 



768 

Air. Rivera. In spite of that, coffee was shipped to Spain in pay- 
ment for goods which we brought here under the 10 per cent tariff, 
and the removal of that condition of affairs has led to their having a 
serious stagnation in the coffee business here. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any attempt being made to find another 
market for it? 

Mr. Rivera. The whole country would like to have its only mar- 
ket in the United States for sugar and coffee. 

Dr. Carroll. Coffee is admitted free into the United States. 

Mr. Rivera. If you can only add to the coffee sugar and tobacco, 
the result would be very beneficial to property owners, laborers, and 
others. 

Dr. Carroll. So far as coffee is concerned, it is proposed to remove 
all export duties on it. 

Mr. Rivera. I know a merchant who has 3,000 quintals of tobacco 
in Germany, and has sent for it, counting on concessions as to the 
admission of tobacco into the United States. It is not that this man 
is alone in looking forward to the time when the United States shall 
give a free market to our products, and thus tend to relieve the agri- 
cultural distress throughout the island. 

Dr. Carroll. That would naturally come when the island is given 
its territorial form of government, if such shall be the wisdom of 
Congress. 



THE GOLDEN DREAM OF PORTO RICANS. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San German, P. R., January 26, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. Have you any suggestion to make with reference to 
what the Government might do to alleviate the distresses from which 
you say the sugar interests are laboring? 

Mr. Joaquin Cervera. The only remedy for our ills is that sugar 
and tobacco shall be admitted free into the United States. It is the 
capital argument. In my opinion I will add that if that is not granted 
we are all lost. There is no possible salvation. 

Dr. Carroll. How are you going to save coffee? The concession 
to coffee has already been made. 

Mr. Cervera. I repeat again that unless our products — sugar and 
tobacco — can go free into the States they are lost forever. These 
sugars can not compete with the European beet sugar, owing to the 
fact that the European manufacturers have large capital, advanced 
machinery, intelligent workmen, and low wages. 

Dr. Carroll. The difficulty about admitting sugar and tobacco 
free is only to be settled when the form of the future government of 
Porto Rico is settled. There is, I understand, a commission now in 
the United States advocating the independence of Porto Rico. In such 
a case the United States would maintain its tariff as against Porto 
Rico, and Porto Rico would maintain its tariff as against the United 
States. 

Mr. Cervera. That question has not been discussed in Porto Rico 
by anj^ considerable number of people. Porto Rico, in my opinion, 
must depend upon some outside government. We do not want inde- 
pendence. 



769 

A FREE MARKET IN THE UNITED STATES. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Caguas, P. R. , February 27, 1899. 

Dr. Carroll. What measures would you suggest that the Govern- 
lnent should take to relieve the agriculturists? 

Mr. V. Mtjnoz (ex-mayor of .Caguas). By providing them with 
money through agricultural banks on long terras, and a further reduc- 
tion in the import tariff. 

Dr. Carroll. On what? 

Mr. Munoz. Food stuffs. We also need to have a free market given 
us in the United States, or one that will enable us to compete with 
other countries. 

Mr. Sola (brother of the mayor). Before, although we had to pay 
clearly for our food, we had a market for our produce. Now we have 
cheaper food, but no market for our produce, so we have nothing to 
buy with. 

Dr. Carroll. As far as sugar is concerned, you have about as 
good a market as before the war. You had to pay big prices to get 
your sugar into Spain. 

Mr. Sola. While it is true that formerly commerce exploited agri- 
culture, the agriculturists had a market for their products and lived, 
even though it was miserably that they lived, but to-day conditions 
are changed. How is it possible for the agriculturists to obtain from 
the merchants the assistance which they had in former days when the 
agriculturists have no markets in which to dispose of their crops? 
Formerly they had the Spanish and Cuban markets for coffee, tobacco, 
and sugar. These they have lost through the change in government. 
Cuba to-day imposes a tax of $5 a pound on tobacco and $12. 50 on 
100 quintals of coffee, and Spain has put such a duty on sugar that 
anybody who sends a shipment of sugar thereto-day must send money 
along to cover the duty alone; Spain has done the same thing as 
regards coffee and tobacco, leaving us without a market for these 
three products, by means of which we used to obtain money to meet 
our obligations. 

Dr. Carroll. That being so, why are you raising so much more 
tobacco this year than last year? 

Mr. Sola. We have sown less this year than last, but we have been 
sowing with the hope of having a market. 

Dr. Carroll. If you are shut out of Cuba by the tariff, as regards 
tobacco, on the other hand, Cuban producers are shut out of Porto 
Rico. Is that not a benefit? 

Mr. Sola. In part; but it is not sufficient to give life to the indus- 
try, because we can only manufacture enough for home consumption, 
whereas exports should be greater than home consumption. 

Dr. Carroll. But hitherto all the cigarettes smoked in the island 
were imported from Cuba or somewhere else ; now they are made here. 

Mr. Sola. That helps, but not sufficiently. There are only two 
factories here, and they do not work full time. 

Dr. Carroll. Don't you export to Europe outside of Spain? 

Mr. Sola. We export to Germany, but only the very cheap and com- 
mon grades. If the industry had to depend on the German market, it 
would not pay us to do so. 

Dr. Carroll. You will have to look to the United States for a mar- 
ket for your coffee and tobacco. 
1125 49 



770 

Mr. Sola. That is what we ask for, and we have gotten up a peti- 
tion from several towns of the island to send to Washington asking 
to have the markets opened to us. I was going to explain why less 
tobacco has been sown here this year than last. I speak of this dis- 
trict, but my remarks can be applied to the whole island. We have 
in our warehouse the greater part of last year's tobacco crop. The 
merchants are unable to dispose of the crops, and consequently are 
unable to assist the agriculturists. This is one of the reasons why 
there is no money circulating in the island ; we have our money locked 
up in our warehouses in the form of tobacco. You must look at the 
question also from the humanitarian point of view. There are hun- 
dreds of people through the country who make a living out of the 
tobacco industry. I call attention to this and the other reasons I 
have stated as grounds for asking you to cooperate with us in our 
memorial to the President, in which we ask that he grant us free 
coastwise trade with the United States, so that the country may enter 
into an era of prosperity, of development, and of growth, if not in a 
very high degree, at least to an extent which will take us out of our 
present state. 



AN OPEN MARKET IN THE UNITED STATES. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 4, 1899. 

A Planter. The only market we had for our tobacco crop has been 
taken away from us, owing to the heavy rate which has been imposed 
on the tobacco in the island. There are towns in the island which can 
only grow tobacco, because their land is not fit for anything else, and 
for the want of a market these lands are valueless. 

Dr. Carroll. You have lost the Cuban market, but, on the other 
hand, the Cubans have lost the Porto Rican market. Is not that an 
important gain? You have your own market for cigarettes. 

A Planter. The quantity that came here was insignificant in pro- 
portion to the crop that was raised. 

Dr. Carroll. According to the reports that you made here in Ponce 
last April for the reformation of the tariff, these importations from 
Cuba were of very great importance. 

A Planter. But the amount imported was very small as compared 
with the amount produced here. Statistics will prove that. We want 
to know if we can get an open market in the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. It is impossible to say until the new Congress meets. 
The only power that can change the tariff of the United States is Con- 
gress, and the old Congress dies to-day. 

A Planter. At least, we want the matter kept in mind, so that 
when the opportunity comes for legislation it may then be acted upon. 



THE QUESTION OF CABOTAGE. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Yauco, P. R., March 6, 1899. 
Mr. Jose G. Torres. I think that I voice the opinion of the people 
of Yauco, and I may say of the whole island, when I say that every- 
body wants the Territorial form of government ; and if we have asked 



771 

for the suppression of direct taxes, it is only as a temporary measure 
and until we shall have a civil government. 

Dr. Carroll. But if you suppress direct taxation, do you not stop 
the wheels of municipal government? 

Mr. Torres. We call direct taxation only what we pay to the state, 
and not what we pay to the municipalities. 

Dr. Carroll. How can you expect the state to improve your 
public schools and improve your roads and conduct your prisons 
unless it has nioney with which to do it? 

Mr. Torres. We asked for this because we were informed by the 
insular government that when the United States had paid the expenses 
of the Army out of the proceeds of the custom-house they would use 
the balance for what you have stated. 

Dr. Carroll. The troops are paid out of the Treasury at Wash- 
ington, and not a cent from Porto Rico is devoted to that object. 

Mr. Torres. What are the custom-house receipts used for? 

Dr. Carroll. They are used for the purposes of the insular gov- 
ernment; a large amount goes to the improvement of your roads — 
$250,000 perhaps for the use of the roads alone — and you must remem- 
ber that the tariff has been revised, and that the rates have been very 
much reduced on many articles used, on food stuffs, on cotton goods, 
etc. , for the benefit of the country, and therefore you must expect 
less proceeds from the custom-house than formerly. 

Mr. Torres. Formerly the budget of the island was from three to 
three and one-half million dollars, which was paid almost exclusively 
by custom-house receipts. Now that the expenses that you speak of 
are removed, the budget ought not to be much more than $1,000,000. 

Dr. Carroll. Your budget for 1897 was about 5,000,000 pesos, and 
you have been getting over 3,000,000 from custom-house receipts. 
Then your tax system has been modified a great deal. For instance, 
the system of cedulas, stamped paper, and the income from lotteries 
have been cut off, and the land tax has been reduced, and the tax on 
city property has been considerably reduced. 

Mr. Torres. I understand that perfectly well. Granting that the 
custom-house did produce 3,000,000 before, if under the new tariff it 
produces only 1,000,000, it ought to cover fully all the expenses of the 
insular government. 

Dr. Carroll. I have serious doubts of that. Of course I do not 
know what the estimates are for the present year, but if any improve- 
ments are to be made a large amount of money is necessary, and it 
seems to me that it is of vital necessity, if the prosperity of the island 
is to be increased, that schools and roads must be greatly improved. 

Mr. Torres. The country only asks for this suppression of the taxes 
owing to the financial crisis it is passing through; but now that it 
knows that the money collected in the island is for the benefit of the 
island, and will be expended in the way you mention, we are per- 
fectly satisfied to pay them. I think that if Porto Rico is granted a 
Territorial form of government and enjoys all the benefits of it, the 
country, which is now passing through a crisis, will be able to meet 
all its interior expenses. Therefore, with the hope of being declared 
a Territory early in December or next year, we will go on paying con- 
tributions, although it will be hard for us to do so; but the hope held 
out to us of entering into all the advantages of American citizenship 
will lighten the burden. The whole country wants to be a Territory. 



772 

THE OUTLOOK OF PORTO RICO. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Ponce, P. R., March 7, 1899. 
' Mr. Felici, Mr. ACOSTA. 

Mr. Felici. There are about 500,000 quintals of coffee produced in 
Porto Rico, the greater part of which is good coffee. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't see why it should not have a good market in 
the United States. 

Mr. Felici. Perhaps it may after Americans come here and get 
used to it. 

Dr. Carroll. Have yo u a good European market for the finer 
grades? 

Mr. Felici. They sell very well in Austria, Italy, France, and 
Russia. The hope of the coffee planters here is that the United States 
will put a duty on other coffees, on the ground that coffee is now pro- 
duced in a part of the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. I don't think it will come right away. When the 
bonds are drawn closer between Porto Rico and the United States it 
may come, but that naked proposition would now look like putting a 
tax on 70,000,000 of people in the United States to benefit 1,000,000 
people here. 

Mr. Felici. But that would mean a good income to the United 
States, because Porto Rico could not produce all the coffee used 
there. 

Dr. Carroll. It may be that by the time Congress is in session 
again, next December, the situation will be very much relieved in 
Porto Rico. You may be getting such prices for your coffee that you 
will not need to have them increased. A short crop of coffee in the 
rest of the world would, of course, raise the prices. AY hat is the best 
price of sugar that you have had in the last ten years. 

Mr. Felici. Before the war we sold sugar for 6 cents a pound. 

Dr. Carroll. I mean the sugar that you shipped. 

Mr. Felici. About 5 cents a pound. 

Dr. Carroll. What j^ear was that. 

Mr. Felici. About 1893 or 1894. 

Dr. Carroll. Did you get that in the United States':' 

Mr. Felici. In the United States and Spain. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the cause of the high price that year? 

Mr. Felici. The scarcity of sugar elsewhere. 

Dr. Carroll. Do your crops vary much here? 

Mr. Felici. No. 

Dr. Carroll. If your planters got that they would feel pretty well 
satisfied, wouldn't they? 

Mr. Felici. Oh, yes. 

Dr. Carroll. But the average has been about 4 and 44 cents for 
centrifugal sugar? 

Mr. Felici. Yes; and muscovado would be in proportion. We 
make a muscovado here that used to sell in Spain for almost the same 
as centrifugal sold there. We sell some in the United States now, 
provided it does not go beyond 16 degrees, in which case it would be 
classed as refined sugar. 

Dr. Carroll. Everywhere I have gone they have said to me that 
what the island needs is a free market in the United States for sugar 
and tobacco, and I have been obliged to say to them that they could 



773 

not get a free market until Congress takes action, and that the ques- 
tion of free trade between Porto Rico and the United States depended 
upon what form of government is given Porto Rico. If you get the 
Territorial form of government, cabotage will follow as a matter of 
course ; but if you get the colonial form of goverment, then there would 
probably be some tariff between the two countries — that is, you would 
have a tariff as against the United States, and the United States 
would maintain a tariff as against Porto Rico. 

Mr. Acosta. I think the country will be able to supply sufficient 
money for its own needs, if it does not have to pay for the army and 
navy and clergy, and much more reasonably could we expect to do 
that if we had a free market, because with a free market the farm- 
ers could contribute their share ; also, if articles of consumption come 
in free from the United States, prices will be reduced considerably 
and farmers will be able to grow their coffee with less expense, and 
even with present prices of coffee they would realize a profit which 
they do not now have. If taxation were justly distributed, as it never 
was, because in the old days rich persons were almost exempt from 
taxation, it would be much better, and the poor people are to-day 
making the complaints that are heard in the island, because they do 
not know that taxation is to be justlj 7 imposed. Sugar estates here 
produce 6,000 hogsheads a year and pay less taxation than the mer- 
chants. I think a Territorial form of government will be the salva- 
tion of the country. 



GREAT ISSUES DEPENDING ON CABOTAGE. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Caguas, P. R., March 9, 1899. 
Mr. Jose Bernitez, an estate owner of Vieques. 

Mr. Bernitez. You must know that all around the island the sugar 
crop begins to be harvested in January ; that sometimes it is harvested 
a month earlier, as is the case with my crop this year. At this 
moment I have a ship anchored in my port and I am loading her with 
5,000 sacks of sugar. When the treaty was ratified I, as well as all 
agriculturists, expected that there would be a rebate of duty on 
sugar in the United States. We paid a duty of $1.68 on centrifugal 
sugar in the United States and $1.40 on muscovado, and having to pay 
this duty, agriculturists are not able to give their peons more than 
50 centavos a day. 

Dr. Carroll. No change can be made in the United States tariff 
except by Congress, and Congress adjourned on the 4th of March. 
The treaty had not yet been ratified, and Congress could take no 
action before the treaty was ratified. 

Mr. Bernitez. I understand that the President of the United States 
is authorized to rebate from 20 to 25 per cent. 

Dr. Carroll. That is only with those countries with which a reci- 
procity treaty is concluded — that is, with foreign countries. 

Mr. Bernitez. I am not making this statement in my behalf, 
because, fortunately, I will be in a position where I do not require it, 
because I have made money by my labors during many years; but I 
can not see how the agriculturists can improve the position of their 
peons until they have some assistance in the matter of duty, not only 
on sugar, but on tobacco also. I think that some of the disturbances 
going on in the island, such as the burning of estates, are due to the 



774 

fact that the peons believe that the proprietors are able to pay them 
higher wages than they are paying now. In Vieques we have not had 
any disturbances of any description whatever. We are in a different 
position from the agriculturists on the main island, because we have 
better machinery. There are better plantations, and cattle to help us 
out in dry weather. 

Dr. Carroll. They pay better wages in Vieques, I believe. 

Mr. Bernitez. Yes; we pay better, because of the form in which we 
pay. I spend $1,500 a week in grinding and $1,000 for other expenses. 
I don't do the grinding work as they do it here. I do it by giving the 
peons an interest in the work. The more they grind the more they 
earn, and they make from 80 centavos to $1.25 a day during the grind- 
ing season. The reason I can do that is because I have my machinery 
well mounted. In Porto Rico that is not the case, and the machinery 
that is not well mounted and well handled can not give good result. 
Here the principal defect is that everything is not in proper relation. 
Some have good machinery, but bad oxen; some have good machinery 
and good oxen, but not sufficient cane planted. That is owing to the 
fact that during all these years there have been only two banks here, 
the Agricultural Bank and the Spanish Bank, and they are not able 
to help out all the agriculturists. For instance, I am one of the 
board of the Agricultural Bank. When the agriculturist borrows 
money he does not receive money but bonds of the bank, and as 
these bonds are not quoted anywhere they are worth only what the 
agriculturist can get for them in the market. If later they can be 
quoted in the United States, it will be different. If agriculturists try 
to borrow money from the Spanish Bank, they have to do so on such 
exacting conditions that the remedy is worse than the disease. As a 
whole, Porto Rico has the conditions necessary for becoming very 
prosperous, if there are only established here syndicates and banking 
institutions to lend money to agriculturists. 

Dr. Carroll. If you have the banking sj^stem of the United States 
you will have no difficulty in borrowing money, probably. 

Mr. Bernitez. No. 

Dr. Carroll. You will then have a bajak in Isabela. 

Mr. Bernitez. That will be magnificent. I am not looking out for 
myself in this matter. By force of work and application I have been 
able to go ahead, but I am thinking of others. 

Dr. Carroll. What part of Vieques is under cultivation? 

Mr. Bernitez. In former years, when they went in for very small 
crops, Vieques was a port. They used to sow plantains, potatoes, etc., 
and sold them in St. Thomas. To-day only cattle and cane are raised. 
There are about 3,500 cuerdas under cultivation in cane, with four 
central factories. When they have bad cane crops by reason of 
drought the cattle help them out. 

Dr. Carroll. Is the land nearly all quite good? 

Mr. Bernitez. No; only from the town to Punta Arenas; that is 
the port opposite Humacao, and belongs to me. From Ilumacao to 
Punta Arenas is one hour by steamer. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there much land which might be used for the rais- 
ing of other crops? 

Mr. Bernitez. Some small parts of it, but not much. 

Dr. Carroll. Do you have much of a dry season? 

Mr. Bernitez. Yes. I have asked General Henry to establish a 
small steamboat service between Humacao, Vieques, and Culebra. It 
would not only be a good thing for the island, but for the Americans 
as well. A ship of 100 tons would be sufficient to make a voyage 



775 

there and back from Humacao to Vieques and to Culebra and back. 
Then, also, the small island is a magnificent port. It is necessary to 
give the poor people living there facilities for communicating with 
other places, not only on the people's account, but for the sake of the 
government itself. The government can not possibly know what is 
going on in Culebra, because they have no cable or any other means 
of communication. As a ship of 100 tons would be so useful for tak- 
ing mails and government officials, and would cost so little,, it would 
be very desirable. It would be a good thing for police reasons also. 
A ship could go from there to St. Thomas and take on wood and fish 
there, and nobody know anything about it. Even if it were only for 
the pur pose of vigilance it would be desirable. 

Dr. Carroll. How many inhabitants are there in Culebra? 

Mr. Bernitez. I think about 600; but it is worth while helping 
them. Under Spanish rule I can understand why all these things 
were not attended to, because Spain was a poor nation; but I do not 
understand such neglect under the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. You must remember that it has been only a few 
months since the United States came into possession of Porto Rico, 
and is not yet in full civil possession of the island. I think a great 
many things have been done since we have been here, considering the 
time and circumstances. 

Mr. Bernitez. That is all right; but has the ratification of the peace 
treaty put us in a better position? 

Dr. Carroll. A great many things that need to be done for Porto 
Rico can only be done after a civil government has been installed here. 
You only have an ad interim government now. After you get a civil 
government you may look for many things that are not possible at 
present. 

Mr. Bernitez. I don't think what you say alters my opinion in 
regard to what I remarked before. Agriculturists would not be in a 
very much better position if they had a rebate on sugar and tobacco, 
but they would be in a position to help the peons, and I want you to 
be thoroughly impressed with that information. I know specially that 
there are factories to-day that have been grinding cane, but are being 
forced to stop because they have not the money or can not sell their 
sugar. A rebate of one-half of the duty to-day would be very favor- 
able for the agriculturists, not for me directly, but for the people. 

Dr. Carroll. This is not a difficult position simply, it is an impos- 
sible one. The President of the United States has power over the 
tariff of Porto Rico and has changed it in the interest of the poorer 
classes, but he can not change the tariff of the United States. 

Mr. Bernitez. I feel it very much, because if only a part of the 
duty could be removed it would help to tranquillize the country. 

Dr. Carroll. The conditions in Porto Rico respecting these mat- 
ters have been made known again and again to the Government at 
Washington, and the Government feels the deepest sympathy for those 
who are suffering here under present conditions ; but it has no- way of 
applying a remedy until Congress meets, next December. 

Mr. Bernitez. The position of the peons to-day is a desperate one, 
and it is not due to the agriculturists not desiring to help them. 

Dr. Carroll. You will have to try to struggle through the present 
conditions the best you can and hope for better times. I wish I could 
assist you, but there is no governmental power by which that can be 
done. 

Mr. Bernitez. I wish to state, as it may interest you, that I pay 
$4,500 a year taxes. 



776 

THE MOST VITAL ISSUE. 
STATEMENT OF DELEGATION FROM PONCE. 

Ponce, P. R., November 8, 1898. 
The most vital, urgent, and necessary measure that should be taken 
in Porto Rico, if the ruin of this rich island is to be prevented, is the 
free importation into the island of the products of the United States, 
and vice versa. 



WHAT IS EXPECTED. 

MEMORIAL OF MERCHANTS AND BANKERS. 

Mayaguez, P. R., November 16, 1898. 
To establish free trade between Porto Rico and the United States 
of America. The island is confidently expecting the " cabotage," i. e. , 
free trade between the United States and this island, will be granted, 
to give a fresh impulse to the agriculture of sugar and tobacco, which 
form most important factors of our production and whose existence 
is in imminent danger Avithout their free importation into the United 
States from the moment the United States money becomes our cur- 
rency, as the laborers will not be willing to work at the. reduced wages 
at whatever may be the rate of change; this also being the reason 
why we request that the change of money and free import should be 
effected simultaneously. 



ACTION OF BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, MANUFACTURES. AND 

COMMERCE. 

San Juan, P. R., December- 6, 1898. 
It was voted that the American Government be memorialized, ask- 
ing for the establishment of free coasting trade, and in case important 
interests in the United States be thereby endangered, that a reduc- 
tion of 90 per cent on the tariff paid by other nations be granted. 
This was based not only on the fact that Porto Rico has become an 
integral part of the United States, but also that its former market has 
closed its doors to our products by imposing high rates of duty against 
them, and that aforesaid measure would help to lift the island from its 
present state of prostration and decadence, for which reason the free 
introduction of agricultural machineiy and implements is requested. 

(Signed by the president and secretary.) 



FREE TRADE BETAVEEN THE UNITED STATES AND PORTO RICO. 
STATEMENT BY L. M. CINTRON. 

I am of the opinion that the trade between the United States and 
Porto Rico should be considered coastwise and that this reformation 
should be introduced simultaneously with the change of money. The 
daily wages of a laborer have fluctuated always between 40 cents and 
50 cents, colonial money. He has never been able to obtain more than 
that from the agriculturists for various reasons, among which is the 
disproportion existing between the rate of interest paid by the agri- 
culturists on mone}'' borrowed and the low price obtained for their 



< i i 

crops. A satisfactory proof of this disproportion is the disappearance 
of many sugar estates and the slow and languid existence of those 
which remain, dying gradually by reason of their heavy liabilities. 
The wage of the field hand is quite insufficient. He can only obtain 
for himself the most absolutely necessary things and can never aspire 
to the degree of well-being enjoyed by the workmen of the United 
States and the greater part of European nations. Neither can he 
hope to put aside anything for his old age or ill-luck which fate may 
bring him. To this miserable wage the universal ignorance of the 
poor classes can be ascribed; but, being naturally intelligent, they 
understand the benefits of education. Their extreme poverty forces 
them, in order to add to their daily income, to send their children at 
a very early age to work instead of sending them to school. For this 
reason the authorities who have been charged with the duty of inspect- 
ing public education have been obliged to be very lenient with regard 
to compliance with the school regulations. To remedy these difficul- 
ties it is necessary to increase the salary of the field hand by paying 
him in gold what he to-day receives in silver. . 

This improved rate of wage, however, is entirely beyond the means 
of the agriculturists, and will be impossible until the adoption of free 
coastwise trade between the new metropolis and Porto Rico. It 
might be argued that the loss of the duties collected on articles 
imported into this market would deprive us of an important amount 
necessary for our budget, but it can be stated that there would be 
sufficient to pay all the expenses of this unfortunate island, which, up 
to the present, has had to bear the expenses of a war not undertaken 
in its interest with the receipts of customs dues on imports from for- 
eign markets of the same nature as that in force in the United States 
and with direct local taxation. 

Fajardo, P. R., November 4, 1898. 



FREE TRADE WITH THE UNITED STATES. 
By Messrs. A. Hartmann & Co., Merchants. 

As we firmly believe that the United States will give this island all 
the privileges that all the Territories enjoy under the Constitution, 
we have very little to say on the subject. Certainly, when free trade 
is established, the resources of this island will develop in a wonder- 
ful manner, which will mean more profitable transactions for the 
citizens of the United States and result in increased profits to the 
American shipping trade. 

Free trade between the United States and Porto Rico will also 
stimulate greater loyalty to the Union, for it was one of the greatest 
complaints of the Porto Ricans that they were denied free trade with 
Spain and treated almost as if Porto Rico were a foreign country. 

Arroyo, P. R., November 7, 1898. 



FREE TRADE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND PORTO RICO. 
STATEMENT OF UNITED STATES CONSUL PHILIP C. HANNA. 

I am thoroughly convinced that the tariff question is the all-impor- 
tant question in this group of islands. Porto Rico can never become 
prosperous until she can buy bread for her people without paying 



778 

enormous revenue duties for the privilege of bringing that bread into 
the island. It seems reasonable to me, as an American, that the peo- 
ple of this newly adopted country should be allowed to purchase the 
products of the United States and land them on their own shores with- 
out paying tribute to any government whatever. I believe the island 
should have absolute free trade with all parts of the United States. 
I believe in making Porto Rico as thoroughly American as possible 
from the very start, and we can not make it so unless we treat Porto 
Ricans as we do other Americans. They should be allowed to buy 
Minnesota flour and Dakota wheat and every product which the 
farmer of the great Northwest has to sell, and lay them down in their 
own country on the same terms that the man in New York receives 
the same products. The people in the island are strongly in sympathv 
with the United States. They are enthusiastic over the fact of their 
becoming Americans. They long for the introduction of our institu- 
tions, of our school system, of our factory system, and our agricul- 
tural sj 7 stem. 

There is evidently a great longing among the laboring class of the 
island for an opportunity to rise to the rank of an American laborer. 
They realize that toil and honest work in the United States are honor- 
able; that the man who toils in any part of the United States is 
looked upon with respect; that the laborer of the United States has 
an ambition to become better situated, to be the owner of his own home, 
to educate his children, and to properly provide for old age. They are 
aware that many people of the United States who were once laborers 
have become wealthy, and already the ambition of the laboring class 
of the island is being stimulated; they are becoming encouraged by 
the prospects of the future; they believe that the dawn of a new day 
for them is at hand, and our Government has it within its power to 
continue to inspire this people with the laudable ambition to make 
something of themselves, and I believe that the whole question con- 
cerning the laboring man of Porto Rico very largely depends upon 
free trade between the island and the United States. During the 
past two months I have received several thousand letters from all 
classes of business men in all parts of the United States concerning 
this island, very many of them asking me when the proper time will 
arrive for them to invest capital in Porto Rico. Several of them have 
said, "We propose to establish factories in this .densely populated 
island and teach the people there, who have been accustomed to labor 
at very low wages, to labor in the factories that we shall establish. 
We hope to be in position," most of them say, "to pay them better 
wages than they have ever received in the past. We understand that 
they are not a class of people acquainted with strikes, and by giving 
them better wages than they have had heretofore and making labor 
respectable among them we believe our factories can be successfully 
conducted in Porto Rico." Such is the tenor of hundreds of the let- 
ters I have received. But with the present high rates of duty upon all 
building material, machinery, and all kinds of goods coming from the 
United States to Porto Rico, it would be impossible for these men to 
establish their factories here for the benefit of and the uplifting of 
the Porto Rican laborer. 

There are nearly a million people in this group of islands. It is 
said to be the most densely populated portion of the globe. The 
greater part of the people are poor, but I believe they are more 
inclined to work and earn an honest living than the people of any other 
Latin-American country that I was ever in. When the duties are 



779 

entirely taken off of American products, so that American manufac- 
turers can have branch factories in Porto Rico, thousands of these 
people will be educated in the factory. Thej' will be inspired with 
the desire not only to make their living but to become home owners, 
as many of our workmen are in the United States. 

Crime, as a result of the people having no work, will be greatly re- 
duced throughout the country, for the greater part of the crimes in 
the past have been committed by persons who had nothing to eat and 
no work whereby they could obtain money for food. Our people, in 
establishing here factories and shops and improving the land of the 
island, in opening up sugar plantations and coffee estates and in 
developing the undeveloped parts of this group of islands, will be 
giving these people a great practical moral lesson, for I believe that, 
as a rule, if Porto Ricans had a chance to earn their living they 
would labor and be content, and that the petty thefts which have been 
quite common throughout the island in the days of Spanish rule 
would cease almost entirely. I have closely studied the subject of 
crime in Porto Rico, and nearly all of the crimes of the island consist 
in petty thieving, and in almost every case when a boy or girl is 
brought before the justice accused of stealing, the starved look in his 
or her face and the half naked body, which was never clothed decently, 
give a striking emphasis to the plea, "I was very hungry and no one 
would employ me, and I took this article of food to keep me from 
starving." 

Porto Ricans are not bad people. Remove from them the terrible 
temptation produced by enforced hunger and nakedness ; give to these 
people an opportunity to earn an honest living; teach them that toil 
is honorable ; build for them factories instead of forts ; teach them to 
handle tools instead of bayonets, and we shall produce upon them a 
moral effect which the Spaniards failed to produce and make of them 
a people whom we shall not be ashamed to recognize as fellow-citizens 
of our grand Republic. 

In other words, free trade between the United States and Porto Rico 
is a moral question. It is practical religion, and our people can never 
supply the missing link in the moral education and religious training 
of this people without giving them an opportunity to earn a living 
and without treating them as we treat other Americans. I see no more 
justice in compelling Porto Ricans to pay for the privilege of handling 
American bread on Porto Rican shores than I do in compelling the 
people of Massachusetts to pay for bringing Iowa wheat or Iowa pork 
into the State of Massachusetts. The only difference is that the people 
of Massachusetts are more capable of paying such duties at the pres- 
ent time than the poor people of Porto Rico are. Our 80,000,000 of 
people have complained of the unjust burdens placed by Spain upon 
her subjects in these islands during all the years of the past, and now 
it is the opportunity of our people to prove that Americans are better 
than Spaniards, and to give them a sort of kindergarten object lesson 
by giving them cheap bread and cheap clothing to wear, by placing 
before them an opportunity to earn a living and by encouraging every 
enterprise calculated to make them a better people. 

I find that there is only about one-tenth of the land of this group 
of islands under actual cultivation at the present time. The heavy 
taxes which Spain placed upon the people of her colonies have 
crushed the once prosperous farmer, and the heavy 'additional war 
taxes which Spain placed upon this island during the past year 
have sent into bankruptcy a very large number of the men of the 



780 

island. All through Porto Rico to-day stand the ruins of once valua- 
ble sugar estates. The great sugar factories have fallen down, the 
machinery has been eaten by rust, and the land has passed into the 
hands of those who held the mortgages. If our people in the United 
States would- take an unselfish interest in dealing with these people 
in accordance with the golden rule and receive in exchange for our 
products which we have to sell to this island the products of Porto 
Rico on the very same terms that one State receives the products of 
another State, without charging duty for admission, this fertile island 
would again bloom and blossom and prosper as it never before pros- 
pered, and the whole civilized world would observe the success of our 
glorious American institutions in lifting up a downtrodden people 
and bettering their moral and financial condition. 

This island being small, its products which may be shipped to the 
United States will not be of sufficient amount to materially affect the 
rich producers of our great country. We should not look upon the 
Porto Rican producers of sugar, tobacco, and coffee as our compet- 
itors; we should regard them as our newly adopted brothers, who have 
been imprisoned for four hundred and six years, in whom we all have 
a common interest. We should show to the world that we delight in 
their uplifting, in their prosperity, in their becoming respectable 
laborers, and in their becoming intelligent Americans. We should 
insist upon them enjoying the same blessings and advantages that 
the people in every part of our great country enjoy. 



FREE TRADE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND PORTO RICO. 

STATEMENT OF RUCABADO & CO., MERCHANTS OF CAYEY. 

Although our commerce is in a state of comparative well-being, it 
still feels the necessity of establishing coastwise trade between this 
island and the new metropolis. This measure alone would suffice to 
bring about a greater degree of prosperity. It would even be a mat- 
ter of political convenience for the Government of the great Republic 
to establish this system, which would harmonize the moral and mate- 
rial interests of both countries, whose destiny is united in an indis- 
soluble bond. 



THE RELATION OF THE TARIFF TO THE HONEY QUESTION. 

STATEMENT OF CONRADO PALAN, A DIRECTOR OF THE SPANISH BANK OF 

PORTO RICO. 

It is my judgment that, simultaneously with the change in the money 
system, there should be some resolution of the tariff problem adopted, 
as our agriculturists would be seriously prejudiced if they had to pay 
salaries and other expenses in better money without a better market 
for their products. A compensation for any loss in the custom-house 
receipts would be obtained by the agriculturists in coastwise trade 
with the United States, as with the free introduction of our products 
there production would increase, on account of the confidence which 
an assured market would inspire. Articles of food would be lower in 
price, owing to the free entry here of American goods — much to the 
benefit of the working classes, and this fact would remove from the 
day laborers all pretext for demanding higher wages. The only pre- 
text which they can advance to-day for such a demand is the low pur- 



781 

chasing power of the money in which they are paid and the high prices 
of articles of food, drink, and fuel, the high prices of which articles 
are due to high customs duties. Coastwise trade therefore is, in my 
opinion, most convenient to both countries. It is the only way in 
which the prosperity of Porto Rico can be completely assured. 

Were it possible to have' introduced here, free of duty, machinery 
and other manufacturing implements, agricultural industries and 
industries derived therefrom would be given a great impulse. 

As against other nations, a special tariff might be fixed, or even the 
same tariff in force in the United States, with certain modifications, as 
regards several articles necessary for our consumption and which it 
would be desirable to import from other countries. Some of these 
articles are the produce of the old metropolis (Spain), and it occurs 
to me that without prejudicing the new one in any way, it would be 
well to allow these articles a moderate tariff charge, and in exchange 
for this favor claim from Spain a reduction of the duties levied by 
her on some of our nroductions. 



FREE TRADE WOULD SAVE THE SUGAR INDUSTRY. 
MEMORIAL OF JOStf V. CINTRON, PLANTER. 

The confusion of exchange has always tended to the prejudice of 
the price of the product, while benefiting the ring of bankers, who 
have thus made fortunes. 

I sent last year to the house of A. M. Seixas, of New York, a con- 
signment of 420 bags and 86 hogsheads of sugar (muscovado) in the 
"month of May, and at the highest market prices, according to the 
account sale, obtained $3.75 per quintal, or $3,837 net, or $1.6396 per 
quintal, United States currency. It is absolutely impossible to pro- 
duce sugar at this price. But the compensation of the exchange has 
kept up our sugar-growing industry. When I sold iny bills on the 
United States at 100 per cent premium I saw my sale price in New 
York doubled. 

The exchange of United States currency for colonial money at 100 
per cent, and the payment of contracts at that rate would, assist in 
freeing from pawn the great number of properties under mortgage, 
and they would thus recover from the exploitation of which they have 
been the victims. 

But the exchange alone, if not accompanied by free coasting trade 
with the metropolis, would simply sentence the sugar industry to 
death, and would cause the ruin of many families and cause a pro- 
found disturbance by throwing many men out of work. 

YABTJCOA, February 2, 1899. 



FREE TRADE WOULD GIVE AN IMPULSE TO COMMERCE. 

By successors to A. J. Alcaide. 

We believe that commerce and free trade with the United States 
must be established; that is, free entrance through our custom-house 
for all American products, and the same privilege to be extended to 
Porto Rican products in the custom-house of the Union. 



782 

Free trade between the two countries will give a tremendous impulse 
to commerce, will stimulate our agricultural interests, for it opens for 
our principal products — sugar, molasses, coffee, and hides — a sure and 
profitable market, and free trade would naturally bring Porto Rico 
nearer to the United States politically, making the people grateful to 
the American flag. 

In our opinion free trade with the United States would make of 
Porto Rico the richest island in the world, for its lands are so fertile 
and its resources so great that with American capital, well directed, 
there is no telling of the results. 

The opening of the American market free to us will ' surely start 
many minor industries, such as the planting of bananas, oranges, 
cocoanuts, pineapples, and other tropical fruits, which would quite 
soon be another source of wealth, and, as a consequence, the enlarged 
mercantile movement would extend its benefits to American shipping. 

Arroyo, P. R., November 4, 1898. 



FREE TRADE BETWEEN PORTO RICO AND THE UNITED STATES. 
By Arthur F. Odlin, of law firm of Odlin & Pettingill. 

The proper thing, to my mind, is to make trade absolutely free 
between all ports of the United States and Porto Rico. This must be 
so when the Territory shall be established. The merchants and manu- 
facturers in the States are doing practically no business here now for 
the reason that nearly all the large houses here are intensely pro- 
Spanish in their sympathies, and of course they buy from Spain when 
the products of their old sovereign come to the island on the same 
terms with goods from the States. An official of the local board of 
trade here in San Juan (which is an organization consisting entirely 
of Spanish) stated to a Porto Rican who had been present at the 
meeting that said meeting would amount to nothing because the board 
of trade had decided to send a cable to the President asking the status 
quo here to be retained and nothing done at present. In my judg- 
ment the continuance of the tariff would not only injure the people 
in the United States who are eager to do business here, but it retards 
the proper and sanitary improvement of the island. As proof of 
my position I will give you two instances within my own personal 
knowledge. 

First. In my adopted State of Florida, where I resided for over 
twelve years, are many expert growers of tropical fruits who have 
become discouraged by reason of the frequent freezes there of late 
years, and who wish to come here and engage in the growing of lemons, 
oranges, pineapples, and similar fruits. Here they will find a soil 
that will need no fertilizer and a climate where frost never comes. 
Consul Hanna tells me that in spite of the fact that there are nearly 
800,000 people on this island not over 10 per cent of the land is under 
cultivation ; and yet I read in the papers printed in the States that 
Porto Rico, is overcrowded. Remove the tariff so that an agricul- 
turist can bring anything he wants from New York to Porto Rico, just 
as he brings it now from New York to Florida, and I will guarantee 
100 expert fruit growers from one county in Florida. 

Second. In this island are scores of large cities or large towns in 
urgent need of modern water supplies, partly as a protection against 



783 

fire, but more pressing is the demand for sanitation and public health. 
I have knowledge of responsible Americans who are willing to come 
here and build modern systems of water supply for these places at 
rates which will give them a fair interest on their investment, the 
municipalities to fix the rates, etc. , but they can not and will not come 
when all the material they bring is dutiable. Meanwhile the continu- 
ance of a tariff tends to postpone the Americanizing of the natives 
here, who are already learning that commerce is free between the 
States and Territories, and who now feel that the promised improve- 
ment of their condition, after four hundred years of Spanish dominion, 
is something of an unfulfilled promise. Again, this island will never 
be Americanized without Americans, and they will not come here in 
any considerable numbers under existing conditions. 
San Juan, P. R. , December 4., 1898. 



FREE IMPORTATION OF RAW MATERIALS. 
By M. Grau & Sons, Manufacturers. 

We are merchants and manufacturers, with an established house 
of business in this city, at Nos. 68 and 70 Concordia street, owners 
of a spirit distillery and of a match factory. We respectfully inform 
you that to-day our partners, Don Primitivo and Don Pedro Grau, 
attended the meeting called by Messrs. Fritze, Lundt & Co. , in which 
these gentlemen proposed that all crude material for the use of man- 
ufacturers should be allowed free entry into the island and that houses 
importing them should pay no duty whatever. This proposition was 
passed by the meeting. 

These gentlemen further proposed that coastwise trade between 
Porto Rico and the United States should be instituted, as the heavy 
duties now imposed constitute a burden upon industries, making them 
entirely impossible ; that not only should raw materials be allowed 
free entry into the country when coming from the United States, but, 
when destined for manufacturing purposes, the same liberty be granted 
to articles coming from any other country. Only in this way can we 
save ourselves from the strong competition which we would have to 
suffer; if this is not granted, all our industries will be wiped out. 

The present tariff does not specify the duty to be paid on match, 
boxes, which up to the present have been classified under Article 248, 
as match sticks. We beg that if free entry be not given these articles 
they be continued under the same classification, as being of the same 
nature. 

Mayaguez, P. R., November 5, 1898. 



FREE TRADE WITH THE UNITED STATES. 

STATEMENT OF MERCHANTS, BANKERS, AND PROPRIETORS OF MAYAGUEZ. 

We want free trade between Porto Rico and the United States of 
America. The island is confidently expecting the ' ' cabotage " — i.e., 
free trade — between the United States and this island will be granted, 
to give a fresh impulse to the agriculture of sugar and tobacco, 
which form most important factors of our production and whose exist- 



784 

ence is in imminent danger without their free importation into the 
United States from the moment the United States money becomes our 
currency, as the laborers will not be willing to work at the reduced 
wages at whatever may be the rate of change ; this also being the reason 
why we request that the change of money and free import should be 
effected simultaneously. 

The foregoing proposal represents the views of thirty-two firms of 
Mayaguez, comprising all the large firms and most of the smaller ones. 

Mayaguez, P. R. 



A QUESTION OF EXPEDIENCY. 

San Juan, P. R,, October 27, 1898. 
Pedro Jose Arsuaga, of Sobrinos de Esquiaga. 

As regards the sugar industry, for instance, this industry will be 
favored by the new state of things if, as the sugar planters expect, 
they will be given a free market in the United States ; and although 
the amount of sugar produced here is insignificant as compared with 
the amount produced in Cuba, our product would nevertheless be in 
a much better position. 

As regards coffee, we lose the market of Spain and lose the market 
of Cuba and will have no market in the United States, because there 
they use the Brazilian coffee, which is much cheaper. The coffee 
which used to be sent from here to Cuba was ordinary coffee, but now 
in Cuba they say they are going to import the cheaper Brazilian coffee 
instead of the coffee of Porto Rico. The best coffee produced here 
goes to Europe. The coffee industry here is an extremely important 
one, and the general feeling here is that, if possible, we should obtain 
free entry for our coffee in Cuba. As it is at present, a considerable 
duty has to be paid on entering it there, which very greatly reduces 
the margin of profit. 

As regards the establishment of free trade between the United 
States and Porto Rico, that is a question which depends upon the 
ulterior question, namely, whether there will be sufficient funds to 
meet the expenses of the island without the imposition of duties on 
articles imported from there. Under Spanish rule there was not abso- 
lute free trade between Spain and the island. There was a duty 
amounting to about 10 per cent imposed upon every article. It seems 
natural that there should be absolute free trade between the United 
States and this island, but whether it is expedient or not is a question 
of statistics. 



REMOVE DUTIES FROM NECESSARY ARTICLES. 
STATEMENT OF MANY CITIZENS. 

Isabela, P. R., February 15, 1899. 

We think free coastwise trade should be immediately declared 
between Porto Rico and the United States, not only for the benefits 
resulting to commerce and agriculture therefrom, but because of the 
new bonds of sympatlry that it would cause between the two countries. 

The poor people's food and clothing call for the protection of the 
government. In no part of the world has the laboring class suffered 



785 

more than it has here, owing to the abandonment of their interests by 
the monarchial government, whose policy was repression and not pro- 
tection. This has brought about the lamentable condition of the 
peasant, who not only has not enough to eat, but whose miserable 
hut does not offer him any of the decencies of life. The government 
should, therefore, remove the duties from all articles of prime neces- 
sity and start public works to give employment to the poor who do 
not ask for charity, but for work and instruction. 



PROSPERITY DEPENDING ON FREE TRADE. 
STATEMENT OF RUCABADO & CO. 

Cayey, P. R., March 4, 1899. 
Although our commerce is in a state of comparative well-being, it 
still feels the necessity of establishing coastwise trade between this, 
island and the new metropolis. This measure alone would suffice to 
bring about a greater degree of prosperity. It would even be a matter 
of political convenience for the Government of the great Republic to 
establish this system, which would harmonize the moral and material 
interests of both countries whose destiny is united in an indissoluble 
bond. 



FREE TRADE WITH THE METROPOLIS. 

STATEMENT OF MAYOR CELESTINO DOMINGTJEZ. 

Guayama, P. R., January, 1899. 
The tariff should facilitate commerce, agriculture, and manufactur- 
ing so that the island can recover from the prostration into which 
it has fallen since the termination of the Spanish rule. Our prin- 
cipal products have always suffered. They were kept out of Spain 
by prohibitive tariffs and had to seek a market in foreign coun- 
tries, where similar products, Taised under more favorable condi- 
tions in other lands, competed with them. The United States, there- 
fore, became our principal market and bought our sugars, the largest 
crop of the island. By reason "of the inferior value of our money, by 
reason of the want of conscience of the local exporters, who from time 
immemorial have exercised a monopoly, by reason, perhaps, of sugars 
from other countries enjoying privileges not granted to us, by reason 
of the trusts, so common in our new country, and many other causes, 
the price of sugar has fallen so low as to produce a state of despair 
among our cultivators, many of whom have let their lands run to 
grass. The island of Porto Rico has immense plains which thirty 
years ago were covered with magnificent sugar plantations and to-day 
are pasture fields. Every now and again the chimney of an aban- 
doned sugar mill may be seen, the ruins of which announce the past 
of an industry once nourishing but now dead. What is wanted, 
therefore, is decided protection for our principal crops — sugar, coffee, 
tobacco, rum, cacao, etc. A low tariff for the importation of foreign 
goods and free coasting trade with the metropolis would solve the 
question of prosperity. The income from the custom-house alone 
would cover all expenditures for internal government. 
1125 50 



786 

FREE TRADE WOULD GIVE IMMEDIATE RELIEF. 
STATEMENT OF TWENTY MERCHANTS AND PLANTERS. 

Yauco, P. R., March 6, 1899. 
Taking into account the terrible economic state of the island, due 
to the paralyzation of credit, the high cost of imported goods during 
the past year, and the low price of our crops at the present time, a 
step must be taken which shall give decided protection to out agricul- 
ture, the principal source of our wealth. This measure can be syn- 
thesized as follows: 

(1) Free coasting trade between the United States and Porto Rico, 
as a radical measure, the benefits of which would be felt immediately; 
until this decree be issued, the free entry of our products into the 
ports of the Union. It is logical to suppose that by depriving the 
central treasury of the benefits to be derived from the imports of 
sugar it would be prejudiced, but to make up for this loss we suggest 
a duty be levied on coffees from other countries imported into the 
Union. 

(2) The establishment of territorial banks, which shall lend money 
for long terms and low rates of interest in order to be able to raise 
the mortgages from our farms and attend to their cultivation. 

(3) Removal of import duties from articles of every-day consump- 
tion, such as rice, flour, codfish, lard, bacon, etc. ; also from all classes 
of agricultural machinery and tools until " cabotage" be declared. 

(4) The construction of good roads and railroads, in order to facili- 
tate transportation, which to-day is very expensive. 

With regard to manufactures, to-day almost unknown in this coun- 
try, they should be stimulated. This will settle the question of our 
laborers, at present almost entirely without occupation, and will bring 
into use our raw material, which at present is unused or else exported 
with no gain whatsoever. 

As to commerce, its welfare would be guaranteed if in addition to 
protection to agriculture it could count on a conscientious customs 
tariff and stability of exchange until the monej^ question be finally 
settled. 



OPINIONS OP THE PEOPLE ON VARIOUS QUESTIONS OF REFORM. 

CONGRESS OF PORTO RICANS. 

Mr. Special Commissioned of the. United States to Porto Rico : 
The four political parties which existed here having been dissolved 
by the fact of the cession of Porto Rico to the United States of Amer- 
ica, as agreed upon in the peace protocol, a number of public men who 
figured in the direction of the old parties, desirous of promoting the 
general welfare, came together to studjr the actual social-political sit- 
uation of this island and to give it an adequate solution in the general 
policy of the North American nation. 

The idea prevailed unanimously of calling the country together in 
an assembly which should discuss and }3ass solutions of the various 
problems of our local life, for presentation to the Federal Government 
with the stamp of the consent of the greatest number possible of per- 
sons representing Porto Rican public opinion. While the assembly 
was being convoked, in the manner stated in the printed slip hereto 



787 

adjoined, these public men held meetings to discuss political, eco- 
nomic, and social matters which might serve as a guide to the assem- 
bly for its definite deliberations, and it was agreed that the meeting 
should be open to all inhabitants of Porto Rico accepting United 
States citizenship and identified with the aspirations of the country, 
to propose and defend every question they might think of benefit to the 
general welfare. 

The assembly was held in the Theater of San Juan, on Sunday, 
October 30, and had numerous attendants, representing all social 
classes of the manj^ towns of the island. After the undersigned 
opened the session and explained the object of the meeting, all pres- 
ent, in the midst of enthusiastic acclamations, rose to their feet to 
swear and promise obedience and fidelity to the Constitution of the 
United States. Deliberations were at once begun and the following 
conclusions carried by unanimous vote : 

POLITICAL AND JUDICIAL MATTERS. 

• Porto Rico, to fill her necessities, to satisfy her aspirations, and 
develop her activity, begs of the Congress of the United States that it 
may be declared a Territory of the Union, ending at once the military 
and beginning the civil government. 

As a consequence of this, the Federal Constitution, the general laws 
of the Union, and the special laws which Congress may vote will begin 
to have force here as general laws. This would give us the laws com- 
mon to all the Territories, with the following .modifications : 

In the legislative assembly, the high chamber or senate to renew its 
members as to a third of their number every two years, the chamber 
of representatives to renew its entire number in the same period. 
Qualifications: A senator to be 30 years of age and a representative 
tive 25 years. 

All citizens of 21 years residing in the Territory to have the right to 
vote; all persons who, during the first two years, do not prove that 
they know how to read and write to lose the right to vote. 

To occupy any position obtained by election it shall be necessary to 
know how to read and write. 

Courts of justice to be organized as follows: One supreme court, 
three district courts, judges of first instance and instruction for civil 
and criminal matters, and justices of the peace, by popular elections. 
Each court to have one fiscal. 

As it is a part of the duty of the legislative assembly, under the 
Territorial system, to vote local laws, the following reforms are of 
urgent necessity: 

IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH. 

The greatest simplicity in procedure, to facilitate the immediate 
dispatch of business by skilled employees, who shall continue in office 
while faithfully performing their duty. 

IN THE JUDICIAL BRANCH. 

The jury for all classes of crimes. 

A single trial for oral and public suits in civil business within the 
jurisdiction of district courts. 
Public declaration of sentences. 

Criminal and civil judges and their employees to be held responsible. 
Advocates to form a college and draw up the necessary statutes. 



788 

Liberty in the exercise of the profession of procurator. 

Liberty in the exercise of the profession of notary, which profession 
may also be practiced by abogados. 

Procurators and notaries to give bond to the tribunals for the proper 
discharge of their official duties. 

Reorganization of the registry of property, with one office only in 
San Juan, with trained employees on salary, subject to categorical 
rules, in order to prevent all classes of abuse, to facilitate rapidity 
and to cheapen registration. 

IN THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH. 

Harmonize and unify the. present laws, so as to avoid conflict between 
them and those of the Union, and enact the following reforms : 

Simplify legal procedure in suits and actions and also limit the 
pleadings in lawsuits to bill and answer; statement of evidence to be 
offered, and list of witnesses to be examined, and in suits to make 
public the summary for the defense of the accused from the com- 
mencement of the suit, and to limit the temporary imprisonment in 
absence or default of bonds to the exclusive guarding of the prisoner 
(mere detention). 

Modification of the penal code, so as to do away with perpetual 
imprisonment, and increase fines in punishment of crimes against 
property, and to limit to two periods of seven years each imprison- 
ment for personal injuries which may be considered as crimes (crime 
against the person to be punished seven or fourteen years). 

Authorizing justices of the peace to perform the marriage cere- 
mony. 

The suppression in the hypothecary law (of mortgages) of the 
so-called " information of possession" (the form of proof of owner- 
ship now in vogue). 

IN THE MUNICIPAL REGIME. 

To sanction the autonomous form of government, with mayors and 
councilors elected by public vote. 

IN THE ECONOMICAL AND FINANCIAL BRANCH. 

To reform the tributary system by establishing a territorial tax on 
the basis of capital (valuation instead of income). 

Allowing the present levies on commerce and industry to remain, 
but abolishing those on professional men and on industries which, 
lacking in capital, are carried on by personal efforts only. 

The suppression of the taxes called "internal passports" (cedulas), 
stamped paper, stamped paper used in. making payment to the state, 
excise stamps used in making payment to the state, excise stamps on 
drafts and promissory notes, lotteries, taxes on raffles, and medias, 
annatas, bulls, and mandaspias (ecclesiastical taxes). 

To preserve the right of patents of inventions. 

To impose taxes on all capital invested in articles of luxury, such as 
estates (extensive private parks, etc. ) cultivated for private pleasure. 

To suppress the consumption tax and not tax in any way whatever 
articles of food, drink, or fuel, even those which are now subject to 
duties in the custom-house. 

Lots and waste lands which now belong to the State should pass to 
the ownership of municipalities, so they could make use of their 
products. 



789 

Free and reciprocal commerce with the American Union for the 
entry of products in all ports without payment of export or import 
duties. 

Reformation of the tariff, to put on a just basis fiscal dues and not 
make impossible commerce under foreign flags. 

Reformation of the custom-house regulations in favor of commerce, 
suppressing the obnoxious fines, in which employees of that department 
have a share. 

Suppress the monopoly of emission of bank notes enjoyed by the 
Spanish Bank of Porto Rico, and establish full liberty for banks, sav- 
ings and other credit institutions to emit their notes when fully guar- 
anteed. 

Effect the exchange of the money system immediately in the form 
which the Government may consider most convenient after hearing 
all social classes interested in the matter. 

In order to assist agriculture there should be established the legal 
regimen of homestead ; the free importation of agricultural machinery 
and tools ; the imposition of a tax on each acre of land which remains 
uncultivated for one year; the assuring of agricultural credit on agri- 
cultural movable property; the establishment of a school of agricul- 
ture, where agriculturists shall be given free instruction and training 
in technical matters ; the teaching of elementary practical agriculture 
in the country schools ; the establishment of warehouses for agricul- 
tural products; the release of the Agricultural Bank of San Juan 
from the payment of all taxation during five years. 

As regards public education, the best means of advancing our peo- 
ple would be kindergartens and normal schools as established in the 
United States. Our elementary and superior schools should be trans- 
formed and graded according to modern pedagogic methods. Sec- 
ondary instruction should be a continuation of the primary and a 
preparation for the superior and collegiate. Universal education 
should be introduced on the best models of the United States. There 
should be established schools for adults, Sunday schools, schools of 
arts and trades, libraries, museums, academies of fine arts, and literary 
clubs. 

Education must be obligatory and gratuitous, and it must be com- 
pulsory on every municipality to sustain its own schools, the number 
being fixed by law with reference to the population. If the munici- 
pality be unable to sustain all the schools, the state should establish 
the necessary ones. 

Grades of instruction to be three — the fundamental, or that given 
by the public schools; the secondary, which should give positive 
notions on scientific, civil, and technical subjects; the professional, 
which comprehends the knowledge of jurisprudence, medicine, engi- 
neering, and technology; the universities to diffuse general knowledge 
of science for purposes of high culture. 

For the formation of a competent body of teachers, it is necessary 
to establish normal schools for teachers of both sexes; normal schools 
for professors; normal schools for university teachers, and military 
and naval schools. 

SOCIAL ORDER. 

To procure the betterment and dignifying of the working classes, 
there should be: 

Establishments where the workingman can educate himself and 
acquire knowledge appropriate to his trade. 



790 

Savings banks; insurance societies, especially to insure against acci- 
dents resulting to workmen while engaged at their work. 

The creation of communities for the purpose of educating workmen 
and encouraging them to live hygienically. 

Limiting of the hours of labor to eight hours a day. 

Obtaining employment for workmen out of labor. 

Fixing minimum salary. 

Prohibiting the employment of children under the age of 15 years. 

A plan to facilitate the establishment of soup kitchens. 

Correctional establishments for children. Also reform in the pres- 
ent penitentiary system by introducing into it educational facilities. 

The prohibition of begging in public and substituting therefor the 
care of poor people by the establishment of almshouses. 

The severe punishment of drunkenness; chronic alcoholism to be 
treated in hospitals; the imposition of a heavy tax on alcoholic drinks; 
the absolute prohibition of the sale of harmful drinks and the sale of 
drinks to children under the age of 18. 

To alleviate the conditions of our women, the professions compat- 
ible with their sex should be open to them. 

It is necessary to formulate a law which shall cover all the questions 
having relation to hygiene, as follows: 

The creation of boards charged to see that their orders are com- 
plied with; construction of public schools; medical inspection of 
children in schools; sanitation of the cities; scientific inspection of 
articles of food and drink; the creation of a veterinary school; the 
supply of water for towns, gardens, parks, trees, and everything con- 
tributing to public health; the creation of a bacteriological institution. 

The assembly voted that all the preceding conclusions should be 
given officially by a commission, which it designated, to the special 
commissioner, that he might present them to the President of the 
United States. 

Manuel F. Rossy, 
President of the Assembly. 

San Juan, P. P., November 9, 1898. 



A TERRITORIAL FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October 31, 1898. 
Francisco Mariano Quinones and Dr. Jose C. Barbosa : 

Dr. Carroll. Do you think many of the Spaniards in the island 
will become American citizens'?. 

Mr. Quinones. Before the invasion of Porto Rico I met a promi- 
nent Spanish gentleman in Ponce, who said: "If you think that the 
American invasion will do us harm you are much mistaken. We are 
perfectly convinced that our mother country is now in too weak a state to 
be able to continue a government here beneficial to merchants or to the 
country in general." Therefore I think that a great many Spaniards 
will accept, with good will, American citizenship, and will remain in 
the country, exploiting their own wealth and the riches of the country. 

Dr. Carroll. Will it be the policj 7 of the autonomists or the f union- 
ists to make it as easy as possible for these Spanish gentlemen to 
become American citizens? 



791 

Mr. Quinones. I can only answer that question with regard to my 
own feelings. If my opinions had any weight with my party, I would 
tell them, us I have frequently counseled them, that it is good politics 
not to let personal feelings tend toward exclusiveness, but to take 
into consideration personal moral qualities, aptitude of the men for 
work and for adding to the benefit of the country, and to let that be 
their only guide as to whether they will receive others as one of them. 

Dr. Carroll. That is a very honorable programme. 

Mr. Quinones, That comes more from my heart than my head. I 
can never become a partisan to exclusiveness in politics or in anything 
else. 

Dr. Carroll. I suppose if anyone has occasion to feel hatred for 
the Spaniai'ds it is you, and if you feel so liberal at heart toward 
them, it is to be hoped that the rank and file of the radical part y will 
adopt a similar attitude. 

Mr. Quinones. If you will read what is in that book (Mr. Quinones's 
notes on the Componte), which is not falsified in any particular, you 
will see that the execrable Spanish conduct was enough to make us 
irreconcilable, but I consider that as circumstances change so can the 
conduct and character of people change, and I see no reason why, 
under new circumstances, the Spaniards should not become good, loyal 
citizens. I have alwa3^s thought that American institutions were 
potent to change the bad qualities of a man if a man did not have too 
vile a character to be affected by good institutions. 

Dr. Carroll. I have heard several times since I came to Porto 
Rico that the Porto Ricans would be divided among themselves not 
only on grounds of difference of view as to what is really needed for 
Porto Rico from the United States, but also on irarely party grounds, 
and that in the course of a month or two there would be a strong con- 
flict, an internal conflict, among themselves on party grounds. I ha ve 
as yet seen no evidence in support of those views. 

Mr. Quinones. There never was such hatred between men as there 
was witnessed in the political struggle in Porto Rico, with brother 
against brother, and, in truth, never with more reason. 

Dr. Carroll. What was the reason? 

Mr. Quinones. The reason was that they expected from their 
brothers a policy of far greater liberality than that which they prac- 
ticed when they came into power, placed there by Sagasta, who granted 
autonomy, turning the island over to one political party, his own, which 
had the effect of sowing dissension among Porto Ricans of a lasting 
and bitter kind. Sagasta, when he made the pact with our repre- 
sentatives, said, ' ' Join yourselves to my party and send me representa- 
tives of my party; follow my politics and I will deliver over to you 
the civil list of the island, and with that you have everything." That 
is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 

Mr. Earbosa. Sagasta sent fifty names for deputies, and those 
names had to pass through the ballots, and those opposed to them 
had no power to defeat the election. The Porto Ricans were always 
opposed to such a policy and were always against such corrupt means 
of conducting an election, but the election came, and Porto Rico gave 
them the Spanish deputies, the names sent from Spain being all 
elected — names we never heard of before. 

Mr. Quinones. When the government was placed in the hands of 
Munoz Rivera — and I am sorry to have to say it, because he is not here 
to hear me, but I have said it to him before the Captain-General of the 
island — he took over the portfolio of the minister of the government, I 



792 

being president of the board of ministers. He immediately named in 
all of the cities mayors who were merely his creatures, ready to carry 
out his instructions; and I regret to say most of these mayors have 
been retained in power and are in office to-day. Under these persons 
the elections previoushy referred to were conducted so infamously that 
even Sagasta expressed his displeasure with them: and I have letters 
from Labra, in Spain, informing me of the discontent of Sagasta, and 
stating that he would likely express himself in that respect. As 
regards administration, I think what is needed is that the United 
States grant Porto Ricans a Territorial form of government. I consider 
that the municipal regulations as set forth in the Territorial laws would 
be suitable to this country. I have lived in the United States in one 
of the small towns and have seen the great simplicity with which they 
are conducted and the very little governmental machine ry that is used. 
I was only about 18 years old at the time, but I remember being 
impressed by the fact that things were carried on so quietly it hardly 
seemed that there was any administration at all. 

Dr. Carroll. The giving of a Territorial form of government to 
Porto Rico, with the changes in nomenclature, in the character of the 
posts, in the titles of officers, etc., might be looked at from the Spanish 
standpoint as somewhat radical, and the question might be asked, 
Are the people of Porto Rico ready for such radical changes, and do 
they not wish to retain some of their customs so far as they do not 
infringe the freedom of thought and speech? 

Mr. Quinones. In order to overcome any objections which might be 
raised of that kind it will be necessary to commence at once to edu- 
cate the people, so that they may be in a position to enjoy the liber- 
ties granted by the Constitution of the United States. They have 
been living under a tutelage. They were told, " Go that way," and 
they went, even if it led to a precipice. As a result of this tutelage 
the people are not now in a position to protect themselves or their 
property. 

Dr. Carroll. One important question has been raised already in 
my investigation, and that is the question of trial by jury. You are 
not accustomed to trial by jury here, whereas under our Constitution 
no man can be tried and condemned except by process of law under 
jury trial. It would seem, therefore, necessary to introduce jury 
trials here, at least in important cases; but a gentleman here yester- 
day expressed the opinion that the people are not prepared for it; that 
it would be difficult to find jurors, in many cases, who would be com 
petent to pass upon such cases. 

Mr. Barbosa. Under the Spanish regime we were opposed to the 
jury, because under the Spanish law the jury would be appointed by 
the central Government, and that would prove a new weapon in the 
hands of the officials of Spain, because they could appoint men who, 
when they came to judge, would be swayed by political passions. 
Then it was a danger; but to say, as some do, that in a population 
like that of this city you would not be able to find more than 50 or 100 
who could serve as jurors and give an honest, intelligent verdict is 
not in accordance with my views, and a person who makes such a 
statement mistakes the functions of the juror. It is only necessary 
for a man to be able to appreciate the circumstances of a case and to 
be able to say whether or not a crime was committed. I think the 
jury system is a very helpful thing for a country, and there must be 
a time when we shall do it for the first time. If I had not practiced 
on my first patient, I could never have practiced at all. 



793 

Mr. Quinones. When the Americans came here, coming as they 
do with the intention of giving this country a government which 
would regenerate it, and found that the country was suffering from 
internal dissension, and that that dissension did not disappear as it 
ought to have done, the moment the Americans arrived they should 
have said, "Until we understand the island and its affairs better we 
will put in our own men from top to bottom." 

Dr. Carroll. Are there any persons who think that statehood 
should be given Porto Rico? 

Mr. Quinones. Yes ; a few fools think so. 

Dr. Carroll. Is there any party that asks for statehood? 

Mr. Quinones. The platform of the Fusionist party expresses aspi- 
rations for statehood, but only after a prior Territorial government. 

Dr. Carroll. But there is no political party that thinks statehood 
should be given immediately? 

Mr. Barbosa. The Territorial law will be a good thing because 
there will not be so many officers here. One of the worst things here 
is that so many people want to get into the administration. 

Mr. Quinones. 1 do not accept the views of my companion that the 
jury at first will show itself to be thoroughly competent. Some little 
time must pass before that can be. 



END OF MILITARY RULE DESIRED. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., October SI, 1898. 
Dr. Veve. I wish to make clear that the feeling of Porto Ricans 
toward the United States had birth in the fact that some time before 
present events happened they understood that of themselves they 
would never acquire their independence, and they looked toward their 
neighbors in the north as their natural saviors, and from this fact 
dates our admiration, respect, and consideration for that great country. 
But we must ask in return from them their consideration and attention, 
so as to finish the work of redemption already begun by them. We 
wish that the United States would direct its attention to this country as 
soon as international questions now pending are completed, putting 
an end at once to the military government, destroying completely all 
traces of the unwise Spanish administration, and establishing here a 
Territorial system under the general Territorial laws applicable to all 
Territories in the United States, with such changes as the special con- 
ditions in this island may call for; that within the limits of these Ter- 
ritorial laws everything should be done to advance agriculture, free 
mercantile transactions, and all that will tend to increase the pros- 
perity of the island. 



SELF-GOVERNMENT FOR PORTO RICO. 
[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

San Juan, P. R., November 8, 1898. 
United States Consul-General Hanna: 

This island has been called, on account of the richness of its soil, 
the Pearl of the Antilles. Under the blessing of' God and with the 
application of our laws and free schools and the uplifting influences 



794 

of our institutions, we can make this island the pride of the whole 
country. We can cause this island to be the Pearl of the Antilles, not 
merely because of. the richness of its soil, but because of the advance- 
ment of its people morally, intellectually, and financially. We can 
make it the diamond of the United States, and the Almighty will hold 
us responsible if we neglect to adopt the proper measures to make it 
such. i 

One year ago we never dreamed of owning Porto RicoTp In the 
providence of God she is ours to-day; she will be ours forever, and 
there is no country nor people on the face of the earth which could 
afford the United States a better opportunity for showing the world 
the power of her institutions in developing a people and country 
than this island of Porto Rico. She never gave Spain trouble. No 
large army was ever required to maintain order here. The people 
are quiet, well-behaved, and naturally good. During the whole year 
I have not seen a drunken Porto Rican. Our people who have visited 
the island have been astonished at the good behavior of these people. 
It is true that most of them are in the habit of drinking a little wine 
or a little rum where they can afford it. It is common for them, in 
company with their families, to enter a cafe after their day's work is 
finished. Some will call for rum, some for wine, others for coffee or 
chocolate, and so quietly do they engage in this pleasure that no one 
can tell who has drunk the rum and who the coffee. In fact, on lines 
of temperance, they are already capable of exerting a moral influence 
upon many of our American people. 

The subject of education is one over which most of the people of the 
island to-day are very enthusiastic. Even the uneducated men and 
women of the island come to us and beg us to use our influence with 
the United States to establish the American school system throughout 
this country for the education of their children. The education of the 
poorer class has been sadly neglected. There are but few schoolhouses 
in the island. Even in the towns and cities most of the schools are 
kept in rented buildings. About the only school buildings worthy of 
the name belong to the church. The child of the poor man has had 
no opportunity to procure an education. The common laborer, who 
had employment only a small part of his time and who was only able to 
furnish food for his family, has not been in the past able to clothe his 
children properly for the schoolroom nor to pay for the tuition. About 
the only schools established in the island for the poor, in which the 
very poor children have had attention, are conducted by the various 
orders of sisters of the Catholic Church. The Mothers of the Sacred 
Heart, who have a large house at San Turce, in addition to conduct- 
ing a school for the better and wealthier class, have a school for the 
poor, where they teach about eighty destitute children. They are 
now teaching these children, or most of them, the English language. 
They also teach the girls how to sew, how to make their own clothing, 
and otherwise to be useful; but this class of schools is very limited in 
the island and reaches only a small proportion of the poor. 

I have had numbers of delegations from different parts of the island 
come to see me upon the school question. What concerns them most 
is the education of the poor, and, to my mind, what is most needed in 
Porto Rico in the line of education is the introduction of our public- 
school system. Good schoolhouses should be erected in all the cities 
and towns. Children should be compelled to attend school. Country 
schoolhouses accessible to all of the populated parts of the island 
should be erected, and special attention should be given to educating 



795 

the. rising generation concerning the Government of the United States 
and our system of self-government. Spain has given the people 
morros, fortifications, cannon, bayonets, and expended millions of 
dollars of the people's money on such things instead of on schoolhouses 
and the employment of teachers to educate the youth. We should 
reverse the plan and make the education of the people foremost, and 
the rising generation will rise up to love and honor the great country 
that educated them. 

Without doubt, at present a military government is necessary, but 
there is no necessity whatever for a prolonged military government in 
Porto Rico. If continued for a long period, it would make a bad 
impression upon the people here, who are looking forward eagerly to 
real self-government at the hands of the United States. 

The Territorial form of government, without doubt, is well adapted 
to this island. We have here a people more capable of becoming 
good Americans than thousands of persons whom we have in niany of 
our large cities of the Union. Toughs, hard cases, and criminals are 
comparatively few in this country. 

The recent reports concerning the burnings of plantations since our 
troops landed in the island are probably true substantially, but these 
burnings have mostly been committed by laborers who for year's have 
been compelled to work at starvation wages on the plantations of the 
island. I have investigated many of the cases, and almost every case 
of burning of a plantation is traced to the hired men on the planta- 
tion. Old grudges, the memories of persecution and low wages and 
of a condition worse than slavery have caused these people, at this 
time of change of governments, to give vent to their wrath and resent- 
ment and to try to get even with their masters. 

The man who owned a large plantation employed men at the lowest 
price possible, and instead of giving them money he gave them an 
order on his grocery store, which he generally kept in connection with 
his estate. At the end of the month, after having fed their families, 
they found themselves invariably in debt to the man for v/hom they 
worked. They were always in debt; they were virtually the slaves of 
the estate owner and in a worse condition than ordinary slaves, for the 
slave owner had a personal interest in his slaves because they were 
his property, but in these laborers the landlord had no personal inter- 
est. He knew that they were compelled to work at starvation wages, 
and when they died he did not bury them. Nearly every case of crime 
which has been committed by persons of this unfortunate labor class 
has been committed out of revenge. I believe, under ordinary cir- 
cumstances, even this class of men would be law-abiding citizens. I 
believe, further, that with an opportunity to labor at fair wages, crime 
in the island would be reduced to as low a percentage as in any State of 
the Union. The crime of murder in the island is very rarely heard of. 

I am sorry to say that the standard of morality here is not as high 
as we could wish for. Among the poorer classes it is verj^ common 
for men and women to live together and raise a family without being 
formally married, but I look with charity upon this class of people. 
The fees incidental to a marriage ceremony are usually enormous, 
and no couple can have what is considered a respectable wedding 
without possessing considerable cash. A poor man falls in love with 
a woman and desires to make her his partner for life. He sees that 
nearly all his earnings, if he has been fortunate enough to save a 
little money, will be exhausted if he should be married in church or 
before a magistrate; and he realizes that the amount which he has 



796 

saved will become very convenient in establishing a little home, so 
the man and the woman agree to dispense with the marriage ceremony 
and they simply join hands and live together. As a rule these poor 
people are devoted to each other, and, although their union was never 
legally recorded, the man supports his family as sacredly as though 
they had been joined by authority of the church or state. Marriage 
among the poorer class is much like it was among the blacks of the 
Southern States in the days of slavery, and their failure to recognize 
the ceremony of the church as well as that of the state in their mar- 
riage union is hardly chargeable to them as an act of gross immor- 
ality. I believe that under the American law all of these irregularities 
will be easily regulated in the future. I do not believe that what 
would be commonly regarded in the United States as gross immorality 
represents among these people deep-seated depravity; it is simply 
that their poverty and the existence of complicated matrimonial 
machinery have driven them to resort to the simple method of falling 
in love and living together. 

The better class of married people in the island were legally joined. 

There are some phases of immorality, such as exist in all Spanish 
countries, which our people will find very distasteful, and yet I 
believe that among the people of Porto Rico all the more gross types 
of immorality will soon become largely abolished and the condition 
of society among the poor within a short time become equally as good 
as that in many parts of the United States. The examples of mor- 
ality set by those who should have been the molders and teachers of 
the people in moral things, I fear, have not always been what the}' - 
should have been in this island. Place a few thousand respectable 
Americans in Porto Rico, and their influence will lift the standard of 
morality to where it should be. Take away their poverty, make 
morality easy for them, surround them with good influences, properly 
educate the rising generation, and the future generations of Porto 
Ricans will scarcely show a trace of the immorality of to-day. 



ESTABLISHMENT OF A CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Guayama, P. R. , February 3, 1899. 

Mr. Antonio Grau (depositary). Representing the opinions of the 
whole of Guayama, I wish you to state to the Government in Wash- 
ington that we wish an end of the military government; that we wish 
a civil government, civil laws, a civil status, and to be made citizens 
of the American Republic. 

In the second place, I wish the Government to give a solution to 
economic problems, especially the money question, and that in resolv- 
ing this problem they try to consult all interests, so as not to harm 
any of them in the least possible degree. To effect this, I suggest 
that free entry be given in the ports of the United States to the prod- 
ucts of Porto Rico, so as to enable them to exist, because under the 
present monetary system these products enjoy a premium, which the 
introduction of the new coinage would remove, and agricultural inter- 
ests, especially the sugar interests, would disappear. I understand 
that in the United States Porto Riean sugars pay $1.76 a quintal. 
There was a reason for these duties when Porto Rico was a Spanish 
colony, but to-day, as it forms an integral part of the United States, 



797 

it should disappear. Our coffee and tobacco have no market in the 
United States because of the heavy duties that they pay there, and 
as commercial bonds bring closer the bonds of fraternity and sympathy, 
I ask that these bonds be allowed now, so as to bring Porto Rico into 
closer relation with the mother country. 

With regard to municipal government, I had the pleasure of pre- 
senting to the council an article on the economic side of the question, 
which I will now read. This paper treats specially of municipal tax- 
ation and the manner of making municipal taxation applicable to the 
villages. Municipal taxation is what at present is causing the greatest 
harm to taxpayers. In Guayama the tax levied by the state amounts 
to $12,000 or $13,000. As you have seen, municipal taxes here exceed 
$50,000. This taxation was previously divided, a portion of it being 
saddled onto articles of first necessity, called a consumption tax. 
This tax bore heavily upon poor people and gave rise to a large 
amount of commercial immorality. The government, with good inten- 
tion, did away with this species of taxation, and to-day municipalities 
have to exact a direct tax, which falls very heavily upon the taxpayers 
without yielding a sufficient amount for municipal needs. Our munici- 
palities are taxed beyond their abilities. For instance, they have 
been charged with the expense of keeping up prisons and for the 
expense of keeping up courts of justice. The support of public 
instruction also falls to the share of the municipalities and costs 
them very much, and they attend to it very badly. Turning from 
this basis, I propose a method of taxation which will make it lighter 
for the municipalities, and I will have the honor to present you a copy 
of it. 

Dr. Carroll. Mr. Grau, in speaking about bringing to an end the 
military government of the island, let fall the remark that Porto Rico 
is a part of the United States. This is not the exact fact of the sit- 
uation. Porto Rico is a conquered and occupied province, but the 
sovereignty of the United States has not yet formally been estab- 
lished according to international law. Until the treaty of Paris has 
been signed and ratified and comes into operation, Porto Rico is not 
a part of the United States. Therefore it would not have been pos- 
'sible for Congress to have taken up the subject of legislation for 
Porto Rico at its session beginning early in December if it had de- 
sired to do so. But in my view it was not desirable that Congress 
should take up the matter of the government of Porto Rico at that 
early date. 

If you are to start upon a new epoch of government and prosperity, 
if you are to have American institutions, as most of you have said you 
wanted to have, it is important for you that you should make a right 
start; that any system of government given to you shall be as nearly 
perfect as it is possible to make it; and therefore the postponement 
of this matter of decision as to how you shall be governed in future 
until next December gives ample time in which to study all problems 
presented here and in which to resolve upon a system of government, 
municipal and insular, that shall be as free from faults as possible. 

Now, this question of free trade between the United States and 
Porto Rico is, as I recognize, an extremely important one. It can not 
be decided now. That is a question that will be involved in your 
future system of government, and when that is decided this will be 
decided. Mr. Grau has spoken of having coffee and sugar go free 
into the United States. Coffee already goes in free; nobody pays 
any duty on coffee. The President, as Commander in Chief of the 



798 

Army and Navy, has a great deal of power with regard to the internal 
affairs of Porto Rico, but he has no power under the Constitution of 
the United States to remit the duty on sugar and sa}^ that sugar shall 
come free into the United States. That is a matter that can only be 
legislated on by Congress. 

I think that it is very important that the gospel of patience should 
be preached to the people of Porto Rico. I know perfectly well that 
the interests of this people lie upon the heart of the President of the 
United States and that the people of the United States are devising 
large and liberal things for you in their hearts. I know that General 
Henry, the present military commander of this island, has your inter- 
ests at heart. He has brought you relief at a great many points, and 
he is prepared to go on from point to point, making changes in your 
system and making things easier for you, and bringing prosperity to 
you in every way that is possible for him, but any true reform, as you 
will all recognize, marches forward step by step and not by great leaps. 



CITIZENS, NOT SLAVES, OF THE UNITED STATES, 

[Hearing before the United States Commissioner.] 

Cayey, P. R., February 28, 1899. 

Mr. Luis Munoz (notaiy of Cayey). I desire to say a few words, 
not as the representative of any political party. We wish to have 
the military occupation to terminate as soon as possible; not that we 
have felt here the rigors of military occupation, because we have not. 
In other parts they have felt them. We wish to become a part of 
the United States, but not slaves of the United States. 

Dr. Carroll. It seems proper for me to say in response to that 
statement that a good deal has been done under the military govern- 
ment in this island in the way of correction of abuses and improve- 
ment of conditions. It is not possible, even if it were considered 
entirely desirable at Washington, to bring the military rule to an end 
at once. This matter of the future government of your island is as 
important to you as it is to the United States, and more so. You have 
been under a government for several centuries that you have deemed 
hard and oppressive and unsuitable to the prosperity of the island. 
I had been led to believe that you wanted an entirely new sj^stem 
under the American flag, and I told the President, therefore, that I was 
not prepared, on so short an investigation, to recommend any system 
whatever. 

Even if I had been ready to recommend a system of government, the 
President probably would not have brought it to the attention of 
Congress, for the reason that the present session of Congress is a 
short session, beginning in December last, and ending, according to 
the Constitution, on the 4th of March. The calendar was already 
overcrowded for so short a session. This matter of the future gov- 
ernment of Porto Rico could not have been taken up by Congress for 
another reason. The treaty of peace which was negotiated at Paris 
has not even yet been fully ratified, and until it is fully ratified and 
becomes effective Porto Rico does not formally become a possession 
of the United States. Porto Rico is, in fact, territory of the United 
States, but not in name, according to international law. It is alto- 
gether probable that the treaty will not be ratified before the present 
session of Congress closes. You see, therefore, gentlemen, there is 
abundant reason why nothing could be done at the present session of 



799 

Congress with reference to the civil government of Porto Rico, and I 
feel that that is a matter upon which I ought to congratulate you. 
You can afford to wait a few months in order that you may have a 
government which, when it is instituted, will be the kind of govern- 
ment you want. You do not want to start on your new career with a 
crude system of government, and surely twelve months is not too long a 
time to consider all the measures that are to be provided for you, 
and I feel that the gospel of patience ought to be preached to the peo- 
ple of Porto Rico. When I remember what has been done in the very 
brief time since the American flag was raised in Porto Rico, I feel 
that your position has been bettered in many things. 

We understand perfectly that the people of Porto Rico are not a 
military people, and it is the intention of the President of the United 
States that you should have a military system only so long as is nec- 
essary in order that the matter may be brought to the attention of 
Congress, when Congress meets in session next December, and a well- 
arranged system given you. I am sure that the President has the 
prosperity and good of the people of Porto Rico at heart; he told me 
so.' He has considerable power as commander of the Army and Navy, 
and he told me that he would use it, so far as it was necessary, to cor- 
rect abuses and to relieve conditions which might be found intolerable 
by you. 

I hope, therefore, in view of these things, that you will not become 
restive under military government, remembering that it is only for a 
short time, and that it is only a bridge from a bad state to a better one. 



A NEW COAT DESIRED. 

San Juan, P. R., October 31, 1899. 
Prof. Leonid as Villalon called upon the commissioner and stated 
that he is a professor in the institute; that he is 73 years old, and 
extremely interested in the coming of the Americans. He stated that 
he was exiled three times from Porto Rico, had lived in the United 
States, and there had learned how to become a man. He thought the 
best thing that could happen to Porto Rico would be that it should 
be under the direction of the Government of the United States for 
some time to come; that it would be well for Porto Rico to take off 
the old coat and put on one entirely new. Let the chief offices be 
filled by Americans, who could inaugurate the Territorial government 
that would be best for the Porto Ricans. 



WHAT WORKING MEN WANT. 

San Juan, November 4, 1899. ' 
Santiago Iglesias, president of league or union of gremios: 

In reference to the necessities and aspirations of the working class 
and of the gremio of carpenters in particular, I beg you to read the 
following resolutions : 

Are we annexationists? Yes ; if fully convinced that so being will 
not prejudice our country. We are annexationists because the Ameri- 
can Republic incloses in its breast and has already put into practical 
government an administration so equitable, so just, and so scientific 
that there is no idealist in this country who can even in theory better 
its government. ' Therefore it is our only wish and desire to reach and 



800 

to struggle for the establishment in the least possible time of those 
forms and proceedings that will bring benefit and progress to our land 
so dearly beloved. 

Do we want economy? Yes; and also the reform of all sorts of old 
conditions. The administration should not squander the people's 
money on employees without first being convinced of their real utility. 
Protection — very much protection — for the poorer classes; free com- 
merce with the free Republic ; cheap bread, and very cheap. Articles 
of prime necessity should be greatly lowered and enterprises should 
be established to give the poor, unfortunate laborer and workers in 
general a chance to obtain them, and this could easily be done if all 
hindrances to free commerce were removed and usurers hunted down 
like wolves. 

What are the social reforms required? We are not going to fix any 
reply as regards instruction, as the United States possesses rules so 
radical and scientific that we do not think we could better them. 
What we do ask is that improvements or reforms in the direction of 
public instruction be instituted as soon as possible, which we are sure 
we shall not have to wait long for, as it is well known that the Ameri- 
can Republic sustains its greatness by the diffusion of its system of 
instruction by every means possible, and, as well as dedicating enor- 
mous sums of money to that end, its laws punish fathers or guardians 
who do not comply with the necessary obligations of sending their 
children to school. But as regards the economic situation of the poor 
man in his agitated and excessively fatiguing life, we wish to declare 
that his work consumes the greater part of that life with a day of 
labor far too long. Therefore we claim that the municipalities and 
even the laws should fix the day of labor in all industries at eight 
hours. 

Another law is required to suppress immediately and completely in 
the whole island the odious consumo tax on the necessaries of life; 
another prohibiting the working of women during state of preg- 
nancy, and her maintainance by the state six weeks before and six 
weeks after her confinement ; another that the state or municipality 
be obliged to give occupation to poor classes who have no work, or 
that it procure them work ; the fixing of a minimum wage for the 
worker, both adult and youth ; absolute prohibition to work of chil- 
dren of less than 15 years of age; the creation of schools for children 
of both sexes and of all social classes ; reformation of scholastic col- 
onies at certain seasons of the year; the establishment of economic 
kitchens, so that working people of scant means could go to them for 
food ; and, lastly, we will struggle for these reforms and betterments so 
as to accredit our country before the civilized world as a humanitarian, 
generous, progressive, pacific, and industrious one, because the pres- 
tige of a country in the eyes of the world is worth more than the 
riches which it may possess. 

We salute you, and we wish you liberty, union, and fraternity. 



FIT FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT. 
STATEMENT OF CELESTINO MORALES. 



Gurabo, P. R., November 7, 1898. 
My opinion is that this people, owing to their docility, culture, and 
other favorable advantages, should be allowed self-government as far 



801 

as compatible with the Federal laws of our new rulers. A proof of 
our fitness is the granting by Spam, a nation so inimical to freedom 
in its colonies, of the autonomous system we enjoyed a few days 
before the war. Even if this system is deficient, it points out, coming 
from where it did, that we are worthy of still greater liberty. 



STRONG RULE NECESSARY. 

Mr. W. S. Marr, manager of the sugar estate "Canovas," near 
Carolina, an Englishman, who has been in the island three and a half 
years, expressed the opinion that it would be best not to make any 
change in the currency until other changes had been made. He 
believed that the adoption of the gold basis before free trade is 
declared would cause strikes among the laborers. There was a strike 
among them last spring, the first, he believed, that ever took place in 
Porto Rico. It was after the introduction of the system of autonomy, 
which they understood meant a larger degree of liberty for them. 
The strike was unsuccessful; the employers could not afford to give 
more wages. They were giving 50 cents a day. This is the lowest 
amount paid, so far as he knew, in the island. 

Men only are employed. The women do not work in the field. 
They will do washing, but will not work in the fields, as they do in 
the English colonies. He could not even get women to scrub his 
house; he had to get men. 

He thought the island should be ruled with a strong, firm hand. 
Americans ought to hold the reigns of power and administer the 
affairs of government. It would not be safe to trust the natives with 
office. They would dwell on politics, which had been the curse of 
the island, and would so run affairs as to benefit their own party. 
The island was not ready for home rule ; it might be educated up to 
that point, perhaps, in fifty or sixty years. If they had the power of 
assessment of property, for example, they would levy ruinous rates 
on classes against whom they had grudges. Mr. Marr thought for- 
eigners were in a position to give unbiased judgments. 

It was important that the duties on machinery should be lowered. 
Asked if he thought that if the duties were removed from importa- 
tions from the United States they might not be retained as against 
other countries, he replied that it would be well to reduce them also 
on machinery coming from England, at least for a short period, as 
orders had already been placed in England which could not now be 
recalled, and it would be well if some relief could be granted. 



NOT CAPABLE OF SELF-GOVERNMEJST. 
STATEMENT OF A. HARTMANN & CO. 

Arroyo, P. R. , November 7, 1898. 
We are under the firm conviction that until more of the American 
element is introduced into the island and the people better educated, 
the Porto Rican is incapable of self-government, either as a Territory 
or a State. 

We think, owing to the lack of education in the right way, that the 
right to vote should be only given to those who can read and write 
and also pay a certain amount of tax — say $10 per year municipal tax. 
1125 51 



802 

We think the schools should be paid and managed by the State, and 
that the schoolmasters should be Americans, or else obliged to know 
and teach the American language, as this would instill in the risiug 
generation more patriotic ideas of the United States, and also that the 
obligation of children being taught the Roman Catholic religion in the 
public schools should be abolished. 

The Government should strictly prohibit Sunday being used for 
such immoral purposes as cock fighting, gambling, drunkenness, etc., 
as has been done up till now; and also prohibit on that day public 
amusements, as theaters, balls, etc. 

The judicial management at present in the island has had the 
germs of corruption nourished in it so many years that it is in such a 
flourishing state of development that it is impossible to exterminate 
this noxious germ without sweeping measures. From the highest to 
the lowest the whole should be put in the hands of Americans, and 
justice should be administered and courts created like those of the 
United States. The jails or penitentiaries should be, sustained and 
managed by the State. 



FULL AUTONOMY. 
STATEMENT OF MAYOR ETJSTAQTJIO TORRES. 

Guayanilla, P. R. , November 7, 1898. . 

Should Porto Rico not be declared a State of the Union, governed 
by the same laws, it should at least be granted the full autonomy 
merited by the good sense and culture of its people. Spain had lately 
recognized this, in proof of which is the insular constitution, decreed 
November 25, 1897, which, although not having given all the results 
desired, owing to not having been applied to its full extent because of 
the war, still was inspired in the spirit of ample liberty as regards the 
province as a whole and the municipalities in particular. 

The disturbances taking place actually might be considered a motive 
for restricting this liberty ; but it would neither be just nor reason- 
able to judge a whole country by the acts of a few disturbers of the 
peace, who, taking advantage of such a propitious occasion, are satis- 
fying their desire for vengeance for the outrages and attacks of which 
they were formerly the victims. 

With these few exceptions the island has retained its reputation for 
gentleness ; and it is well to remember that the few towns which have 
experienced these disorders were the ones formerly subjected to sim- 
ilar treatment. The want of an armed force, like the Spanish civil 
guard, which, besides doing military duty, helped the civil authori- 
ties, conducted prisoners, and guarded the rural districts, is one of 
the causes of these disorders. 

When that body was disbanded certain unruly elements which are 
never wanting in any country had full liberty to give rein to their per- 
verse instincts, committing disorders which the guards had formerly 
held in check. It is not untimely, therefore, to suggest that the Gov- 
ernment should utilize one of the military bodies to perform this serv- 
ice either for Federal or provincial account. 

It would be well to make the Spanish language a requisite for service 
in this corps, and it would be convenient to study the regulations of 
the Guardia Civil (civil guard). 

Under the shadow of a really autonomous government by Porto 



803 

Ricans, initiative would be quick to awake, and the economic prob- 
lems which to-day seem most difficult of solution would soon find a 
resolvent. 

I think, therefore, that- the insular government should be left just 
as found, with no further changes than those indispensable to a change 
of sovereignty. 

As regards the provincial deputation, a body useless as soon as the 
respective secretaries assume the functions which were formerly per- 
formed by it, it should be suppressed as unnecessary, and with it will 
disappear the heavy burdens of such a costly body. 

As regards the municipalities, they should enjoy the same autonomy 
as the province in their relations with the metropolis, and while the 
chambers legislate on insular matters, all affairs relating purely to 
local municipal life should be administered bj T the municipality. 



AMPLE AUTONOMY. 
STATEMENT OF ANTONIO SANCHEZ RUIZ. 

Agitada, P. R., November 12, 1898. 

The great North American Republic, to which we to-day belong, 
being a purely democratic nation, with liberty as its only goal, it is to 
be hoped that the military government now existent will be of short 
duration and that it will be replaced by an ample autonomy, as its 
people, being sensible and mild, are easily governed. Later their 
legitimate desires would be satisfied by declaring Porto Rico a State 
of the Union. 

It is superfluous to state the beneficial results to be obtained by 
granting the municipalities an administration free from all hindrances; 
that is to say, the attention to their local disbursements. This would 
evade useless assignments in the national estimates and would be 
beneficial in its results to the taxpayer. 



VARIOUS REFORMS. 

STATEMENT OF MAYOR CELESTINO DOMINGTJEZ. 

Guayama, P, R., January, 1899. 
One of the most important matters for Porto Rico is the change to 
be made in taxation. Direct taxation is very burdensome, especially 
for the poor. Remove worship and clergy, pensions, colonial minis- 
try expenses, war and navy, which almost make up the whole budget. 
Improve the system of sugar milling, by establishing central mills all 
around our coasts and plains, opening roads and constructing the belt 
railroad; give us a free market in the United States and introduce our 
produce there. Construct the irrigation works in Guayama for which 
we have been so long waiting and which would bring us prosperity 
and could be easily carried out with the help of the Government. 
Some lines of steamships plying direct to'the mother country and 
calling at our coast ports, bringing us northern products free of duty, 
about completes the programme. 



804 

MEMORIAL OF AN AGRICULTURIST. 

First. All tools and agricultural machinery to be admitted free of 
all tribute. 

Second. That the property owners (agricultural) pay as little as 
possible. That merchants come from the United States to settle in 
Mayaguez, as those established here are restricting their operations. 

Third. That the same wages as paid in the United States be paid 
here, from the teacher to the lowest laborer. Up to the present we 
have not earned sufficient to buy even food enough. There are in the 
towns and country districts of my country real working people who 
do not dare to venture out of their houses, as they are completely naked 
and have nothing to cover their bodies with, although their labor is 
necessary to the progress of the country. 

Fourth. Not to allow to remain in official position persons of bad 
faith without compelling them to comply with their duties. To make 
the weight of the wise laws which govern 70,000,000 felt here, from 
the highest functionary to the lowest laborer. 

Manuel M. Puyols, 

Native of Porto Rico. 

Mayaguez, January 18, 1899. 



MILITARY RULE SHOULD CEASE. 

STATEMENT OF MANY CITIZENS. 

Isabela, P. R., February 15, 1899. 
The country does not merit the rigors of a militaiy occupation. 
Porto Rico received the Americans with open arms, as sons of liberty 
whose coming brought them light and progress, and therefore there is 
no fear that the country will try to emancipate itself from the Ameri- 
can sovereignty. On the contrary, Porto Rico desires to be always 
attached to its new nationality. We think, therefore, that the military 
government should cease and a civil government be instituted, which 
would consolidate American sovereignty, provide for all public needs, 
and start the country on its road to progress. We think also that a 
small garrison would suffice to insure that sovereignty and preserve 
order. The removal from office of many employees, owing to the nec- 
essary decentralization of government, has thrown many natives out 
of work, leaving them without bread. We think the creation of a 
corps of militia would open a road for their employment. This would 
save the government much money and would open a career for those 
wishing to serve their country and their fellow-citizens. 



SIMPLIFY THE LAWS. 
STATEMENT OF RUCABADO & CO., MERCHANTS. 

Cayey, P. R., March 4, 1899. 
Reforms in the law should be undertaken by expert legislators. 
Our law of civil procedure is so complicated that the conduct of any 
trial requires months and even years for its conclusion. So costly 
is the process of litigation that it is better to allow oneself to be 
injured and one's interest to be trodden under foot than to have 



805 

recourse to the tribunals of justice. The first consideration of reforms 
of our present laws should he toward their simplification. Clerks of 
the courts, judges, and municipal secretaries should have salaries for 
moral reasons. In this way only could responsibility he exacted of 
them, as their salary would provide them with equitable means of 
support and just compensation for their labors. It is irony to exact 
responsibility from employees who owe the bread that they eat to the 
contingency of their vocation. If the positions were salaried ones, 
the municipal judges would be men of title who, with real knowledge 
of their mission, would administer justice properly and would free 
society from the ridiculous spectacle of seeing lawsuits settled by 
persons who hardly know how to sign their names. 



REFORMS NEEDED. 

REMARKS ON THE OFFICIAL GUIDE OF PORTO RICO, BY DR. HERMINIO DIAZ, 

SECRETARY OF JUSTICE. 

A careful perusal of the above-named work will show at first glance 
that during Spanish rule a superabundance of employees fed on the 
treasury, making necessary the high taxation ruling in order to cover 
their salaries. It is absolutely necessary that these offices should be 
swept away, more especially as the Territorial law of the Union will 
make them unnecessary, as public services can be performed with a 
much smaller number of employees than are now in the various 
offices, always assuming that they are intelligent, hard working, and 
honest. 

BOARD OF AUTHORITIES. 

This board, which figures in page 25 of the "Guide," will have no 
reason to exist in the future. Neither was there any reason for its 
existence under Spanish dominion, its character being purely advis- 
ory, the Governor-General having the power to resolve questions on 
his own authority after consulting the board, even if his resolutions 
were contrary to those adopted by them. 

COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATION. 

This council was created by royal order of December 31, 1896, when 
the colonial minister, Seiior Castellanos, reformed the legislative pol- 
icy of this island. It is referred to on page 27 of the ' ' Guide. " It 
was composed then of the persons indicated on page 27, and its duty 
was to give information on general estimates of receipt and expendi- 
ture which were approved or disapproved by the chambers; also on 
general accounts which had to be rendered to the intendencia every 
year; on affairs connected with Patronato de Indias; on resolutions 
of the provincial deputation which might be contrary to the laws or to 
the general interest of the nation ; on petitions for legislative reforms 
which might emanate from said provincial deputation; on the dis- 
missal or removal of mayors, assistant mayors, and regidores, and on 
all other questions of administrative character which the general gov- 
ernment might think it convenient to inquire into. This council was 
composed of the Governor-General as president, the bishop, the 
lieutenant-governor, the principal commandant of the navy, of the 
president and prosecutor of the supreme court of the island, of six 



806 

provincial deputies, and of six other persons, who were required to 
possess certain qualifications and who were named by the government. 

On the promulgation in Porto Rico of the constitution of November 
25, 1897, wrongly called autonomous, as self-government was no part 
of it, this council was suppressed pursuant to the royal order of Decem- 
ber 31, 1896, creating it, and two insular chambers were created, called 
the council of administration and the council of representatives, 
respectively. The council of administration was composed of fifteen 
persons, of whom eight were elected b}^ popular election and seven 
were named by the Governor-General representing the Crown. As a 
part of the parliament or congressional insular system this council 
had jurisdiction either before or after the action of the chamber of 
representatives, according to the class of matter treated; that is to say, 
on matters referring to worship and justice, government, treasury, and 
interior — this latter in its three branches, public works, instruction, 
and agricultural industry and commerce ; also, on questions of a purely 
local character affecting colonial territory — as, for instance, territorial 
division, provincial, municipal, judicial, sanitary, maritime, territo- 
rial, public credit, banking, and the money system. 

As an integral part of the insular parliament or congress, its duty 
was to establish regulations for the administration of the laws voted, 
by the insular parliament on matters expressly confided to its care; 
also, do adjudicate the electoral matters, census matters, qualifications 
of electors, and the management of the suffrage; also, to dictate regu- 
lations or propose to the central government methods to facilitate the 
income, conservation, and promotion in the legal tribunals; also, on 
the formation of legal estimates and on tariffs. 

This council of administration once in session named its president, 
vice-president, secretaries without salaries, deliberated a few days, 
and then had to suspend because of the war. On the termination of the 
war and the military occupation by the Government of the United States 
the chambers have been considered virtually dissolved ; and if the laws 
common to all the Territories of the United States should be implanted 
here, the governor, named by the President of the United States, will 
not have to name the personnel of the legislature, but only those who 
will form a board of advisers for passing on the electoral capacity of 
the inhabitants, the time, place, and method of verifying the first 
election on electoral division, etc. Therefore it is clear that the em- 
ployees of the council of administration will be useless. 

PROVINCIAL DEPUTATION. 

This body, referred to on page 30 of the "Official Guide," was 
created under the Spanish rule and according to the royal order of 
December 31, 1896, issued by the colonial minister, Mr. Castellano. 
It is composed of 12 deputies chosen by popular election for four years, 
the half to be renewed every two years. Its duties are the following: 
To formulate and approve each year the provincial estimates; to 
approve or disapprove the accounts which, under this estimate, shall 
be rendered each year; establish and preserve the special services 
which might have for their object the comfort of the inhabitants of 
the island and the furtherance of their interests, both material and 
moral; also to pass on the propriety of public works, jjostal and tele- 
graphic communication, maritime and territorial works, agricultural 



807 

industry, commerce, immigration, colonization, public instruction, 
first authority on sanitation, meetings and expositions ; also to admin- 
ister provincial events ; to decide on questions relating to the consti- 
tution of municipalities or municipal corporations; to resolve, also, on 
the limit of municipal properties. 

This provincial deputation was rendered unnecessary under the 
decree of November 25, 1897, conceding autonomy to Porto Rico. 
There is no reason why it should continue to exist, as all its attributes 
and services should have been undertaken by the secretaries to the 
insular chambers created by that decree. It can be conceived that 
this body could have continued in existence if Porto Rico, like Cuba, 
had consisted of various provinces, but as this country was considered 
as a single province the deputation became perfectly useless and gave 
rise to serious conflicts in matters of jurisdiction, as well as being an 
enormous charge on taxpayers, as the estimates for its maintenance 
reached the enormous sum of $1,217,700. This body should be sup- 
pressed absolutely, and I understand that it is the intention of Gen- 
eral Brooke to do so, doubtless in accordance with instructions received 
from Mr. McKinley. The suppression of. this body will wipe out of 
existence the employees included on pages 31 to 42, inclusive. 

As regards the posts named on page 43, all should be sustained 
except that of chaplain or minister of the Catholic religion; but when 
the provincial deputation is suppressed these posts should pass under 
the management of the various secretaries. These positions treat of 
matters affecting the insane orphan children and refer to their educa- 
tion and their training in some trade. 

secretary's department of the general government. 

1. Technical inspection. — There is no reason for the continuance of 
the employees named in pages 45, 46, 47, 48, and 49 under the law of 
the territories, or under military occupation. Many of the positions 
held by these employees are suppressed and were so during the 
Spanish war. 

2. Local administration. — The employees named on pages 50 and 
51 ceased to be such on the implantation of the autonomous govern- 
ment. 

Regional delegation. — The autonomous government suppressed the 
regional delegation, created by decrees of the Colonial Minister, and 
to-day it is nonexistent. 

Gentlemen, holders of the Grand Cross.— These gentlemen, as noted 
on page 55, have no claim on the provincial estimate. They carry 
their cross, but don't get any pay for so doing. 

Diocese of Porto Rico. — The Catholic religion having ceased to be 
official in this island, all its ministers will have to live on donations 
of their congregations, and must be removed entirely from the civil 
list. Their names are included in pages 56 to 81. 

Castilian titles. — They are included on page 82. They receive 
nothing. 

Administration of justice. — All the employees named in pages 83 to 
133, inclusive, and who exist at the present time, have been named 
by virtue of the organized form of tribunals of justice of this island. 
While the Territorial law is being implanted here the number of 
judges of first instance and instruction should be reduced from twelve 



808 

to nine. Those that should be retained are two in San Juan, Cagnas, 
Huniacao, Guayama, Mayaguez, Aguadilla, Arecibo, and Ponce. 

In this matter of the administration of justice there is one verj' im- 
portant question which should be immediately resolved. I will give 
some instances, so that this will be better understood. The laws 
which are in force here exact that civil questions shall be passed on 
first by judges of instruction and first instance. The litigant who is 
not content with this sentence may appeal from this tribunal to that 
of the territorial audiencia of San Juan, which tribunal can confirm 
or vacate the sentence of the judge. In criminal cases the judges of 
instruction and first instance prepare the indictment. This is taken 
to the audiencia in San Juan or Ponce or Mayaguez, according to the 
district to which the judge of first instance may belong, and the audi- 
encia passes sentence. From any of the sentences on criminal mat- 
ters or judgments in civil cases pronounced by the audiencia it was 
possible to appeal to the supreme tribunal in Madrid. Now that 
Porto Rico has been separated from Spain, and as civil laws still re- 
main in force, the right of litigants to appeal is in abeyance. My 
opiniou is that Mr. McKinley should order that while the reform in 
the laws is being made the audiencia should have full power as a 
court of last resort, or he should appoint three functionaries who 
understand our law in Washington and formed out of the Supreme 
Court of the Union. 

Registrars of property. — These functionaries, noted in page 134, can 
not be suppressed for the moment, as they are very necessary; but 
what should be done immediately is to pay them a fixed salary to avoid 
the great abuses and spoliation to which thej^ subject the people, 
owing to their right to extract whatever they like for the registrations 
that are made. 

College of lawyers. — This institution, referred to on pages 135 to 140, 
was created for purely economical reasons and to defend provincial 
interests. Its object is to see to it that no persons enter into the pro- 
fession unless they are duly titled. It is very useful and its members 
receive no compensation of any description. 

College of notaries. — Pages 141 to 146 refer to this college. These 
gentlemen are not in receipt of salaries and charge only for the docu- 
ments which they draw up the fees allowed by law. Our law allows 
only persons to practice as notaries who hold the necessary title, but 
as abogados study the same laws more fully, it is to be hoped that the 
American Government will permit, as is done in the United States, all 
lawyers to practice indiscriminately either of the branches. 

Procurators. — Pages 147 to 151 treat of these. They are persons 
who hold the power of attorney and represent litigants in judicial 
matters. Our laws in certain cases do not allow the litigant to take 
charge of his own case, but exact the naming of a procurator, who is 
paid according to the legal tariff. This is highly unjust, as it pre- 
vents persons from carrying on their own litigation, obliging them to 
incur unnecessary expense. I think that this matter should be 
entirely free and should be left to the will of the litigant to name or not, 
as he pleases, procurators to take charge of his litigation in the courts. 



809 

SUSPENSION OF THE LAW OF FORECLOSURE. 

[Copy of a resolution passed by the Ayuntamiento of Utuado in session extraordinary, attended 
also by several property owners who are rate-payers, and signed by the alcalde and. many 
others.] 

(1) That agriculture is the principal source of the wealth of Porto 
Rico. 

(2) That coffee is the most valuable crop of the island; 

(3) That in consequence of the Spanish- American war, of the scan- 
dalous fall in prices, of the absolute closing of credit, and the unmer- 
ciful exactions of the commercial houses, agriculturists r find them- 
selves in a condition of complete ruin. 

(4) That real roads do not exist from the interior to the coast ; that 
only tracks, dangerous even to travelers, are available, preventing the 
development of the country and sapping its life more each day. 

(5) That the greatest wealth of Porto Rico is situated in the towns 
round about Utuado, Lares, Yauco, Ciales, and Adjuntas. That for 
all these and other weighty reasons, which it would be prolix to state, 
this council and the undersigned ratepayers beg Mr. H. K. Carroll to 
request from Washington the following saving measures : 

First. Suspension of judicial proceedings in the whole island for 
the time it may think fit. 

Second. Concession of every class of facilities for the establishment 
of agricultural banks. 

Third. The use of all or part of the proceeds of tne custom-houses 
for the construction of roads, railroads, etc., distributing the money 
among the municipalities in the proportion of the inhabitants of each 
one. 



THE GOVERNMENT, COURTS, ETC. 
STATEMENT OF ME. ALRIZU, PONCE, P. R. 

The government of the island should be constituted thus : A gov- 
ernor, an attorney-general, a secretary of treasury, a secretary of 
interior, a secretary of public works. This is to be the cabinet and 
advisory board of the governor. The first secretary to be the presid- 
ing officer of all the courts of the island and to superintend the man- 
agement of public justice. The courts of the island should consist of 
justices of the peace, judges in civil suits, magistrates of criminal 
courts, and the court of appeals at San Juan — this to be the highest 
law court of the island, to be presided over by the most eminent and 
honest lawyers of the island, and to have a judge-advocate of the same 
kind. 

The courts of the island' should be allowed to continue with the 
same division of territory assigned to each and the same number of 
judges, magistrates, and other officials appertaining to the service. 

Second. A secretary of treasury, named by the President of the 
United States, to be an American ; an assistant secretary, a Porto 
Rican, who should know both English and Spanish ; two clerks and a 
-cashier to run the office, all to be named by the President. The treas- 
ury of the island should have charge of the collection of customs 
duties, internal-revenue, registry, industry, and commercial taxes. 
For this purpose the island should continue divided into seven 
departments. 

The custom-house is the central collecting office of each department 



810 

and where accounts are to be kept and rendered monthly to the sec- 
retary of treasury. Offices in each town for the collection of inter- 
nal-revenue and other taxes should continue for the present under 
the inspection of the custom-house of each department. 

The internal-revenue taxes should be on agriculture, real-estate 
property, and pasture lands — 25 per cent of the municipal tax assessed 
by the council of each town. On industries and commerce the same 
as it is now,' which is done by a schedule according to the importance 
of the trade. 

The registry tax on transfer of property and on all other deeds or 
documents of any kind running through the registrar's office should 
be reduced by one-third of its present rate. 

The head tax called the "cedula" should be entirely abolished. 

The tariff on imports from United States should be 25 per cent of 
that assigned to foreign imports. This measure is needed so as to be 
able to provide cheap foods for our laboring classes. Porto Rico has 
a very large population that is fed from outside markets. The best 
producing lands of the island are taken by sugar and coffee planta- 
tions, thus leaving the poor lands for corn and vegetables for home 
consumption. Until the country gets roads to the interior that will 
fetch all sorts of eatables cheap to the shores the laboring classes 
must now depend on the imports for their food ; therefore the reduc- 
tion recommended is a just and politic measure. 

The legal tender of Porto Rico should be the American dollar. A 
law should be enacted at once establishing this, and the peso should be 
exchanged at 2 for 1 in the treasury of each department. All exist- 
ing debts should be settled at that ratio. The exchange should be 
made in one month at the head custom-house of each department; 
after that time the circulation of the peso is prohibited. 

The secretary of the interior should be a man from Porto Rico 
conversant with the present system of government. He is the president 
of all the municipalities of the island. Our municipal laws are good; 
we only desire their enforcement, and that every man should do this 
duty. The election of members of the council should be as it is now. 
On the secretary of the interior rests the duty of seeing that the laws 
are obeyed. All the budgets of the municipalities should be sent to him 
tor approval. Public instruction is also to be in his charge. He is to 
provide for all the deficiencies of the present system, with the approval 
of the governor. This is one of the most important matters of our 
administration. After one year the municipalities of the island should 
elect four members in each department, thus making twenty-eight 
members, who will form a convention to discuss and approve any 
changes that they may think fit to propose to the governor, who will 
sanction them if he thinks proper; or in case he does not, he will 
submit them to Washington for decision. 

The municipalities should manage their own affairs and have their 
own police. Order is to be enforced by those vested with the author- 
ity, and only in emergencies may they call on the general government 
for assistance. 

The secretary of public works should direct all the improvements 
of the island. All works of general character pertaining to the 
municipalities are to have his superior wisdom. He is to study and 
report on all the changes and improvements that the island requires, 
so that the governor may decide and order the execution of those 
that he may deem necessary at present. There is so much to be done 



811 

on the island that it requires a man well posted on the general neces- 
sities to be placed in this office. 

The registrars' office of the island should be provided with a head 
man to superintend their work, to be selected by the attorney-general, 
as presiding officer of the individual department. 



TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT AND SUFFRAGE. 

Successors of A. J. Alcaide, merchants, Arroyo, P. R. 

We believe that as soon as possible the Territorial form of Govern- 
ment should be established. 

The right to vote should be extended to every citizen born in Porto 
Rico and naturalized American who is 21 years of age and knows 
how to read and write. 

We propose, also, an electoral tax of $1 or $2, as exists in some of 
the States. The income so derived to pay for election expenses and 
be turned over to the provincial treasury. People to vote directly 
for Congressmen and Senators, as also locally for mayor and aldermen. 



.THE NEEDS OF AGRICULTURE. 
MEMORIAL OF MAYAGUEZ PLANTERS SUBMITTED TO THE SPECIAL COMMISSIONER. 

We, the undersigned, property holders and agriculturists in the 
department of Mayaguez, being desirous of cooperating as far as our 
scanty forces allow for the welfare of this island, beg to state : 

That the coffee growers of Mayaguez, Las Marias, and Maricao some 
years ago began their work anew, rising out of the prostration to 
which the industry had been for some time subjected. At this date 
the plantations are in very good condition, owing to the fertility of the 
soil and the careful work which has been bestowed on them; but 
as the merchants of Mayaguez have absolutely cut off credits, the only 
source on which we count for the development of agriculture, the day 
may arrive (and it is not far off) when the coffee industry may die for 
lack of funds with which to attend to its needs. As the poor classes 
live on the work given by the agriculturist, if that work be suspended 
they will be reduced to the utmost misery. For a year this condition 
has been threatening, and cases of starvation have already occurred 
and will occur frequently for want of work. To save the situation, 
a sad one for both owner and workman, to combat the tyranny of the 
speculator and usurer, to place the coffee industry on a footing of 
progress, to free the laborer from his condition of ansemia and enable 
him to earn enough, to buy food with the wages of his honest labor, 
and to lift the agriculturist from the penury which overwhelms him 
and enable him to meet his obligations and his social duties, there is 
urgent need — 

First. That the money question be settled, giving the pesos a value 
of 50 cents. 

Second. That agricultural banks be established by* American cor- 
porations, to loan money at low rates and for long terms on mortgages. 

Third. That full freedom be given for Americans, our fellow-coun- 
trymen, to establish themselves so as to introduce competition and put 
an end to Spanish and German monopoly, which, owing to lack of 



812 

competition, sells its merchandise dear and scourges agriculture by 
the low prices paid for produce. The merchants are interested only 
in sending their capital to their respective countries, leaving our coun- 
try bare, greatly to our prejudice. 

Fourth. That lawyers, notaries, and court clerks' fees be limited to 
rates made generally known by a published tariff. 

Fifth. That every citizen be allowed to conduct his own litigation, 
without obligatory recourse or procurators, as these, together witli 
"shysters," whose only idea is to draw the agriculturists into litiga- 
tion, with or without reason, cause great prejudice to agriculturists. 
■ Sixth. That agricultural tools and machinery be exempted from all 
duties. 

Seventh. That the so-called "cuota imponible" be annulled for a 
number of years, owing to the onerous state of present conditions. 

Eighth. That the ayuntamiento of this city, together with General 
Henry, work for the annexation to the district of the neighboring ones 
of Maricao and Las Marias, as those districts impose heavy taxation 
to meet the salaries of their unnecessary employees, to the exclusion 
of important work, such as roads and education; and that preference 
be given to these branches, so completely neglected. 

Knowing your good wishes and the good wishes of the President of 
the great Republic, we await with faith and enthusiasm the speedy 
change of the situation to one of prosperity for Porto Rico, which, 
once the traces of the fatal Spanish domination are wiped out, will be 
like Kentucky, the American paradise and the garden of America. 

(Signed by many persons.) 



MUNICIPAL TAXES TOO HEAVY. 
STATEMENT OF MUNICIPALITY OF SABANA GKANDE. 

Taxes should be proportionate to the wealth of the locality and to 
the benefits bestowed by the state. It is completely arbitrary that a 
town like Sabana Grande should have to paj" $4,000 besides the pro- 
vincial contingent, which reaches almost the sum of $1,500, when it 
possesses only one telegraph station, with no post-office, no roads, and 
no armed force to guarantee security to life and property. 

As regards industries, we aspire to the greatest possible liberty, so 
that our industries may acquire a rapid and steady growth. It seems 
anomalous that in the midst of an age of light and progress in dividual 
initiative should have been strangled and the establishment c . indus- 
trial centers prevented. 

Agriculture and commerce constitute almost the only sources of our 
wealth, but have been confined until now to a narrow sphere by the 
nation which has just been defeated by the American Army. There 
are very few estates not heavily mortgaged, owing to th want of 
equilibrium between expenses and production. ^ 



< 

REFORMS IN GOVERNMENT. 

OPINIONS OF SEftOR JOSE L. F.ERRI0S, ALCALDE OF PATILLAS. 

If Porto Rico is to obtain a high grade of prosperity, it needs — 
(1) The establishment of strong credit institutions, lending money 

for long terms, in the form of insular banks with a basis of Porto 

Rican capital, assisted by the insular treasuiy. 



813 

. 

(2) The complete annexation of the island to the United States 
without losing its personality (individuality) in its government. You 
are aware that home rule is the true American and democratic doc- 
trine, the best known to civilization for the welfare of nations. 

(3) Modification of the courts of justice. Municipal judges should 
disappear, and their functions should be intrusted to the alcaldes. 

(4-) Reconcentration of rural population in villages. In this way 
the methods of education and culture find easier application. 

As secondary measures tending to the better conduct of the munici- 
palities are — 

(1) That sugar and tobacco enter free into the United States. 

(2) That rural schools only be supported by the municipalities, 
which should have liberty to institute examinations, engagement and 
removal of teachers, and the adoption of a system of teaching. 

(3) Reality of municipal autonomy, not as to-day, when the alcaldes 
do not know what laws to obey, as neither American laws have been 
introduced nor Spanish laws annulled, and there are points in the lat- 
ter incompatible with the present government. 

(4) Modification or suppression of the present tariffs under which 
pharmacists have to supply drugs to the poor for account of the 
municipality. Annual inspection of drug stores, so as& o insure a stock 
of medicines made imperative by the science of mf^^e. 

(5) That the government advance to tM ™~ umcipaiitie&a sum suffi- 
cient tcTcover their debts, saW -— - ^o be returned ma number of 
years proportionately to tfc - «»f * ™ ^f^ . , 

(6) That vicinage V V d ? be P^t m order by the insula* treasury, 
their repaUhere^ Ger t0 be borne b ^ the municipalities. 

FORMS DESIRED BY THE AYUNTAMIENTO OF CAYEY. 

XV-C/ 

i entry for coffee, sugar, molasses, and tobacco, and a duty 

^ pos JT on forei S n coffees entering into any port of the Union of at 

"last $4. 

1' Free export. 

Agricultural banks with branches in the most important towns of 
the island. 

That education be obligatory, free, and attended to>by the state, 
and that schools for poor children and adults be established in every 
town of the island. 

TT F -! e !rC asting trade with ever y P° rt of tne Union; introduction of 
United States currency as soon as possible. 

Administrative decentralization for city councils. That the whole 
of the income from territorial taxes be given to the municipalities f or 
tneir expenses, as long as the state has an income from customs, as 
tne presort system will make it impossible for the municipalities to 
cover ■ mses. 

jrers will be thrown out of work as soon as the tobacco crop 
ceases, ,nd it is necessary to start public works to give them employ- 
ment and the means of earning food for their families. 
* That the military government be terminated. 



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